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The climate of Manila is
tropical, hot all year round, with a dry season from January to April and a rainy season from May to December, within which there is a very rainy period from June to October.
The city is the capital of the Philippines and is located in the western part of the island of Luzon, at 14 degrees north latitude, between Manila Bay to the west and Laguna de Bay to the southeast.
We are on the western side of the Philippines, where there is a well-defined dry season, while on the eastern side there is no real dry season and therefore it rains all year round.
In the northern part of Manila, and bordering it, is the city of
Quezon City.
The least hot period is the
winter, from December to February. However, even in this period the temperature rarely drops below 20 °C (68 °F). In January 2009, it dropped to 18 °C (64.5 °F).
The
hottest period is from March to May, before the rains. The hottest months are April and May, when the average maximum temperature is around 34 °C (93 °F) during the day. In this period, the temperature can reach 36/37 °C (97/99 °F), and even 38 °C (100 °F) in Quezon City, which is located in the north, farther from the sea.
During the rainiest period, from June to October, the average highs drop to around 31/32 °C (88/90 °F), although night temperatures remain high, around 25/26 °C (77/79 °F), and the higher humidity makes the heat muggy.
Together with the north-central Philippines, Manila can be hit by
typhoons, the tropical cyclones of south-east Asia. Typically, typhoons occur from May to December, although they are more frequent between August and November.
The city was directly hit, and with very serious damage, by typhoon Patsy in November 1970 and by typhoon Ketsana (or Ondoy) in late September 2009, in the latter case mainly due to floods.
Best Time
The best time to visit Manila is
winter, from December to February. In March and April it is still the dry season, but it is very hot.
Given that typhoons can still pass in December, the best months are January and February, with a preference for the former because it is less hot.
The following climate data were collected at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Manila - Climate data
In Manila, the
average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 26.5 °C (79.7 °F), that of the warmest month (May) is of 30.0 °C (86.1 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Manila - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
|---|
| January | 23 | 30 | 26.5 | 73 | 87 | 79.7 |
|---|
| February | 23 | 31 | 27 | 73 | 88 | 80.6 |
|---|
| March | 24 | 33 | 28.3 | 75 | 91 | 82.9 |
|---|
| April | 25 | 34 | 29.8 | 78 | 94 | 85.7 |
|---|
| May | 26 | 34 | 30 | 79 | 93 | 86.1 |
|---|
| June | 26 | 33 | 29.2 | 78 | 91 | 84.5 |
|---|
| July | 25 | 31 | 28.2 | 77 | 89 | 82.8 |
|---|
| August | 25 | 31 | 27.9 | 77 | 88 | 82.1 |
|---|
| September | 25 | 31 | 28 | 77 | 88 | 82.3 |
|---|
| October | 25 | 31 | 28 | 76 | 89 | 82.5 |
|---|
| November | 24 | 31 | 27.8 | 76 | 88 | 82 |
|---|
| December | 23 | 30 | 27 | 74 | 87 | 80.5 |
|---|
| Year | 24.4 | 31.8 | 28.05 | 76 | 89.3 | 82.5 |
|---|
In Manila,
precipitation amounts to 2245 millimeters (88.4 inches) per year: it is therefore abundant. It ranges from 20 mm (0.8 in) in the driest months (January, February, March) to 475 mm (18.7 in) in the wettest one (August). Here is the average precipitation.
Manila - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
|---|
| January | 20 | 0.8 | 4 |
|---|
| February | 20 | 0.8 | 3 |
|---|
| March | 20 | 0.8 | 3 |
|---|
| April | 25 | 1 | 3 |
|---|
| May | 160 | 6.3 | 9 |
|---|
| June | 255 | 10 | 14 |
|---|
| July | 430 | 16.9 | 19 |
|---|
| August | 475 | 18.7 | 19 |
|---|
| September | 395 | 15.6 | 18 |
|---|
| October | 220 | 8.7 | 14 |
|---|
| November | 120 | 4.7 | 10 |
|---|
| December | 100 | 3.9 | 8 |
|---|
| Year | 2245 | 88.4 | 124 |
|---|
At Manila, the
sea temperature ranges from 27.5 °C (82 °F) in January, February to 30 °C (86 °F) in May, June. Here are the average sea temperatures.
Manila - Sea temperature| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|
January | 27.5 | 82 | February | 27.5 | 81 | March | 28 | 82 | April | 29 | 84 | May | 30 | 86 | June | 30 | 86 | July | 29.5 | 85 | August | 29 | 85 | September | 29.5 | 85 | October | 29 | 85 | November | 29 | 84 | December | 28.5 | 83 | Year | 28.9 | 84 |
In Manila, there are on average around 2565
sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.
Manila - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
|---|
January | 7 | 215 | February | 7.5 | 220 | March | 8.5 | 265 | April | 9.5 | 280 | May | 8 | 240 | June | 6.5 | 200 | July | 6.5 | 205 | August | 5.5 | 170 | September | 6 | 175 | October | 6.5 | 195 | November | 6.5 | 200 | December | 6.5 | 200 | Year | 7 | 2565 |
Manila - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
In
January, the least warm month of the year, the weather in Manila is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 26.5 °C (80 °F), with a minimum of 22.6 °C (72.8 °F) and a maximum of 30.4 °C (86.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (68.5 °F).
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (90.5 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 61% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
February, the weather in Manila is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.0 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 22.9 °C (73.1 °F) and a maximum of 31.1 °C (88 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69 °F).
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 27.5 °C (81 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
March, the weather in Manila is usually very hot. The average temperature is of 28.3 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 24 °C (75.1 °F) and a maximum of 32.6 °C (90.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 21.5 °C (71 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 70% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28 °C (82 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
April, the weather in Manila is usually very hot. The average temperature is of 29.8 °C (86 °F), with a minimum of 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) and a maximum of 34.3 °C (93.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 36.5 °C (98 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 74% of the time.
The average humidity is 66%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
May, the hottest month of the year, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 30.0 °C (86 °F), with a minimum of 26 °C (78.7 °F) and a maximum of 34.1 °C (93.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73.5 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 36.5 °C (98 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 160 mm (6.3 in), distributed over 9 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 61% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 30 °C (86 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
June, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 29.2 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 25.5 °C (78 °F) and a maximum of 32.8 °C (91.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (74 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 35.5 °C (96 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 255 mm (10 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 30 °C (86 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
July, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.2 °C (83 °F), with a minimum of 25 °C (77 °F) and a maximum of 31.4 °C (88.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73.5 °F).
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 430 mm (16.9 in), distributed over 19 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 83%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29.5 °C (85.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
August, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.9 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 24.9 °C (76.7 °F) and a maximum of 30.8 °C (87.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73 °F).
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 475 mm (18.7 in), distributed over 19 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
September, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.0 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 24.8 °C (76.7 °F) and a maximum of 31.1 °C (87.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 23 °C (73 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 395 mm (15.6 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29.5 °C (84.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
October, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 28.0 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 24.6 °C (76.4 °F) and a maximum of 31.4 °C (88.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93.5 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 220 mm (8.7 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 81%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
November, the weather in Manila is usually very hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.8 °C (82 °F), with a minimum of 24.2 °C (75.5 °F) and a maximum of 31.4 °C (88.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (72 °F).
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92.5 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 120 mm (4.7 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 57% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 29 °C (84 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.
In
December, the weather in Manila is usually warm to hot and muggy. The average temperature is of 27.0 °C (81 °F), with a minimum of 23.4 °C (74.2 °F) and a maximum of 30.5 °C (86.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 21 °C (70 °F).
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 57% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 28.5 °C (83 °F). Therefore, the sea is pleasantly warm and allows long swims.