The short answer
When to go to Manila
December to February is the best window: it is the driest and slightly cooler stretch, with highs around 30 degrees, and Intramuros and Rizal Park are far easier to enjoy. March is still dry but hotter, and April and May are the hottest months. From June the rains arrive, and July to September brings the heaviest rain and the highest typhoon risk, with flooding that can disrupt transport. For older travellers, aim for December to February and keep afternoons for rest.
Month by month
Manila weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 24°C | 19 mm | Driest, coolest stretch; the most comfortable month for walking | |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 22 mm | Dry and sunny; good for Intramuros and Rizal Park | |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 22 mm | Dry but getting hot by midday; start outdoor sights early | |
| April | 34°C | 27°C | 23 mm | Hottest month; sightsee at dawn and use air-conditioned museums | |
| May | 34°C | 27°C | 159 mm | Heat peaks and the first rains begin; afternoon storms likely | |
| June | 33°C | 27°C | 253 mm | Rainy season starts; typhoon risk begins, carry rain gear | |
| July | 32°C | 26°C | 432 mm | Very wet; flooding and typhoon disruption are common | |
| August | 31°C | 26°C | 476 mm | Wettest month; street flooding can halt transport | |
| September | 31°C | 26°C | 396 mm | Heavy rain and typhoon risk continue | |
| October | 31°C | 26°C | 221 mm | Rain easing but still frequent; check typhoon forecasts | |
| November | 31°C | 25°C | 120 mm | Drier and less humid; a good shoulder month | |
| December | 30°C | 25°C | 99 mm | Dry, festive and cooler; busy with Christmas crowds |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Manila seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February and December
- January: Driest, coolest stretch; the most comfortable month for walking
- February: Dry and sunny; good for Intramuros and Rizal Park
- December: Dry, festive and cooler; busy with Christmas crowds
Good, with small trade-offs: March and November
- March: Dry but getting hot by midday; start outdoor sights early
- November: Drier and less humid; a good shoulder month
Possible, with planning: April, May, June and October
- April: Hottest month; sightsee at dawn and use air-conditioned museums
- May: Heat peaks and the first rains begin; afternoon storms likely
- June: Rainy season starts; typhoon risk begins, carry rain gear
- October: Rain easing but still frequent; check typhoon forecasts
Best avoided with parents or children: July, August and September
- July: Very wet; flooding and typhoon disruption are common
- August: Wettest month; street flooding can halt transport
- September: Heavy rain and typhoon risk continue
Useful answers
Best time to visit Manila: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Manila?
January, February and December are the best months to visit Manila, with March and November also good. December to February is the best window: it is the driest and slightly cooler stretch, with highs around 30 degrees, and Intramuros and Rizal Park are far easier to enjoy. March is still dry but hotter, and April and May are the hottest months. From June the rains arrive, and July to September brings the heaviest rain and the highest typhoon risk, with flooding that can disrupt transport. For older travellers, aim for December to February and keep afternoons for rest.
Which months should I avoid in Manila with elderly parents?
July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Very wet; flooding and typhoon disruption are common Wettest month; street flooding can halt transport
When does it rain most in Manila?
August is the wettest month, with about 476 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 34°C.