Best time to visit Manila

December to May. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

December to May

Dry season, December to May, is the pick. December to February is coolest and most pleasant; April and May are hot.

“The driest period is from December to May.” tripreport.com
“This gives you a wide travel window, from December to May.” exoticca.com
“The dry season runs from December to May and is the most popular time to visit.” farandwild.travel

5 of the 5 travel guides we read name these months.

Manila month by month

Average high and low in Manila, and days with rain

Best timeJanuary86°F / 75°F · 4 rainy daysChecking fares…January and February have cooler temperatures; Rough Guides calls them a great time for Manila.December to February is the most pleasant weather across much of the Philippines, but busy.Manila's coolest months are November to February.
Best timeFebruary87°F / 76°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…January and February have cooler temperatures; Rough Guides calls them a great time for Manila.December to February is the most pleasant weather across much of the Philippines, but busy.Manila's coolest months are November to February.
Best timeMarch90°F / 78°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…March is the height of the dry season with warm sunny weather.Holy Week falls in March or April and is one of the busiest travel weeks.
Best timeApril93°F / 80°F · 3 rainy daysChecking fares…Holy Week falls in March or April and is one of the busiest travel weeks.April is one of the hottest months, with Manila and Luzon lowlands often reaching the mid-30s C.
Best timeMay93°F / 81°F · 9 rainy daysChecking fares…May is Manila's hottest month, averaging about 83 F.May is a shoulder month: the transition from dry to wet season, with more humidity and some showers.Pahiyas festival is in May in Lucban.
June91°F / 80°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…Manila's rainy season lasts June to October, with short heavy showers followed by sunshine.Typhoons can occur June to September in Manila, sometimes causing flooding.
July89°F / 79°F · 19 rainy daysChecking fares…Manila's rainy season lasts June to October, with short heavy showers followed by sunshine.Typhoons can occur June to September in Manila, sometimes causing flooding.July and August are the wettest months in the Philippines.
August88°F / 79°F · 19 rainy daysChecking fares…Manila's rainy season lasts June to October, with short heavy showers followed by sunshine.Typhoons can occur June to September in Manila, sometimes causing flooding.July and August are the wettest months in the Philippines.
September88°F / 78°F · 18 rainy daysChecking fares…Manila's rainy season lasts June to October, with short heavy showers followed by sunshine.Typhoons can occur June to September in Manila, sometimes causing flooding.Typhoon activity peaks July to October, especially in northern parts such as Luzon.
October89°F / 78°F · 14 rainy daysChecking fares…Manila's rainy season lasts June to October, with short heavy showers followed by sunshine.Typhoon activity peaks July to October, especially in northern parts such as Luzon.
November88°F / 78°F · 10 rainy daysChecking fares…Manila's coolest months are November to February.November marks the start of drier weather without the holiday rush.November is a shoulder month, second-best time to go.
Best timeDecember87°F / 76°F · 8 rainy daysChecking fares…December to February is the most pleasant weather across much of the Philippines, but busy.Manila's coolest months are November to February.Christmas and New Year are very busy and transport fills up, so reserve ahead.Simbang Gabi

Weather: Manila averages (1991 to 2020 averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Manila from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

What's on in Manila

Festivals and seasons through the year

Simbang GabiIntramuros, ManilaEvery December

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

January to MayMost popular time for Manila, when it is driest.
December to FebruaryBusiest stretch nationally, with festive celebrations.
Holy Week, March or AprilOne of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

Quietest

June to NovemberRainy season is quieter, with cheaper flights and rooms per Exoticca.
Wet seasonRainy season has fewer crowds and better value, per Far and Wild.

Watch for

June to SeptemberTyphoon season in Manila, with possible flooding.
July to OctoberHighest typhoon risk; flights and ferries can be disrupted.
April and MayHot; April often reaches the mid-30s C around Manila.
All yearSmog and air pollution are common in Manila.

Questions people ask

What months are rainy season in the Philippines?: Sources differ: May to October (Rough Guides, Traveloka), June to October (Far and Wild), June to November (Exoticca).
What is the cheapest time to visit the Philippines?: The rainy season is the low season, with cheaper flights and rooms and fewer crowds.
Which month not to visit the Philippines?: July through September has the most typhoon risk; Rough Guides says July and August are wettest.

Best time to visit Manila

December to May

Manila month by month

Every date to Manila from your city

What's on in Manila

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Manila

December to May

Manila month by month

Every date to Manila from your city

What's on in Manila

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places