When you think of fall in Manila, you won’t find crisp air or falling leaves. Instead, you get warm, humid days as the wet season slowly gives way to drier months.
Average temperatures stick between 25°C (77°F) at night and 31°C (88°F) during the day. The season feels hot and humid pretty much all the time.
You’ll notice the skies change quickly now. September usually brings a lot of rain, but October and November start to see fewer wet days and a bit more sunshine.
Cloud cover drops, and daylight hours get a little shorter. Even in a tropical climate, you sense the season shifting.
If you’re planning to explore the Philippines around this time, Manila’s fall weather is pretty predictable and makes trip planning easier. The mix of high humidity, leftover rain, and growing sunshine really shapes outdoor activities and travel comfort.
Overview of Fall Weather in Manila
In the fall, you can expect warm temps, lots of humidity, and a slow shift from heavy rains to drier skies. It stays tropical, but rainfall and clouds ease up as the months go by.
Typical Temperature Range
During fall, daily highs in Manila usually land between 83°F and 91°F (28°C–33°C). Early October tends to be the warmest, with highs around 88°F (31°C).
Nights stay mild, dropping to 73°F to 80°F (23°C–27°C). You won’t see big swings between day and night—maybe just a 10°F (5°C) difference.
Evenings feel warm, not cool. Compared to summer, fall is a touch cooler but still very much tropical.
You’ll want to prepare for steady warmth all day and not much relief after dark.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall in Manila drops off pretty fast in the fall. In early September, about two-thirds of days are wet, but by late November, it’s less than half.
Monthly rainfall falls from about 12 inches in September to roughly 6 inches by November. Downpours still happen, especially in September and October, but they don’t last as long or come as often.
Typhoons can still hit the Philippines now, mostly in September and October. These storms bring heavy rain and wind, so keep an eye on the forecast if you’re traveling.
Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in Manila all fall, so muggy air is the norm. Dew points stay above 70°F (21°C), making it feel moist day and night.
Unlike rainfall, humidity doesn’t really let up. Even when the sky clears, you’ll notice the heavy air.
This makes the heat feel even stronger, especially in the middle of the day. If you’re outside, expect sticky conditions and not much cooling after sunset.
Light clothes, plenty of water, and some shade are your best bets for staying comfortable.
Monthly Breakdown: September to November
Through fall, you’ll deal with high humidity, frequent rain, and only minor changes in temperature. Rainfall drops as the season ends, but daytime highs stick around the upper 80s °F.
September Weather Highlights
September is still right in the wet season, so prepare for lots of showers and storms. Average rainfall is about 17.6 inches, making it one of the wettest months.
Humidity hovers around 82%, which makes the heat feel even more intense. Daytime temps average 89°F (32°C), with nights cooling to about 76°F (24°C).
You won’t notice big temperature swings. Outdoor plans need some flexibility since heavy rain can show up fast.
Flooding in low-lying spots is pretty common, and traffic delays happen a lot. If you visit now, bring light, breathable clothes and a solid rain jacket or umbrella.
October Weather Highlights
By October, rainfall starts to drop off, but it’s still pretty significant. The city gets about 11 inches of rain, and storms can pack a punch.
Humidity averages near 79%, a bit lower but still high. Highs stay around 89°F (32°C) and lows near 75°F (24°C).
Mornings and evenings might feel a little better, though midday heat is still tough. This month offers a better balance for travelers since downpours aren’t as constant.
You can usually enjoy dry spells between storms. Packing quick-dry clothes and planning indoor activities for peak rain hours helps a lot.
November Weather Highlights
November really shifts toward the dry season. Rainfall drops to about 3.7 inches, and humidity lowers to around 77%.
Showers are still possible, but they’re not as disruptive. Highs average 89°F (32°C), and lows dip to 74°F (23°C).
The slight drop in humidity makes the heat more manageable. Outdoor activities like walking tours, open-air markets, or day trips near Manila become more appealing.
You still need sun protection and light clothes, but rain gear isn’t as crucial as earlier in the season.
Seasonal Climate Factors
In fall, you’ll notice rainfall and humidity start to shift as the wet season fades. The Philippines stays exposed to tropical storms that can still affect travel and daily plans.
Transition from Rainy to Dry Season
From September to November, Manila moves from heavy monsoon rains to drier weather. September brings frequent downpours, and October still sees a lot of rain, but there’s more sun.
By November, rain drops off and humidity starts to ease. Temperatures stay warm, usually between 77°F (25°C) at night and 87–89°F (30–32°C) during the day.
Humidity often sits above 75%, making afternoons feel hotter than the number says. You can expect occasional flooding in low-lying areas during heavy rain, especially in September and October.
Streets often clear fast after showers, but travel delays are common. By late November, things get more comfortable, and the cool dry season starts.
You’ll still see scattered showers, but outdoor weather is generally better.
Typhoon Risk in Fall
Fall is the peak of typhoon season in the Philippines. Storms form over the Pacific and sometimes head for Luzon, where Manila sits.
These storms bring strong winds, heavy rain, and sometimes coastal flooding. The highest risk comes in September and October, when several tropical cyclones often pass through or near the area.
Even if a storm doesn’t hit Manila directly, rainbands can still cause widespread showers and gusty winds. By November, typhoons become less common, but the risk doesn’t vanish.
Stay tuned to weather advisories during this time. Airlines, ferries, and buses might cancel trips when storms are near, so keep travel plans flexible.
Typhoons vary in strength, but even weaker ones can disrupt power, transportation, and events. Keeping an eye on the forecast and preparing for delays can save you some headaches.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In Manila during fall, sunshine hours drop compared to the dry season. Daylight hours also get a bit shorter, but not as dramatically as in northern places.
Average Daily Sunshine
From September to November, Manila gets fewer hours of direct sun than in summer. September and October average about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day, with November bumping up to around 5 hours.
Frequent clouds and rain cut down on sun during the end of the wet season. September is especially cloudy, with only about 36% of daylight hours being sunny.
By November, skies clear up, and sunny hours rise to around 45%. You’ll see more overcast mornings and afternoons in September and October, with brighter days showing up more in November.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, late morning to early afternoon usually offers the best shot at sunshine.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Manila’s daylight stays pretty steady all year since it’s near the equator. In fall, days range from about 12 hours in September to 11 hours and 25 minutes in November.
The change is slow, so you probably won’t notice much. For example:
- September: ~12h 11m of daylight
- October: ~11h 46m of daylight
- November: ~11h 25m of daylight
Sunrise shifts only a bit, usually between 5:45–6:00 a.m., and sunset falls between 5:25–5:45 p.m. the whole season.
Unlike higher latitudes, you don’t get big swings in daylight, which actually makes daily planning easier.
Travel Considerations for Fall
Rain eases up in Manila as fall goes on, but humidity stays high and the air remains warm. You’ll get a mix of wet days and clearer skies, so smart planning and packing make a big difference.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
In September, heavy rain is still common, so indoor activities like museums, malls, or exploring Intramuros work best. By October and November, with rainfall dropping, you get more chances for outdoor fun.
You can enjoy Rizal Park, stroll along Manila Baywalk, or take day trips to nearby beaches when the weather cooperates.
Shorter daylight hours mean it’s better to schedule outdoor tours earlier in the day. Cultural events and food tours are always solid options since you don’t need to worry much about the weather.
Manila’s street food markets and local restaurants are great for ducking out of sudden showers.
If you like water activities, the sea stays warm, averaging 82–84°F. Swimming or island-hopping is still possible, just watch out for storms earlier in the season.
Packing Tips for Visitors
Pack light, breathable clothes—daily highs stick around the upper 80s °F, and humidity is almost constant. Cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses help in the sticky air.
Bring a light rain jacket or a compact umbrella, especially for September or early October.
Waterproof shoes or sandals that dry fast are practical. The sun stays strong, even with clouds, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Mosquito repellent is a good idea because of standing water after rain. For evenings, a thin long-sleeve shirt keeps mosquitoes away and adds a little warmth if there’s a breeze.
Keep your packing simple, but ready for the weather.
How Fall in Manila Compares to Other Seasons
Fall in Manila brings lingering rains, high humidity, and a slow move toward cooler weather. Compared to other times of year, you’ll notice changes in rainfall, clouds, and daylight that shape comfort and activities.
Differences from Summer and Winter
Summer in Manila really brings the rainy season into full swing. From June to August, you’ll probably deal with heavy downpours almost daily, and typhoons? They’re definitely more likely.
August tends to be the wettest month. Around 70% of the days get rain, so making outdoor plans can feel pretty pointless sometimes.
When fall rolls around, the rain starts to back off a bit. September is still pretty damp, but by November, you’ll notice the rain lets up, and the skies clear out more.
Days also get a little shorter, with sunset coming earlier than it does in summer. It’s a subtle shift, but you’ll feel it.
Winter in Manila, which runs from December to February, feels drier and a touch cooler. Highs hover near 29°C, and honestly, the humidity isn’t as suffocating as it is in the fall.
You’ll get more clear skies, and this is actually when rainfall drops to its lowest all year. It’s a relief after all that summer rain.
So, fall just sits in the middle. It’s wetter and cloudier than winter, but you won’t get hammered by storms like you do in summer. The season feels more like a gradual change than anything extreme.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Visiting in Fall
If you visit in fall, you’ll notice lower rainfall compared to summer. By late October and November, you can usually count on more dry days, which makes sightseeing and outdoor activities a whole lot easier.
Temperatures stick to a warm range, usually between 25°C and 31°C. You probably won’t need to pack heavy clothing.
Another bonus is that fall skips the peak tourist season. You’ll likely find fewer crowds at attractions and better chances of getting a hotel room compared to the busy winter months.
But there are a few downsides. September and early October often feel humid and rainy, which isn’t always ideal.
Heavy showers can flood roads, and the sky tends to stay gray. If you’re after the clearest weather, honestly, winter might suit you better.
Fall sits in the middle. You get less rain than summer, but you won’t see the crisp skies of winter just yet. Whether that trade-off feels right really depends on how much you care about avoiding crowds or if you’d rather have drier, cooler weather.