Question 1

When is the rainy season in Manila, and how much rain does it bring?

Accepted Answer

Manila's rainy season runs from June through November, driven by the southwest monsoon, and in 2025 it delivered the overwhelming majority of the city's annual rainfall. Of Manila's total 2,405.6 mm (94.7 in) of precipitation in 2025, about 1,941.5 mm (76.4 in) — roughly 81% — fell during these six wet-season months.

July was by far the wettest month, recording a remarkable 543.9 mm (21.4 in) of rain on its own. Other peak months included September with 362.8 mm (14.3 in) and June with 338.5 mm (13.3 in). Humidity stayed high throughout the wet season, averaging around 83% and peaking near 87% in September.

By contrast, the dry season from December to May was strikingly drier, totaling just 464.1 mm (18.3 in). April was the driest month of all, with a mere 19.7 mm (0.8 in) of rain and the most sunshine of the year at 311.5 hours.

For visitors, this pattern means Manila is best explored between December and May 2025-style conditions, when skies are clearer and outdoor sightseeing is far more reliable. If you travel during the June–November rainy season, expect frequent heavy downpours — often intense but short — so packing rain gear and allowing flexible plans is wise, especially around the July peak when flooding can disrupt travel.

Question 2

When is the hottest time of year in Manila?

Accepted Answer

The hottest time of year in Manila is the dry season from March to May, which peaked in April 2025 with an average temperature of 30.5°C (86.9°F) — the warmest month of the year.

Across these three months in 2025, Manila averaged 29.8°C (85.6°F), noticeably hotter than the city's annual mean of 27.8°C (82.1°F). Daytime heat was intense, with average monthly highs reaching 36.6°C (97.9°F) in both April and May. Even overnight lows stayed warm, bottoming out around 25.8°C (78.4°F) in April.

A few factors made April stand out in Manila:

- **Lowest humidity of the year** at 62.4%, compared to the annual average of around 77%
- **Most sunshine** of any month, with 311.5 hours
- **Highest average temperature**, at 30.5°C (86.9°F)

By contrast, the coolest stretch came in January 2025, when Manila's average temperature dropped to 26.6°C (79.9°F).

If you're planning a trip, expect Manila to feel hottest and driest from March through May, when clear skies and strong sun push temperatures toward the high-30s°C (mid-to-high 90s°F). Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and plenty of hydration are essential during this period, and outdoor activities are best scheduled for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Question 3

When is the best time to visit Manila for dry, sunny weather?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Manila for dry, sunny weather is during the dry season from **January to April 2025**, when rainfall stays low and sunshine peaks. These four months are by far the driest and brightest of the year.

Across January to April 2025, Manila recorded just **198 mm (7.8 in)** of total rainfall combined, with monthly sunshine averaging **235 hours**. The two standout months were March and April: March saw only **24 mm (0.95 in)** of rain, while April was the driest month of the entire year at **20 mm (0.78 in)** and the sunniest with **312 hours** of sunshine. Average humidity over this window was a comfortable **70%**, well below the steamy 80–87% readings of the monsoon months.

Temperatures during this period in Manila were warm and stable, averaging **28.1°C (82.6°F)**. January and February were the mildest at around **26.6–26.7°C (80°F)**, while April climbed to a hotter **30.5°C (86.9°F)**.

For travelers, January through March offers the ideal balance in Manila: plenty of sunshine, minimal rain, and slightly cooler, less humid conditions before April's heat sets in. This is a sharp contrast to the wet season, when July alone dumped **544 mm (21.4 in)** of rain. If you want clear skies and dry days for sightseeing, plan your Manila trip in the first quarter of 2025.

Question 4

How humid is Manila throughout the year, and which months are most humid?

Accepted Answer

Manila is humid all year round, averaging **76.9% relative humidity** across 2025, but the city's mugginess peaks during the southwest monsoon months from June to November. Humidity is closely tied to Manila's rainfall, so the wettest part of the year also feels the most oppressive.

In 2025, **September was the most humid month in Manila at 86.6%**, coinciding with heavy rainfall of 362.8 mm and a mean temperature of 26.7°C (80.1°F). The June-to-November stretch averaged a sticky 82.9% humidity, with five separate months sitting at or above 80%.

By contrast, the early-year dry season was noticeably more comfortable. **April was the least humid month at just 62.4%**, even though it was the hottest period at a mean of 30.5°C (86.9°F). March and April together averaged only 64.0% humidity, giving 2025 a full annual swing of about 24 percentage points between its driest and most humid months.

A few practical takeaways for Manila:

- **March to May** offers the lowest humidity (around 62–68%), making the heat feel drier and more bearable.
- **June to November** combines high humidity (80%+) with frequent rain, so expect a heavy, tropical feel and pack light, breathable clothing.
- **December to February** sits in between at roughly 75%, with slightly cooler temperatures near 26.6–26.8°C (79.9–80.2°F).

Overall, 2025 confirms that Manila never truly dries out, but visitors sensitive to humidity will find the months around March and April the most comfortable time to explore the city.

Question 5

When is the windiest time of year in Manila?

Accepted Answer

Manila is windiest in July, when average wind speeds reach 16.3 km/h (10.1 mph) — more than double the city's typical breeze. Across 2025, Manila averaged a gentle 7.7 km/h (4.8 mph), making it a generally calm-aired city for most of the year.

The windiest stretch lines up with the peak of the southwest monsoon. Meteorological summer (June to August) was the breeziest season in Manila, averaging 10.2 km/h (6.4 mph), driven almost entirely by that July spike. July also coincided with the year's heaviest rainfall, recording 543.9 mm (21.4 in) of precipitation, so the strongest winds arrived alongside the wettest weather.

Outside that summer surge, conditions stay notably light. The calmest month in Manila was October at just 5.4 km/h (3.4 mph), and the cooler-season months of January and February averaged only about 6.8 km/h (4.2 mph). November was the second-windiest month of 2025 at 8.4 km/h (5.2 mph), though still far below the July figure.

For practical purposes, this means Manila rarely sees disruptive everyday winds. If you are planning outdoor activities, sailing, or rooftop dining, the dry-season months from late autumn through spring offer the most settled, low-wind conditions. Just be aware that July's gustier weather in Manila reflects active monsoon and storm activity rather than a pleasant sea breeze, so it pairs with heavy rain rather than clear skies.

Mabini J. Rizal

Metro Manila

FAQ

When is the rainy season in Manila, and how much rain does it bring?

When is the hottest time of year in Manila?

When is the best time to visit Manila for dry, sunny weather?

How humid is Manila throughout the year, and which months are most humid?

When is the windiest time of year in Manila?