Month guide · Manila · Philippines
Manila in March
What March is really like in Manila: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ralff Nestor Nacor, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Manila. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Hot and dry; Holy Week, when it falls in March, empties the city as residents head to the provinces and beaches.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in March
March is the 4th-warmest month in Manila: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 31 days. Compared with February (31°C (88°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs climb to around 34°C (93°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:04
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:07
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
Cool dry season (December–February). Sunny, comparatively mild and breezy, with Christmas celebrations and the Black Nazarene procession; the most comfortable time.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in March
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) — processions and church visits (March or April)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Neighbourhood · Binondo
Binondo Chinatown
Go hungry at lunchtime and graze from shop to shop; a guided food walk helps you find the long-running places.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- History
- Shopping
Religious site · Binondo
Quiapo Church and market
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene houses a dark wooden statue of Christ that draws huge devotion, especially on Fridays and during the January procession.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
Religious site · Binondo
San Sebastian Church
Combine it with Quiapo, a short walk away; look closely at the columns to see they are metal.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
- History
Historic site · Binondo
Manila Chinese Cemetery
Established in the 19th century, this cemetery north of Binondo is lined with elaborate mausoleums, some with kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning, built by Chinese-Filipino families.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 25°C and 3 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March 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 December–February. Compare every month.
Manila in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Manila?
It is one of the best months to visit Manila. Hot and dry; Holy Week, when it falls in March, empties the city as residents head to the provinces and beaches.
+How warm is Manila in March?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Manila in March?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.