The climate of Manila
Manila, the capital of the
Philippines, is classified under the Köppen climate classification as having an Am Climate; this is, Tropical monsoon. This category is characterized by intense monsoon rainfall and high temperatures. Being near the equator, the city's weather experiences minimal variations throughout the year.
Temperatures hover between a high of around 28.3°C (82.9°F) to a peak of 33.4°C (92.1°F), with the hottest month often being
May. The coldest month, albeit still relatively warm, is typically
January when lows dip to approximately 22.9°C (73.2°F). Throughout the year, water temperatures are generally warm, ranging from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F), further enhancing the tropical feel of Manila.
Rainfall exhibits considerable variation in comparison to temperatures. Peaking in the month of
July with 163mm (6.42"), the pattern typifies a tropical monsoon climate. The rainiest days are also seen in July, with up to 23.4 days, while
February stands as the driest month with only 11mm (0.43") of precipitation.
As for humidity, Manila maintains a fairly consistent pattern throughout the year. Humidity levels oscillate from 70% in
April, the lowest, to the annual peak of 81% in
August and
September. During these months, the city feels markedly humid.
Sunshine hours fluctuate between 6 hours per day in the cloudier months of
December to January, to highs of approximately 11.3 hours of sunshine per day in April. Also worth mentioning is the reliable wind circulation, the speed of which ranges from 7.5km/h (4.7mph) to 11.4km/h (7.1mph) with gusts reaching up to 15.3km/h (9.5mph).
The best time to visit Manila
Spanning from
February to
April, the period offers clear skies, reduced chance of rain, and ample sun exposure. During these months,
Manila enjoys extended sunshine hours, peaking to an average of 11.3 hours in April. Rainfall is scarce in this period, reaching a minor 11mm (0.43") in February. With lower humidity than other times of the year, this period offers a perfect blend of warm temperatures without overwhelming wetness.
The worst time to visit Manila
The period between
June and
September poses a less than optimal time to visit due to higher rainfall and elevated humidity levels. The wettest month,
July, experiences around 163mm (6.42") of rain, coupled with 81% humidity in
August and September, creating a very humid and wet climate. Travelers might find outdoor activities dampened both literally and figuratively.
Spring weather in Manila
Spring is particularly pleasant in the city. From
March to
May, the temperatures remain warm, averaging between 31.2°C (88.2°F) and 33.4°C (92.1°F). Humidity remains manageable at around 72% to 76%, providing relative comfort especially compared to the wetter summer months. Rainfall remains minimal in spring but starts to show an uptick in May with 75mm (2.95").
Summer weather in Manila
From
June through
August, the city typically experiences its monsoon season. This period is characterized by increased rainfall, peaking in
July with 163mm (6.42") and 23.4 rainy days. During these months, humidity levels shoot up reaching 80 to 81% while temperatures still hover well above 30°C (86°F). Also, sea temperatures reach a comforting 29.7°C (85.5°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F) that may invite beach related activities.
Autumn weather in Manila
September to
November serves as the transition period from monsoon to dry season. Rainfall begins to ease from 128mm (5.04") in September to 33mm (1.3") in November. The number of rainy days also decrease from 21 days in September to 10.3 days in November. Temperatures remain steady with an average high of around 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F).
Winter weather in Manila
In winter, from
December to
February, the weather is relatively drier, with rainfall dropping to merely 11mm (0.43") in February. While temperatures are slightly cooler during these months, they still lean on the warmer side, averaging highs of 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) and lows of 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). This season provides both tourists and residents a break from the prevalent warmer and wetter conditions of the previous months.
Weather in January
The
Philippines, particularly in
Manila, begins the year with an optimal balance of warm temperatures and relatively lower rainfall. A notable characteristic of
January is the lower wind speed, with the barometer reading around 11.4km/h (7.1mph), offering a calm and serene environment.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Manila's weather in
February is an inviting combination of mild warmth, clearer skies, and a further reduction in rainfall. It is a month when wind speed decreases slightly, and the balmy seaside breezes become more pronounced.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March, the first month of the spring in
Manila, is a tropical month, with an average temperature ranging between max 31.2°C (88.2°F) and min 23.8°C (74.8°F). During March, Manila records an average high-temperature of a tropical 31.2°C (88.2°F), marking a slight divergence from
February's 29.8°C (85.6°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April, like
March, is another hot spring month in
Manila,
Philippines, with an average temperature fluctuating between 33.1°C (91.6°F) and 24.9°C (76.8°F). As Manila welcomes April, the average high-temperature stabilizes at a still hot 33.1°C (91.6°F), showing little deviation from March's 31.2°C (88.2°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Manila brings some respite from the relentless summer heat, introducing hints of the approaching monsoon. The rainfall spikes significantly in May, approximately double from
April, indicating the onset of the wet season. This month is marked by an increase in humidity, which reaches 72%, showing a clear transition from the previous month's dry spell.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Manila is characterized by a sharp increase in the monsoon activity, which brings with it increased cloud cover and rainfall. Sea temperatures hover around 29.7°C (85.5°F), making it an appealing time for water-sport enthusiasts.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
For those who delight in the monsoon,
July in
Manila is an attractive month. This period observes the pinnacle of rainfall with 163mm (6.42"), making it the wettest month of the year. Comparatively, July is cooler and significantly wetter than its predecessor,
June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Continuing the monsoon trend,
August in
Manila is dominated by overcast skies and persistent rainfall. The shift from
July to August carries only minor changes, with a slight decline in rainfall but an increase in humidity. August's weather, from its mild temperatures to the constant drizzle, creates a unique rhythm in the life of Manila's citizens.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, the monsoon season in
Manila starts to show signs of withdrawal, and a decline in the frequency of rainfall ensues. It is a month of transition with weather patterns fluctuating between the pending arrival of a drier spell and the departure of the wet season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With a more definitive retreat of monsoon rains,
October in
Manila is marked by a significant reduction in precipitation. There's an appreciable ascent in the average hours of sunshine from
September, reinstating clear skies and bright sunny days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Manila's weather in
November feels revitalizing with cooling temperatures and moderate rainfall, making it an enjoyable time for outdoor pursuits. Long after the monsoon has departed, the remnants of the rain retain the city's verdure.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the onset of the cooler season in
Manila with temperatures dipping to around 22.9°C (73.2°F), creating an inviting environment for sightseeing and explorations. It is a time when wind speeds slightly rise, bringing in fresh breezes throughout the city streets.
Weather in December »