January Weather in Manchester, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

January in Manchester, United Kingdom, offers a blend of cool temperatures and frequent rainfall, making it a quintessential winter month. With maximums reaching 14°C (57°F) and minimums dropping to -5°C (23°F), the average temperature hovers around a brisk 4°C (40°F). Residents and visitors should brace for 81 mm (3.2 in) of rainfall over approximately 13 days, complemented by a high humidity level of 90%. This mix of wet conditions and chilly air contributes to Manchester's characteristic winter charm, inviting exploration of its vibrant culture amidst the cozy indoor retreats.

January Temperature in Manchester

In January, Manchester typically experiences chilly temperatures, with minimums dipping to a brisk -5°C (23°F) while averaging around 4°C (40°F) for the month. The city can warm up to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), but don't let that fool you; the cold air often lingers, setting the stage for the transition into spring. As the winter deepens, the temperature trend remains relatively stable, with only a slight increase in both February and March, where averages gradually climb to 5°C (42°F) and 6°C (44°F) respectively. The shift from the biting cold of January into the milder temperatures of early spring marks a noticeable change, hinting at the warmer days to come as the year progresses.

January Weather in Manchester: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Manchester, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404143475359616056514541
Data source: Temperature data for Manchester generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Manchester

In January, Manchester experiences a blend of winter warmth and rain, with an average precipitation of 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over 13 days. This sets the stage for the wetter months ahead, as both February and March see significant increases, with precipitation amounts reaching 106 mm (4.2 in) and continuing the trend of frequent rain. The cold, damp atmosphere typically characterizes early winter, but it gradually gives way to milder, albeit still moist, conditions as spring approaches. January's relatively moderate rainfall hints at the wetter climate patterns seen in the months that follow, particularly during the peak rainy season in late autumn and winter, illustrating Manchester's reputation for its unpredictable weather.

January Precipitation Trends in Manchester

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Manchester, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec811061064765991011139612293112
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Manchester

January in Manchester is characterized by its notably high humidity level of 90%, setting the tone for a typically damp winter. This month stands out as one of the most humid of the year, closely followed by the adjacent months of October and November, which also hover around 90% and 92% respectively. As the seasons shift toward spring, a gradual decline is observed, with February and March showing slightly lower humidity levels at 88% and 86%. This trend continues through the spring months, eventually dropping to around 80% by May. Interestingly, the summer months bring a slight reprieve, with humidity dipping to its lowest point in July at 76% and remaining relatively stable through August. As autumn rolls back in, humidity levels begin to rise again, reminding residents of the perpetual moisture that defines Manchester’s climate.

January Average Humidity in Manchester

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Manchester, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec90%88%86%84%80%81%76%77%85%90%92%90%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Manchester

In January, Manchester experiences a low UV Index of 1, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is minimal, allowing for a comfortable burn time of 45 minutes. As the months progress into February, the UV Index slightly increases to 2, maintaining the low exposure category, but burn times remain consistent at 45 minutes. The shift towards spring brings a noticeable jump in UV intensity, with March seeing a moderate UV Index of 4, which reduces the safe exposure time to 30 minutes. This upward trend continues into April (UV Index 5) and peaks dramatically in the summer months, with June and July reaching a very high UV Index of 8, where the burn time drastically falls to just 15 minutes. As autumn approaches, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping back to moderate levels in September and October, before returning to a low range in November and December. For those keen to understand how sunlight exposure fluctuates across the seasons, Manchester UV Index provides essential insights.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Manchester for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Manchester in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124578875421
Data source: Manchester January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Manchester

In January, Manchester basks in a modest 81 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the brighter days that follow. As winter recedes, February sees a surge to 147 hours, hinting at the longer days ahead. The increase continues into March, with a leap to 211 hours, and April dazzles with 322 hours of sunlight, heralding the arrival of spring. By May, residents can enjoy a generous 400 hours, reaching a sunny crescendo in July at 407 hours. The warmth of summer persists, but as autumn approaches, sunshine starts to dwindle, dropping to 290 hours in September and further to 226 hours in October. November and December close the year with a mere 113 and 98 hours, respectively, reminding us that sunny days in Manchester are a precious seasonal gift.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Manchester: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Manchester experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec81h147h211h322h400h367h407h367h290h226h113h98h
Data source: Manchester January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Manchester During January

In Manchester, United Kingdom, January is one of the months with the lowest likelihood of sunny weather, featuring only a 16% chance of sunshine. This marks a stark contrast to the more promising conditions seen in spring and early summer, where the likelihood of sunny days rises significantly. February sees a modest increase to 23%, and by March, the chances climb to 24%. The arrival of April heralds a notable change, with sunny weather becoming markedly more frequent at 50%. This trend continues into May and June, fostering an aura of optimism for the warmer months ahead. In contrast, the autumn months show a gradual decline, reminiscent of the winter blues, with December finishing the year at a mere 14% chance of sun. Overall, January stands out as a month when sunshine is a rare glimmer amidst Manchester's often overcast skies.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Manchester

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Manchester throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Manchester experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec16%23%24%50%31%25%33%24%23%19%25%14%
Data source: Manchester January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Manchester in January

In Manchester, January brings a modest 8 hours of daylight, setting the tone for a month often characterized by cozy indoor activities. As the month progresses into February, daylight inches closer to 9 hours, hinting at the gradual return of brighter days. By March, the shift accelerates, with 11 hours of sunlight awakening the city, while April sees a generous leap to 14 hours, inviting residents outdoors to embrace the spring. The sun reaches its zenith in June and July, with an impressive 16 hours of daylight, perfect for enjoying the warmer months. However, as summer fades, August sees a decrease to 14 hours, and daylight continues to dwindle through September to 12 hours. By the time November arrives, the cold sets in again with only 8 hours of daylight, culminating in a wintry December where the daylight dwindles to just 7 hours. This cyclical pattern showcases how Manchester's daylight fluctuates through the year, beautifully reflecting nature's rhythm.

Average Daylight Hours in Manchester for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Manchester throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 5m9h 48m11h 54m14h 3m15h 56m16h 56m16h 24m14h 42m12h 37m10h 29m8h 34m7h 31m
Data source: Manchester daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Manchester

In January, Manchester experiences a moderate average wind speed of 4.0 m/s (9 mph), marking a transition from the gustier conditions of winter. The winds pick up in February with a slight increase to 5.0 m/s (11 mph), likely adding a brisk chill to the air as the city braves the heart of the season. As spring approaches, March sees a decrease to 4.4 m/s (10 mph), where winds begin to mellow, leading into the milder April with an even gentler breeze at 3.0 m/s (7 mph). This trend continues into the warmer months, with July's low of 2.6 m/s (6 mph) offering some calm before the autumn winds return, pushing back up to 4.7 m/s (11 mph) in October. Notably, as the year winds down, January once again welcomes the familiar 4.0 m/s, showcasing a cyclical pattern of varied wind speeds that accompany each season in this vibrant city.

Average January Wind Speed in Manchester

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Manchester, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.0 m/s5.04.43.03.73.12.63.43.34.74.04.2
Data source: Manchester January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Manchester Compares to Other Months

The weather in Manchester changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Manchester and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February weather in Manchester presents a gradual transition from the colder days of winter to the slightly milder conditions of early spring. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at the minimum to an average of 4°C (40°F), peaking at 14°C (57°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 13 days, with humidity levels high at 90%. In contrast, February experiences a small increase in average temperature, with lows around -5°C (24°F) and highs reaching 18°C (65°F). Additionally, February records more rainfall, at 106 mm (4.2 in), over roughly 16 days, but with slightly lower humidity at 88%. For more detailed insights, you can check Manchester weather in February.

January and March in Manchester present a notable contrast in weather patterns. January typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and a maximum reaching 14°C (57°F), while March sees slightly milder conditions, with minimums around -6°C (21°F) and maximums peaking at 19°C (67°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in March, totaling 106 mm (4.2 in) over 16 days compared to January's 81 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days. Despite being a bit wetter, March has a slightly lower humidity level at 86%, compared to January's 90%. For more details on the March weather in Manchester, check out Manchester weather in March.

January weather typically features colder temperatures, with averages around 4°C (40°F) and lows dipping to -5°C (23°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, and high humidity levels of 90%. In contrast, by April, temperatures begin to rise, reaching an average of 8°C (47°F) and maxing out at 22°C (72°F), with minimums around -3°C (27°F). Precipitation decreases considerably to 47 mm (1.9 in) across just 9 days, and humidity also drops to 84%. For more details, check out Manchester weather in April.

In January, Manchester experiences significantly colder weather, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -5°C (23°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), averaging around 4°C (40°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, along with high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, May offers a more pleasant climate, with temperatures varying from -2°C (29°F) to a warmer 26°C (80°F), averaging 11°C (53°F). Precipitation declines to 65 mm (2.5 in) spread over 12 days, and humidity drops to 80%, making it a more comfortable time to be outdoors. For more insights into Manchester's weather during this time, check out Manchester weather in May.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to an average of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 90% and experiences about 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In contrast, June brings a warmer atmosphere with temperatures starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and reaching an average of 15°C (59°F) and maxing out at 28°C (83°F). Although June also sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 15 days, the humidity drops to 81%, offering a more comfortable feel compared to January. For more detailed insights, you can check out Manchester weather in June.

In January, the weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F). This month experiences high humidity at 90%, along with 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over about 13 days. In contrast, July brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). While July sees an increase in rainfall to 101 mm (4.0 in) over approximately 15 days, the humidity drops to a more comfortable 76%. For more detailed information, check out Manchester weather in July.

In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of only 4°C (40°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) over 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 90%. In contrast, August brings milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a comfortable maximum of 31°C (88°F), resulting in an average temperature of 16°C (60°F). Although August has more rainfall, with 113 mm (4.5 in) spread over 17 days, the humidity is lower at 77%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Manchester weather in August.

In January, Manchester experiences chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 4°C (40°F), while the maximum reaches 14°C (57°F). This month typically sees around 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days and high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, September warms up considerably, featuring a minimum temperature of 2°C (37°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), with highs soaring to 27°C (81°F). Although September brings slightly more precipitation at 96 mm (3.8 in) over 15 days, the humidity decreases to 85%. For a more detailed look at what to expect, check out Manchester weather in September.

January and October in Manchester present distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average of 4°C (40°F). The month typically sees 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, and humidity remains high at 90%. In contrast, October experiences a slightly warmer range, with temperatures spanning from -2°C (29°F) at night to a pleasant 22°C (71°F) during the day and an average of 10°C (51°F). Precipitation increases to 122 mm (4.8 in) spread across 18 days, maintaining the same high humidity level of 90%. For more details about climate specifics, check out Manchester weather in October.

In January, temperatures in Manchester range from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 4°C (40°F). The month experiences about 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days and has a humidity level of 90%. In contrast, November presents slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F), averaging at 7°C (45°F). Precipitation increases to 93 mm (3.7 in) over 17 days, accompanied by a humidity rate of 92%. For more details, check out Manchester weather in November.

In January, temperatures in Manchester typically range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) at night to a milder 14°C (57°F) during the day, averaging around 4°C (40°F). The month sees approximately 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days. In contrast, December's weather presents a slightly warmer average of 5°C (42°F), with highs reaching 13°C (56°F) and still dipping to -5°C (23°F) at night. December experiences a greater total precipitation of 112 mm (4.4 in) over 17 days, but remarkably, both months share a high humidity level of 90%. For a deeper look at the weather specifics, you can visit Manchester weather in December.

Compare Manchester's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Manchester

As January rolls into Manchester, it brings a distinctively chilly charm that sets it apart from the rest of the year. With average temperatures hovering around a brisk 4°C (40°F), this month is one of the coldest, often dipping to a frosty -5°C (23°F) at night. The likelihood of persistent rain is heightened, with nearly half the month experiencing precipitation, leading to total rainfall averaging 81 mm (3.2 in) over about 13 days. Coupled with high humidity levels reaching 90%, January’s weather can feel particularly damp and brisk. For those willing to embrace the elemental beauty of winter in the city, January offers a unique atmosphere that differs markedly from the milder, sunnier months. To explore more about what to expect from the weather throughout the year, check out Manchester Climate.