Month guide · Manila · Philippines
Manila in December
What December is really like in Manila: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Tagaaplaya, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Manila. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 11.3 hours of daylight. Pleasant and festive, with lights, carols and long Christmas celebrations; traffic is heavy.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Manila: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:14
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:30
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
Transition (October–November). Rains taper off and temperatures ease, though late typhoons remain possible.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Simbang Gabi — nine dawn or evening masses before Christmas (16–24 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · Intramuros
San Agustin Church
Completed in 1607, San Agustin is the oldest stone church still standing in the Philippines and one of four Baroque churches inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Art
- Iconic
- Rainy day
Gallery · Ermita and Malate
National Museum of Fine Arts
Entry is free; bring an ID and leave large bags at the entrance.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Religious site · Intramuros
Manila Cathedral
The seat of the Archdiocese of Manila has been rebuilt several times after fires, earthquakes and war; the present Romanesque Revival building dates from 1958.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
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Museum · Intramuros
Casa Manila
Combine it with San Agustin across the street; the courtyard café is a good rest stop.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 24°C and 7 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Manila?
One of the best months to visit Manila, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–March. Compare every month.
Manila in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Manila?
It is one of the best months to visit Manila. Pleasant and festive, with lights, carols and long Christmas celebrations; traffic is heavy.
+How warm is Manila in December?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Manila in December?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.