Best Time to Visit Manila
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, vibrant culture, and endless attractions. The best time to visit Manila depends on your interests and preferences, but the city offers a unique experience year-round. Let’s explore the ideal times to visit and what you can do during each season.
Spring: March to May
Spring in Manila is characterized by mild temperatures and pleasant weather, making it a great time to explore the city. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), which is perfect for outdoor activities. During this period, the city hosts several festivals, including the Feast of San Isidro Labrador, known as the “Day of the Plowman,” which celebrates the patron saint of farmers and workers.
FAQ: What to See in Spring?
- Malacañang Palace: Visit the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines. Guided tours are available daily.
- Baguio City: A cooler mountain retreat, about 162 kilometers (101 miles) north of Manila. Enjoy the cool weather and scenic views.
- Quirino Grandstand: A popular spot for parades and public events, offering a panoramic view of Manila.
FAQ: How to Get There?
- Bus: Buses from Manila to Baguio take approximately 6 hours, with several departures daily.
- Train: The Philippine National Railways (PNR) offers scenic train rides from Manila to Baguio, taking about 4.5 hours.
FAQ: What It Costs?
- Entry Fee: Malacañang Palace: Free guided tours, but reservations are required. Baguio City: Entrance to tourist attractions varies, with some costing around PHP 200-500 (USD 3.60-9.00).
- Transportation: Bus: PHP 300-500 (USD 5.50-9.00) per trip. Train: PHP 1,000-1,500 (USD 18.00-27.00) per trip.
FAQ: Where to Stay Nearby?
- Baguio: Recommended hotels include the Baguio City Hotel and the Cityview Hotel. Prices range from PHP 2,000-5,000 (USD 36.00-90.00) per night.
- Manila: For those staying in Manila, consider the Pearl Continental Hotel or the Grand Mercure Manila. Prices range from PHP 4,000-8,000 (USD 72.00-144.00) per night.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Manila is hot and humid, with temperatures peaking at around 32°C (90°F) and often reaching 35°C (95°F). Despite the heat, this season is ideal for beachgoers and those who prefer indoor activities. The city hosts the Sinulog Festival in January, which is one of the biggest religious festivals in the Philippines, and the Ateneo de Manila University’s Ateneo Jazz Festival in February.
FAQ: What to See in Summer?
- Quirino Grandstand: Enjoy the grandstand’s events and the nearby Rizal Park, a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
- Manila Bay: Explore the Manila Bay area, which offers a mix of modern and historical attractions, including the Manila Cathedral and the Rizal Monument.
- Binondo: Visit the oldest Chinese quarter in the Western Hemisphere, known for its vibrant markets and traditional architecture.
FAQ: How to Get There?
- Public Transport: Buses and jeepneys are the most common modes of transport. The Manila Bay area is easily accessible via public transport.
FAQ: What It Costs?
- Entry Fee: Rizal Park: Free. Manila Cathedral: Free, but donations are accepted. Binondo: Free, but souvenir shops and eateries may charge.
- Transportation: Jeepney: PHP 15-20 (USD 0.27-0.36) per ride. Bus: PHP 50-100 (USD 0.90-1.80) per ride.
FAQ: Where to Stay Nearby?
- Manila Bay Area: Recommended hotels include the Sofitel Manila and the InterContinental Manila. Prices range from PHP 3,000-7,000 (USD 54.00-126.00) per night.
Fall: September to November
Fall in Manila is known for its cooler temperatures, making it a comfortable time to explore the city. The weather is generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F). This period is ideal for outdoor activities and cultural events, such as the Ateneo Jazz Festival in February and the Pista sa Manilang Bayani, a celebration of the city’s heroes.
FAQ: What to See in Fall?
- Quirino Grandstand: Enjoy the grandstand’s events and the nearby Rizal Park, a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
- Baguio City: A cooler mountain retreat, about 162 kilometers (101 miles) north of Manila. Enjoy the cool weather and scenic views.
- Manila Bay: Explore the Manila Bay area, which offers a mix of modern and historical attractions, including the Manila Cathedral and the Rizal Monument.
FAQ: How to Get There?
- Bus: Buses from Manila to Baguio take approximately 6 hours, with several departures daily.
- Train: The Philippine National Railways (PNR) offers scenic train rides from Manila to Baguio, taking about 4.5 hours.
FAQ: What It Costs?
- Entry Fee: Rizal Park: Free. Manila Cathedral: Free, but donations are accepted. Baguio City: Entrance to tourist attractions varies, with some costing around PHP 200-500 (USD 3.60-9.00).
- Transportation: Bus: PHP 300-500 (USD 5.50-9.00) per trip. Train: PHP 1,000-1,500 (USD 18.00-27.00) per trip.
FAQ: Where to Stay Nearby?
- Baguio: Recommended hotels include the Baguio City Hotel and the Cityview Hotel. Prices range from PHP 2,000-5,000 (USD 36.00-90.00) per night.
- Manila: For those staying in Manila, consider the Pearl Continental Hotel or the Grand Mercure Manila. Prices range from PHP 4,000-8,000 (USD 72.00-144.00) per night.
What flights LON to MNL actually cost
Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Cheapest dates to fly
| Departure | Price | Airline | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Sept 2026 | €416 | CA | 1 stop | Check |
| 16 Nov 2026 | €425 | CZ | 1 stop | Check |
| 2 Dec 2026 | €434 | CA | 1 stop | Check |
| 25 Nov 2026 | €436 | CA | 1 stop | Check |
| 27 Nov 2026 | €436 | CA | 1 stop | Check |
Live fares, checked 31 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.
Booking in Manila: where to look
We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.
- Tiqets — Instant mobile tickets for museums and landmarks
- Klook — Attraction tickets and passes, strong in Asia
- KKday — Local experiences and day tours
- Airalo — eSIM data the moment you land, no SIM swap
Winter: December to February
Winter in Manila is the coolest period of the year, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This season is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, as the weather is mild and pleasant. The city hosts the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Intramuros, a historic district, and the Christmas season, which is celebrated with vibrant lights and festive activities.