Thinking about spending Christmas in Manila? You’ll find the weather warm and humid, with that unmistakable holiday buzz in the air. Average temperatures hover around 27°C (82°F), and daytime highs often hit 31–33°C (88–91°F). Nights cool off a bit, dropping to 23–25°C (73–77°F).
Rain can happen, but showers don’t last long and they’re less common than during the rainy season.
The tropical climate really shapes the city’s holiday spirit. You get about 11 hours of daylight, and humidity usually sits in the mid-80% range.
Sunshine peeks through often enough to break up the clouds, so outdoor events and gatherings stay pretty comfortable.
If you know what to expect, you’ll plan your activities and packing much more easily.
From warm afternoon strolls to breezy nights under Christmas lights, the weather creates a unique holiday vibe in the heart of the Philippines.
Overview of Manila’s Tropical Climate
Manila stays warm all year, with only minor changes in temperature. Rainfall, though, can swing a lot depending on the season.
Its low elevation and coastal setting keep things hot and humid, which you’ll definitely notice during both dry and wet months.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Manila sits on the western coast of Luzon, right along Manila Bay and not far from the South China Sea.
At about 10 meters above sea level, the city often deals with high humidity and sometimes flooding when it rains hard.
The city falls under the tropical rainforest climate (Af) in the Köppen system. Some sources call it tropical wet and dry (Aw) because of the clear wet and dry seasons.
Both types mean you get heat and plenty of rain all year.
Temperatures usually stay between 25°C and 31°C (77°F to 88°F), no matter the month.
Daytime highs and nighttime lows don’t differ much, so it’s always pretty warm.
Since humidity often sits above 70%, the “feels-like” temperature can be even higher than what the thermometer says.
Seasonal Weather Patterns in Manila
Manila really has two main seasons: the dry season from about November to May, and the wet season from June to October.
The dry months come with the northeast monsoon, which cools things off a bit and brings less rain.
During the wet season, the southwest monsoon takes over, bringing frequent showers and thunderstorms.
Typhoons happen more often from July to September, and most of the city’s 2,000 mm (79 in) of annual rain falls during these months.
Even in the dry season, it’s still humid and you might get a quick rain shower now and then.
December to February usually feels the most comfortable, with slightly lower temperatures and less sticky air.
Comparison With Other Philippine Cities
Compared to Baguio up in the mountains, Manila feels much hotter and more humid.
Baguio’s high elevation keeps it cooler—often by 8–10°C.
If you look at Cebu or Davao, the differences are smaller.
These cities also have tropical climates, but the rain patterns change a bit. Cebu spreads its rain out more evenly, while Davao’s wet season is milder.
Manila’s spot on the coast makes it more exposed to typhoons than cities farther south.
Storm-related flooding and heavy rain are more common in the capital.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas
Around Christmas, you’ll get warm days and mild nights, with way less rain than in the wet season.
The tropical climate keeps things humid, but the air feels cooler and storms aren’t as much of a worry. That makes outdoor plans a lot more pleasant.
Average Temperatures in December
Daytime temperatures in Manila usually stick to 30–32°C (86–90°F), and nights cool down to 24–25°C (75–77°F).
These numbers don’t change much through the month, so you won’t see any big swings week to week.
The heat isn’t as harsh as in April or May, which are the hottest months.
January is a bit cooler, but December is still warm—just not uncomfortably so.
You might feel a little midday heat, but mornings and evenings are much easier to handle.
If you want to walk around or visit outdoor spots, early and late hours are your best bet.
| Time of Day | Typical Temperature |
|---|---|
| Morning | 25–27°C (77–81°F) |
| Afternoon | 30–32°C (86–90°F) |
| Night | 24–25°C (75–77°F) |
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in December stays high, usually around 75–80%.
It’s less than during the peak rainy months, but you’ll still feel it.
Even in the cooler season, the air doesn’t dry out much.
When temperatures dip at night, the humidity feels less intense.
During the day, the mix of warmth and moisture can get heavy, especially if you’re in a crowd or walking far.
Wear light, breathable clothes to stay cool.
Most hotels, malls, and restaurants have air conditioning, so you’ll get a break indoors.
December feels more comfortable than other months because the heat isn’t extreme and rain is limited.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
December really marks the start of the dry season in Manila.
Rainfall drops to about 40–50 mm for the month, and you’ll only see rain on 4–6 days on average.
That’s a huge drop from the wet season, when storms can dump over 300 mm in a month.
Rain is more likely at the beginning of December, but it gets drier as Christmas approaches.
By Christmas week, you’ll probably have dry days, though a quick shower could still pop up.
Most days are dry and partly cloudy.
If it does rain, it’s usually a short burst, not a long storm.
December is easily one of the best months for sightseeing and being outside in Manila.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in December
December brings shorter days to Manila, so there’s less daylight and moderate sunshine.
You won’t get long days, but there’s still enough light for outdoor plans if you time things right.
Average Daily Sunshine Duration
You can expect 6 to 7 hours of direct sunshine per day in December.
That’s less than what you’d get in March, but it’s still a decent balance between sun and clouds.
Some years, you might get closer to 9 hours of sunshine. Other times, it’s just 5 hours on average.
Rain showers don’t last long, so the sun usually comes back out pretty quickly.
If you’re planning outdoor trips, know that fully sunny days only happen about 30–35% of the time.
Most days will be partly cloudy, but you’ll still get solid stretches of sunlight.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
December has the shortest daylight period of the year in Manila, with about 11 hours and 16–18 minutes of light each day.
Sunrise happens around 6:05–6:20 a.m., and sunset comes between 5:24–5:37 p.m.
Evenings show up earlier, so plan your sightseeing or outdoor activities for the morning or early afternoon.
Here’s a quick look at December:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Dec | ~6:05 a.m. | ~5:24 p.m. | ~11h 19m |
| Late Dec | ~6:20 a.m. | ~5:37 p.m. | ~11h 17m |
Days are shorter, but the schedule stays pretty steady, so you can plan ahead.
UV Index and Sun Protection Considerations
Even with slightly cooler air, the sun in Manila during December stays strong.
High UV exposure can still affect your skin and eyes, even if it looks cloudy.
Typical December UV Index Levels
The UV Index in December usually hits 9–10, which is definitely very high.
Your skin can burn in as little as 15–20 minutes without protection.
December’s UV readings are a bit lower than in peak summer, but you still need to be careful.
Average highs are around 27°C (82°F), but because Manila sits near the equator, solar radiation stays intense.
Daylight lasts about 11 hours, so you’re exposed for long stretches.
Clouds and rain might cut down on direct sun, but UV rays still get through.
Even on overcast days, don’t assume you’re safe from sunburn.
Recommended Sun Safety Measures
You can protect yourself by planning outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.
Put on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least 15 minutes before heading out.
Reapply every 2 hours, and more if you sweat or go swimming.
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Try to avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV levels peak.
Find shade when you can, especially if you’re walking around or joining outdoor holiday events.
Kids and people with sensitive skin need extra care.
Even though December feels milder than summer, the UV Index says you should still use sun protection every day.
Weather Impact on Christmas Festivities
Christmas in Manila usually means warm, humid days with temperatures in the mid to upper 20s °C.
You might get a light rain or quick shower, but the season is mostly dry, making it easier to host events and gatherings outside.
Outdoor Activities and Celebrations
Most Christmas events in Manila happen outdoors because the weather cooperates.
Parks, plazas, and shopping areas set up light displays and concerts.
Evening temperatures drop a bit, so walking tours and open-air activities are more comfortable.
Rain showers can still pop up, often in the afternoon or evening.
They’re usually short, but they might delay parades or street shows for a bit.
Bring a light umbrella or raincoat if you’re heading out.
The warm weather also makes late-night masses and community gatherings easier.
You won’t need heavy clothes, so moving from place to place is simple.
Quick tips for outdoor events in Manila:
- Wear light, breathable clothing.
- Carry a small umbrella.
- Stay hydrated since humidity can be high.
Effects on Local Traditions
Weather shapes how some traditions play out.
Simbang Gabi (dawn masses) usually go smoothly in December, since it’s drier and churches can welcome big crowds inside and outside.
Street vendors selling holiday treats like bibingka and puto bumbong benefit from the steady weather.
With fewer storms, stalls stay open late and draw crowds after mass.
Sometimes, a quick rain might force outdoor carolers to adjust their plans or move under cover.
But most traditions roll on, since heavy typhoons don’t often happen in December.
Warm nights and manageable rain help keep the festive atmosphere alive.
You can join public gatherings, try traditional foods, and take part in religious events without the weather disruptions that hit other months.
Travel Tips for Visiting Manila at Christmas
December in Manila brings warm days and cooler nights, with average temperatures between 23°C (73°F) and 29°C (84°F).
Rain is less common, but you could still see a quick shower, especially if a late-season typhoon brushes by.
Pack light clothes, expect crowds, and plan for both indoor and outdoor activities to make the most of your holiday in the city.
What to Pack for the Weather
You’ll want to bring light, breathable clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses for the daytime. Humidity really makes heavier fabrics feel sticky and uncomfortable.
For the evenings, toss in a light sweater or jacket—temperatures drop a bit after the sun goes down.
Footwear matters more than you might expect. Go with comfortable walking shoes for city tours, and grab some sandals for more relaxed outings.
City streets can get crowded and a bit uneven, so flimsy footwear just won’t cut it.
You probably won’t see much rain in December, but I always throw in a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket, just in case. You never know when a passing shower or even some typhoon-related rain might show up.
Don’t forget a few other essentials:
- Sunscreen for that midday sun
- Sunglasses and a hat if you’ll be outdoors a lot
- Reusable water bottle—hydration is everything
- Scarf or shawl if you plan to visit churches and need something modest
Best Practices for Staying Comfortable
Try to plan your activities around the warmest part of the day. I usually find mornings and late afternoons are best for walking tours or checking out outdoor markets.
When midday rolls around, the heat can get pretty intense. That’s a good time to duck into a mall, a museum, or maybe a church for a while.
Drink plenty of bottled or filtered water. The heat here really sneaks up on you, especially if you’re not used to tropical weather.
Traffic in Manila gets wild around Christmas. Give yourself extra time to get from one place to another.
Go ahead and book your accommodations and transport early, since everyone seems to travel during the holidays.
Try not to lug around heavy bags while you’re exploring. A small daypack should cover your essentials.
It’s just easier to move through crowded streets or hop on public transport that way.
Honestly, don’t forget to pace yourself. Manila lights up during Christmas, with music, lights, and events popping up everywhere.
Take breaks in the shade or somewhere air‑conditioned, and you’ll enjoy the festive vibe way more.