Weather in Manila

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in Manila. Here you will find up-to-date data, detailed forecasts, and useful weather charts to help plan your time.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, possesses a distinct tropical climate. The weather here is characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates slightly, remaining in a comfortable warm range, making the city attractive to visit at any time if you are prepared for the tropical heat.

In Manila, two main seasons are clearly defined: dry and wet. The dry season usually lasts from December-January to April-May. During this period, rainfall is minimal, and sunny days are most frequent. The average temperature in these months varies from 26°C to 29°C, with April and May often being the hottest. The wet season, or rainy season, begins around May-June and continues until October-November. During this time, the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days increase significantly, peaking in July and August. Despite frequent rains, they usually take the form of heavy but short-lived downpours, after which the sun may shine again.

Temperature fluctuations throughout the year in Manila are small. Even in the "coolest" months, such as January, the average temperature holds around 26°C, and in the hottest, like May, it reaches almost 30°C. This means travellers should expect warm or hot weather regardless of the travel time, but should consider the likelihood of rain, especially if the visit is planned for the period from June to October.

The temperature regime in Manila is characterized by consistent warmth throughout the year, which is typical for a tropical climate. Average annual temperatures fluctuate within a fairly narrow range. The hottest months are usually April and May, when the average temperature reaches 29.2°C and 29.7°C respectively, and daily highs regularly exceed 32°C. The "coolest" months, if one can say so in tropical conditions, are considered January and February. In January, the average temperature is about 26.0°C, with minimum night temperatures dropping on average to 23.9°C, and in February, the average temperature rises slightly to 26.5°C, while minimum night temperatures remain at the level of 23.8°C.

From March to May, Manila experiences its hottest weather. In March, the average temperature holds at the 27.8°C mark, while daily highs can reach 30.8°C, and nights remain warm, with a temperature around 24.8°C. April and May bring the peak of the heat: average daytime temperatures in April rise to 32.3°C (with a monthly average of 29.2°C), and in May – to 32.4°C (with a monthly average of 29.7°C). Night temperatures in these months are also high, remaining in the range of 26.1°C - 27.0°C. This period often coincides with the end of the dry season, and high temperatures may be accompanied by increased humidity, especially closer to May.

The so-called "winter" period, from December to February, brings the most comfortable, though still warm, weather conditions to Manila. In December, the average temperature is 26.7°C, with daily highs around 28.7°C and nightly lows in the region of 24.8°C. January is the coolest month, with average values of 26.0°C (maximum 28.1°C, minimum 23.9°C). In February, the temperature rises slightly, averaging 26.5°C (maximum 29.1°C, minimum 23.8°C). Daily temperature fluctuations throughout the year in Manila are generally moderate; the difference between the average day and average night temperature is usually between 3.5°C and 6°C, with somewhat larger variations in the drier and hotter months, such as March and April.

Manila observes distinct seasonality in the distribution of rainfall throughout the year. Two main periods are clearly visible: a prolonged wet season, characterized by frequent rains, and a shorter dry season with minimal rainfall. The shift of these seasons determines weather conditions and travel planning to the capital of the Philippines.

The dry season in Manila usually lasts from January to April. At this time, rainfall is minimal. The driest months are February, March, and April, when an average of just 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days does not exceed 5-7 per month. January also belongs to the dry period with a figure of 2 mm of rainfall and approximately 9 rainy days. In these months, if rains do occur, they are usually short-lived and very insignificant in volume.

The wet season in Manila covers the period from May to November, reaching its peak from June to October. A characteristic feature of this period is the very high frequency of precipitation. For example, in July, which is the month with the highest recorded rainfall (16 mm), it rains almost daily, accounting for 30 rainy days. A similar situation is observed in August (12 mm rainfall, 30 rainy days) and September (12 mm, 28 rainy days). June and October are also distinguished by frequent rainfall (9 mm and 24-28 rainy days respectively). Despite the fact that the average monthly total rainfall figures might seem moderate for such a number of rainy days, precipitation in this period often manifests as short but intense tropical downpours, which is typical for the climate of the Philippines.

When planning a trip to Manila, remember that the city features a warm and humid tropical climate all year round. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Do not forget sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a hat – these are necessary accessories for protection against the bright Philippine sun at any time of the year.

In Manila, two seasons are clearly distinguished, which is worth considering when packing. The dry season, which usually lasts from January to April, is characterized by minimal rainfall. During this period, a standard set of summer clothes is sufficient. However, from May to November comes the wet season, the peak of which falls on June-October. In these months, the number of rainy days increases significantly (up to 28-30 days a month), so a light waterproof raincoat or compact umbrella will definitely come in handy. Clothing made from quick-drying materials will also be very useful. Humid weather can promote insect activity, so insect repellent will not be superfluous.

Although there are no strong temperature fluctuations in Manila, and the average temperature holds in the range of 26-30°C, a light cardigan or shawl may be useful for visiting air-conditioned spaces (shopping malls, restaurants), where it can be noticeably cooler than outside. In general, prepare for hot weather, but be ready for sudden tropical downpours, especially if your trip falls during the wet season. A small backpack for day excursions, fitting water, sun protection, and a raincoat, will make your walks around the city more comfortable.