When you picture winter in Manila, you might expect chilly winds or thick coats, but that’s not the case. The season brings warm days, mild nights, and a lot less rain than other months.
Average winter weather in Manila sits comfortably between 23 °C and 30 °C (73 °F to 86 °F). Many people find this one of the best times to get out and explore the city.
Humidity drops compared to the sticky rainy season, so the air feels lighter and more comfortable for walking or outdoor fun. Sunshine sticks around longer, skies clear up, and rain becomes rare.
You can count on this stretch of weather if you want to visit Manila without dealing with storms or typhoons. Warmth stays steady, humidity becomes more manageable, and dry days outnumber the wet ones. It’s a great setup for sightseeing or just relaxing by the bay.
Overview of Winter Weather in Manila
Winter brings a touch of cooler air, less rain, and clearer skies to Manila. The city stays warm by most standards, but this season gives a break from the heavy rains and muggy air of the monsoon.
Typical Winter Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs usually land between 28°C and 30°C (82°F–86°F) from December through February. Nights drop to about 23°C (73°F), which feels pleasant compared to Manila’s hotter months.
Manila’s tropical climate keeps temperatures pretty steady all year. Even in January, the coldest month, the city almost never dips below 22°C (72°F).
This stability makes it easy to plan outdoor activities in winter. Sea temperatures stay warm too, averaging 27°C to 28°C (80°F–82°F), so beaches and coastal spots are still great for swimming or water sports.
You won’t need a jacket, but a light layer might feel nice after sunset.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter in Manila falls into the dry season, which runs from late November through April. Rainfall drops off fast, with February getting just 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) of rain.
That’s a big change from the wet months of June to September. Cloud cover thins out, giving you more hours of sunshine.
December and January bring about 6 hours of sun a day, and February creeps up to 8 hours. Winds usually stay light to moderate, blowing in from the northeast as part of the Northeast Monsoon, or Amihan.
Humidity drops compared to the rainy season, averaging 70–75%. It’s still humid by global standards, but it doesn’t feel as stifling as the wet months when humidity pushes past 80%.
These conditions make sightseeing and travel a lot more comfortable.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to March and April, winter in Manila feels a bit cooler and less sticky. By May, the heat climbs above 33°C (91°F), and humidity starts to rise again.
Winter brings a gentler side of Manila’s tropical climate, with less heat and almost no rain.
If you look at the summer monsoon, the difference is even more obvious. June through August brings over 150 mm (6 in) of rain per month and frequent storms.
Winter, though, is mostly dry, with just a few rainy days. Autumn, from September to November, acts as a transition.
Rainfall starts dropping, but humidity and clouds stick around more than in winter. By December, the shift into the dry season is complete, with clearer skies, more sun, and the lowest rainfall of the year.
Temperature Trends and Variations
Winter in Manila doesn’t bring dramatic shifts in temperature, but you’ll notice slightly cooler nights. Daytime highs stay warm and steady.
Average Highs and Lows in Winter
During winter, Manila’s average high temperatures run from 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). Afternoons feel warm, but not as intense as the height of the dry season.
The average lows sit between 22°C and 24°C (72°F to 75°F). Nights cool off a bit, especially since humidity is lower than in the rainy season.
Temperatures rarely drop below 21°C (70°F). Even in January mornings, you’ll find things stay pretty mild.
This consistency means winter is one of the easiest times for outdoor plans.
Monthly Breakdown: December to February
December kicks off the cooler weather. Highs average about 29°C (84°F), and lows hover near 23°C (73°F).
Humidity starts to ease, so evenings feel more pleasant. January is the coolest month.
Highs usually hit 28°C (82°F), and lows dip to around 22°C (72°F). This is as close as Manila gets to a “chilly” season, but it’s still warm by most standards.
February brings a little more warmth. Highs climb toward 30°C (86°F), and lows rise to about 23°C (73°F).
The gradual rise signals the hotter dry season is on its way, but days and nights remain comfortable for most activities.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Manila sticks around during winter, shaping how the air feels and how comfortable you’ll be outside. Even with warm temperatures, moisture in the air really changes your experience.
Seasonal Humidity Patterns
In winter, relative humidity in Manila usually falls between 70% and 82%. December through February bring drier air compared to the rainy months, but you’ll still notice some heaviness.
January often feels the most comfortable, with humidity averaging 72–75%. That’s lower than September’s peak at about 82%.
April brings the driest air, around 65%, but it also gets hotter. Rain is rare in winter, so you’ll see fewer rainy days even if the air still feels a bit muggy.
This combination of warmth and moderate humidity makes things humid, but not as suffocating as the monsoon months.
Impact on Daily Life
High humidity changes how you feel temperature. Even at 28–30°C (82–86°F), the moisture slows your body’s ability to cool off through sweat.
You might find indoor spaces more comfortable, especially if there’s air conditioning or a dehumidifier running. Lightweight, breathable clothes and drinking plenty of water help a lot.
Many travelers notice mornings and evenings feel better, since humidity drops a bit at those times. Midday, when both heat and humidity spike, can feel a bit much.
If you’re planning to walk around or visit markets, it’s smart to go earlier in the day to dodge the stickiest conditions.
Precipitation and Rainfall During Winter
Manila’s winter months land in the dry season, so rain is rare and usually doesn’t last long. You’ll notice lighter showers, fewer rainy days, and clearer skies than during the rest of the year.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
In winter, precipitation in Manila drops to some of the lowest numbers all year. December gets about 50 mm of rain, while January and February average just 15–25 mm.
That’s a sharp change from the wet season, when monthly totals can shoot past 300 mm.
Rain usually comes in quick bursts instead of long storms. You might see an afternoon shower, but it rarely ruins your plans.
On average, you’ll get only 1–4 rainy days per month in these winter months. With less rainfall, humidity also dips a little, making outdoor plans more enjoyable than in the damp rainy season.
Comparing Wet and Dry Days
Dry days rule the winter in Manila. In January and February, over 85–90% of days stay dry, and sunshine lasts longer than in the rainy months.
When it does rain, showers are usually light or moderate. Unlike the heavy downpours of July or August, winter rain is brief and clears up fast.
Here’s how the seasons stack up:
- Winter (Dec–Feb): 1–4 rainy days per month
- Rainy season (Jun–Sep): 15–20 rainy days per month
This makes winter the most dependable time for outdoor sightseeing and travel in Manila.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
During winter, Manila’s skies shift from overcast to much clearer as the season goes on. This change affects how much sun you get each day and can help you plan your time outside.
Trends in Cloudiness
At the start of winter, cloud cover is pretty high, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about two-thirds of the time. By late February, this drops to around half the days, so you get more clear skies.
The clearest stretch usually hits in the second half of February, when conditions are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 53% of the time.
You’ll notice visibility and brightness improve as winter moves forward. Manila’s wet season, by comparison, brings much more cloud cover, with June often seeing over 90% cloudy skies.
Winter stands out as one of the better times if you prefer less gloom.
Average Daily Sunshine
As clouds thin out, sunshine hours tick up. In December, daylight lasts about 11 hours and 16 minutes. By late February, it stretches to nearly 11 hours and 50 minutes.
You can expect 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day through winter. That’s less than the sunniest months, but still plenty for outdoor trips or sightseeing.
Sunsets are earliest in December, around 5:24 PM. By February, the sun sets closer to 6:00 PM.
Sunrise shifts from about 6:05 AM in early December to 6:25 AM in late January, then gets earlier again. These daylight patterns make it easy to plan your day if you want to spend time outdoors.
Wind Conditions in the Winter Months
In the winter season in Manila, winds pick up and change direction compared to calmer months. These shifts affect how cool evenings feel and shape daily weather.
Average Wind Speeds
Manila usually gets its strongest winds in December and January. December often sees average speeds close to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).
By February, winds calm down a bit but still blow stronger than in the middle part of the year.
Most of the wind comes from the northeast, thanks to the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan. This system brings steady breezes across the city.
The winds aren’t extreme, but you’ll notice them compared to the stillness of late spring and early autumn.
Wind speed also changes throughout the day. Afternoons are usually breezier when the air heats up and circulation increases.
Evenings and early mornings calm down, though a cool breeze often lingers.
| Month | Avg. Wind Speed | Prevailing Direction |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~9–10 mph | Northeast |
| January | ~8–9 mph | Northeast |
| February | ~7–8 mph | Northeast |
Effects on Local Weather
Stronger winter winds in Manila really shape both comfort and climate. The Amihan winds bring in drier, cooler air, so humidity drops compared to the sticky wet months.
You’ll probably notice the air feels less muggy, which makes being outdoors a lot more pleasant. Skies usually look clearer around this time too.
A steady breeze sweeps away clouds and keeps rainfall much lower than during the rainy season. That’s why so many people see these months as the best time to visit.
Wind direction matters for air quality as well. The northeast flow pushes much of the city’s pollution out to sea, so visibility actually improves.
Cooler breezes in the evening can make nights feel fresher, even if daytime temperatures still run warm for most people.
Seasonal wind shifts in Manila aren’t extreme, but they really do shape the winter weather here. They help balance the heat, cut down on rain, and make the climate feel more settled.
Best Time to Visit Manila in Winter
You’ll find Manila’s weather at its most comfortable during the winter months. Temperatures stay warm, but not too hot, and there’s a lot less rain than the rest of the year.
That makes it much easier to plan outdoor adventures or just wander around the city.
Ideal Months for Travel
Manila’s winter season runs from late November through February. During these months, the average daytime temperature sits between 74°F (23°C) at night and 86°F (30°C) during the day.
January stands out as the coolest month, while December and February feel only a touch warmer.
Rainfall drops off quite a bit in the winter. For instance, January usually sees about 2 inches of rain, while August can get slammed with over 13 inches.
With fewer rainy days, you get clearer skies and less humidity, so the weather feels more reliable for sightseeing.
December through February marks the peak tourist season. You’ll enjoy the best climate, but you’ll also run into higher hotel prices and bigger crowds at popular spots.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, try visiting in late November or early March. The weather usually holds up, and things feel less hectic.
Tourist Activities and Climate
Cooler, drier days make it easy to explore Manila on foot or hop on public transport. You can wander through Intramuros, that old walled city, without stressing over heavy rain or sweltering heat.
Outdoor markets like Divisoria or Quiapo feel much more inviting when the air isn’t so thick with humidity. Locals and visitors both seem to linger longer, which says a lot.
If you’re itching for a beach trip, places near Manila—like Batangas or Zambales—really shine in the winter. The seas calm down, skies clear up, and the whole vibe just feels more relaxed.
Evenings get a bit cooler, so you might want to toss a light jacket in your bag if you’re planning to stay out late.
This season brings out all sorts of festivals and events. Christmas celebrations in December and the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January pull huge crowds, so you get a real taste of local culture along with the good weather.