Manchester, England, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Manchester, England, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Manchester, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Manchester, England, United Kingdom, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Manchester, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Manchester, England, United Kingdom by month

January

In January, Manchester is brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Manchester, with most of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February in Manchester is cold and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to Manchester in March, you will notice that it can be brisk and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Manchester is crisp and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

In May, Manchester is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Manchester, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Manchester is mild and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you vacation in Manchester during July, you will probably see that it is balmy and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you are traveling to Manchester in August, you will notice that it is balmy and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Manchester is relatively cool and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Manchester is chilly and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Manchester is brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Manchester, with most of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Manchester during December, you will probably find that it is brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 80 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days and snow sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Manchester. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you visit the Museum of Science and Industry, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Manchester is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in England, and it offers a wide range of tourist attractions that cater to all interests. Whether you are interested in history, art, music, or sports, Manchester has it all. Here are the top tourist attractions that you must visit when you are in Manchester:

1. The Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum is a great place to start your journey in the city. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and specimens from all over the world. Here, you can see everything from the fossils of ancient creatures to the works of contemporary artists.

2. The John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library is an impressive building that houses some of the world's most valuable manuscripts and books. Its Gothic architecture makes it a visually stunning attraction, while the collection of rare books, manuscripts, and records make it a must-visit destination for history buffs.

3. The Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manchester. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of science and technology in Manchester, and it has interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience it themselves.

4. Old Trafford Stadium

Old Trafford is considered one of the most iconic and revered football grounds in the world. The home of Manchester United Football Club is a must-visit for all football fans, and it is the perfect place to learn about the history of the club and its players.

5. The Manchester Art Gallery

The Manchester Art Gallery is a great place to experience the local art scene. The gallery houses an extensive collection of art from different periods, including contemporary works from local artists. It also hosts regular exhibitions and events that showcase the best of the art world.

6. The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is a popular shopping destination in Manchester. The mall is the second largest shopping center in the UK and boasts an array of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema and a bowling alley.

7. The Manchester Cathedral

The Manchester Cathedral is another impressive historical building in the city. The cathedral is a Grade I-listed building and has a rich history dating back to the medieval period.

8. The National Football Museum

The National Football Museum is an interactive museum that is dedicated to the history of football in England. Here, visitors can explore the history of football and see exhibits that showcase the greatest players, teams, and moments in the sport's history.

Conclusion

Manchester is a city that truly has something for everyone. From the rich cultural heritage to its sporting history, the city offers an array of attractions that make it a must-visit destination in the UK. By visiting the above attractions, you will get a feel of Manchester's history, culture, and tradition.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Chorley, England, United Kingdom, Smithfield, Rhode Island, United States of America, Angarsk, Russia, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, United States of America, River Valley, Maine, United States of America, Great Escarpment, Angola, Tsetserleg, Mongolia, Carthage, Tunisia, Hubli-Dharwad, India, Elsinore, Denmark, and Zhonghe, Taiwan.