Month guide · Manila · Philippines
Manila in January
What January is really like in Manila: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Manila. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 11.3 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and comparatively mild; one of the most comfortable months.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest 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 4 of its 31 days. Compared with December (30°C (86°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:24
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:46
- 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, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Feast of the Black Nazarene — huge procession from Quiapo (9 January)
- Chinese New Year in Binondo (late January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Castle · Intramuros
Fort Santiago
Visit late afternoon for cooler air and river views from the ramparts.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
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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
Historic site · Intramuros
Intramuros
The walled city founded by the Spanish in 1571 was the seat of colonial government for more than three centuries.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Free
- Architecture
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 24°C and 4 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Manila?
One of the best months to visit Manila, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and December. Compare every month.
Manila in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Manila?
It is one of the best months to visit Manila. Dry, sunny and comparatively mild; one of the most comfortable months.
+How warm is Manila in January?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Manila in January?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.