Best time to visit · Manila · Philippines
The best time to visit Manila
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Manila is December to April, during the dry season, with December to February the most comfortable. March to May is very hot. June to October brings the monsoon and typhoon season, with heavy rain and flooding most likely in July and August.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–March
- Shoulder season
- April–May and November
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 34°C (93°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Rainiest month
- August (~23 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–October
Seasons
Manila is hot all year, with a dry season from about December to May (hottest in April and May) and a wet south-west monsoon from June to October, when typhoons can bring flooding. December to February is the most comfortable period.
December–February
Cool dry season
Sunny, comparatively mild and breezy, with Christmas celebrations and the Black Nazarene procession; the most comfortable time.
March–May
Hot dry season
Hot, sunny days peaking in April and May; Holy Week empties the city and fills the beaches.
June–September
Rainy season
South-west monsoon rains, typhoons and flooding, with lower prices and fewer visitors.
October–November
Transition
Rains taper off and temperatures ease, though late typhoons remain possible.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 24°C | 4 | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 3 | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 3 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 34°C | 26°C | 4 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 34°C | 27°C | 10 | 12.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 33°C | 26°C | 17 | 13 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | 22 | 12.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 31°C | 25°C | 23 | 12.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 31°C | 25°C | 21 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 25°C | 16 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 11 | 11.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 7 | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Feast of the Black Nazarene — huge procession from Quiapo (9 January); Chinese New Year in Binondo (late January or February) |
| February | Chinese New Year in Binondo (some years fall in February) |
| March | Holy Week (Semana Santa) — processions and church visits (March or April) |
| April | Holy Week (some years fall in April) |
| May | Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan — flower festivals and parades in parishes (throughout May) |
| June | Independence Day (12 June) |
| November | All Saints' and All Souls' Days (Undas) — families gather at cemeteries (1–2 November) |
| December | Simbang Gabi — nine dawn or evening masses before Christmas (16–24 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–October, and the sights are quietest in June–October. Many visitors avoid July–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Cool dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Transition | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Manila?
The best time to visit Manila is December to April, during the dry season, with December to February the most comfortable. March to May is very hot. June to October brings the monsoon and typhoon season, with heavy rain and flooding most likely in July and August.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Manila?
Usually in June–October. The rainy season begins, with heavy afternoon storms and occasional flooding.
+What is the rainiest month in Manila?
August, with about 23 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Manila get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F).