Question 1

How much rain does Manila get during the rainy season?

Accepted Answer

Manila receives substantial rainfall during the rainy season, with over 1,680mm (66 inches) of precipitation recorded from June to November 2024. This wet period accounts for approximately 77% of the city's total annual rainfall.

July 2024 was the wettest month in Manila, recording 445.6mm (17.5 inches) of rain. September followed closely with 433.9mm, while October brought 267.1mm. During the six-month wet season, 138 out of 183 days experienced measurable rainfall above 1mm, meaning three out of every four days saw rain.

The most intense single-day rainfall in Manila during 2024 occurred on September 2, when 120.4mm (4.7 inches) fell in just 24 hours. The city experienced 14 days with heavy rainfall exceeding 25mm throughout the wet season. Average humidity during this period reached 83%, with temperatures averaging 27.8°C (82.1°F).

For visitors planning trips to Manila during the rainy season, expect afternoon thunderstorms and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. Indoor activities and covered attractions become more practical options during this period. The rains typically arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than continuous drizzle, so brief outdoor excursions remain possible between showers.

Question 2

What was the hottest day in Manila in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Manila recorded its hottest day of 2024 on April 30, when temperatures soared to 38.1°C (100.6°F). This scorching peak occurred during the height of the dry season, which typically brings the most intense heat to the Philippine capital.

The extreme heat on April 30 saw the average daily temperature reach 31.7°C (89.1°F), with nighttime lows remaining warm at 26.7°C (80.1°F). Humidity was relatively moderate at 58.7%, though the combination of high heat and moisture still created challenging conditions for residents.

April 2024 was Manila's hottest month overall, with an average daily maximum of 36.0°C (96.9°F). The city experienced 49 days throughout the year when temperatures exceeded 35°C (95°F), with 10 of those days reaching 37°C (98.6°F) or higher. The top five hottest days all occurred between late April and early May, including April 28 and May 2 at 37.5°C (99.5°F), and April 26 and May 7 at 37.4°C (99.3°F).

For anyone planning outdoor activities in Manila, avoiding the late April to early May period is advisable when extreme heat is most common. The annual average maximum temperature of 32.0°C (89.7°F) indicates that warm conditions are the norm year-round in this tropical city.

Question 3

What is the sunniest month in Manila?

Accepted Answer

April is the sunniest month in Manila, with 330.7 hours of sunshine recorded in 2024. This translates to an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

During April 2024, Manila enjoyed nearly cloudless skies combined with minimal rainfall of just 5.6mm for the entire month. The average temperature reached 30.4°C (86.7°F), creating warm but manageable conditions before the onset of the rainy season.

The contrast with other months is striking. December 2024 was the least sunny month with only 185.9 hours of sunshine, meaning April received nearly 145 hours more sunshine. The top three sunniest months in Manila during 2024 were:

- April: 330.7 hours (5.6mm rain)
- June: 321.3 hours (231.8mm rain)
- May: 302.9 hours (210.9mm rain)

While June ranks second for sunshine, it comes with significant rainfall as the monsoon season begins. This makes April the clear winner for visitors seeking both sunny skies and dry weather in Manila. The city recorded a total of 3,185.7 hours of sunshine throughout 2024, averaging 265.5 hours per month.

For the best combination of sunshine and comfortable weather conditions, planning a visit to Manila in April offers the most reliable sunny weather of the year.

Question 4

What are the coolest months in Manila and when is the best time to visit?

Accepted Answer

Manila's coolest month is January, with an average temperature of 26.5°C (79.7°F) in 2024. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, when temperatures are slightly lower and humidity is more manageable.

In 2024, January recorded the lowest average temperatures and the coolest nighttime lows of 20.7°C (69.3°F). February followed closely with an average of 27.6°C (81.7°F) and the lowest humidity of the year at just 66.1%. These two months also received minimal rainfall, with February seeing only 4.6mm and January recording 17.9mm of precipitation.

The dry season in Manila averages 27.9°C (82.3°F) with 70.8% humidity and receives just 344.9mm of total rainfall across six months. In contrast, the wet season from May to October brings 82.0% average humidity and 1,833.0mm of rain, making outdoor activities challenging.

For visitors planning a trip to Manila, January through March offers the most comfortable weather conditions. While temperatures remain warm year-round, the combination of lower humidity and minimal rainfall during these months creates ideal conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city. April can be quite hot, reaching average highs of 38.1°C (100.6°F), so travelers sensitive to heat should plan accordingly.

Question 5

What is the average humidity in Manila throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Manila has an average annual humidity of 76.4% based on 2024 data, with significant variation between the dry and wet seasons.

The humidity in Manila follows a clear seasonal pattern. During the dry season from November to April, average humidity sits at around 70.8%, with April being the least humid month at just 62.4%. This makes the dry season more comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing in the city.

The wet season from May to October brings notably higher humidity levels, averaging 82.0%. September 2024 recorded the highest humidity at 85.8%, closely followed by October at 84.6% and July and August both at 84.4%. Five consecutive months from June to October exceeded 80% humidity in 2024.

The humidity variation in Manila spans 23.4 percentage points throughout the year, from a low of 62.4% in April to a peak of 85.8% in September. This swing closely correlates with precipitation patterns, as 2024 data showed a strong correlation (0.84) between humidity and rainfall.

For visitors planning trips to Manila, the driest and least humid conditions occur from February to April. Those sensitive to humid conditions should avoid the June to October period when humidity consistently remains above 80%, making the tropical heat feel more intense.

Mabini J. Rizal

Metro Manila

Wind

Weather Map

FAQ

How much rain does Manila get during the rainy season?

What was the hottest day in Manila in 2024?

What is the sunniest month in Manila?

What are the coolest months in Manila and when is the best time to visit?

What is the average humidity in Manila throughout the year?