Season guide · Manila · Philippines
Manila in the cool dry season
December–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Sunny, comparatively mild and breezy, with Christmas celebrations and the Black Nazarene procession; the most comfortable time. Expect highs up to 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 14 rainy days across December–February. December–February are among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- December–February
- Temperatures
- 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (88°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 14
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in the cool dry season
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C (86°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 4 | 11.3 h | 4/5 |
| February | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 | 11.6 h | 4/5 |
| December | 30°C (86°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 7 | 11.3 h | 4/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 30°C (86°F) against a yearly 32°C (90°F), and 14 of the year's roughly 141 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.
What's on in the cool dry season
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- January: Feast of the Black Nazarene — huge procession from Quiapo (9 January)
- January: Chinese New Year in Binondo (late January or February)
- February: Chinese New Year in Binondo (some years fall in February)
- December: Simbang Gabi — nine dawn or evening masses before Christmas (16–24 December)
Make the most of the weather
Castle · Intramuros
Fort Santiago
The Spanish citadel at the mouth of the Pasig River, where national hero José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
Museum · Ermita and Malate
National Museum of Natural History
A favourite with children; weekends are busy, so go on a weekday morning.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
- Architecture
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Park · Ermita and Malate
Rizal Park (Luneta)
The large urban park beside Manila Bay is centred on the Rizal Monument, guarded by ceremonial sentries, near the spot where José Rizal was executed.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- History
- Outdoors
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Waterfront · Ermita and Malate
Manila Bay sunset
Clear evenings in the dry season, roughly December to April, give the best colours.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Views
- After dark
- Photo spot
Day trips in the cool dry season
- Tagaytay and Taal Volcano (About 1.5–2.5 hours by road) — A cool ridge town overlooking Taal Lake and the active Taal Volcano, with viewpoint restaurants, bulalo beef-marrow soup and fruit stands.
- Corregidor Island (About 1–1.5 hours by ferry) — A fortified island at the entrance to Manila Bay, scene of a key Second World War battle, with ruined barracks, gun batteries, the Malinta Tunnel and a Pacific War memorial, usually toured by trolley bus.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- A packable rain jacket for showers
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is the cool dry season a good time to visit Manila?
Yes: December–February are among the best months. Sunny, comparatively mild and breezy, with Christmas celebrations and the Black Nazarene procession; the most comfortable time.
+What is the weather like in Manila in the cool dry season?
Highs of up to 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F), with about 14 rainy days over the season.