Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Metro Manila, Philippines, is characterized by its tropical monsoon (Am) and tropical rainforest (Af) classifications, reflecting a vibrant ecosystem shaped by distinct seasonal patterns. Throughout the year, the region experiences a minimum temperature of 21°C (71°F) during February, gradually rising to an average of 28°C (83°F), peaking at a sweltering maximum of 36°C (98°F) in May. These temperature ranges illustrate the warm and humid conditions prevalent in this bustling metropolis, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to manage urban heat and sustain its intricate natural and urban environments.
Metro Manila experiences distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, reflecting a tropical climate that oscillates between warm and humid conditions. The year begins with relatively cooler temperatures in January and February, where minimums hover around 21-22°C (71-72°F) and average highs peak at 33°C (91°F). As the dry season progresses into March and April, temperatures rise noticeably, with April reaching maximums of 36°C (97°F). May marks the onset of the hottest month, where averages peak at 30°C (86°F), sustaining maximums of 36-38°C (97-100°F). The arrival of the rainy season in June brings a slight cooling trend, stabilizing temperatures around 28-29°C (82-85°F), which continue through to September, before gradually dropping again in the final months of the year. This cyclical temperature pattern characterizes a warm and diverse climate that is crucial for the region's ecology and urban life.
In the Metro Manila area, average temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in February to a maximum of 36°C (98°F) in May. Makati City and Manila experience similar climate patterns, with minimum temperatures of 22°C (72°F) in February and maximum temperatures reaching 36°C (98°F) in May (monthly temperatures in Makati City, monthly temperatures in Manila). Quezon City, on the other hand, has a slight variation with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in February and a maximum of 36°C (96°F) in May (monthly temperatures in Quezon City).
Precipitation in Metro Manila follows a distinctive seasonal pattern, with the dry months of January to April yielding relatively low rainfall. January kicks off the year with 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain over approximately 4 days, which gradually declines to 14 mm (0.6 in) in March, reflecting the region's transition into warmer months. However, May marks a significant change, as rainfall surges to 115 mm (4.5 in), heralding the onset of the wet season that begins in earnest in June.
The wet season is characterized by a dramatic increase in precipitation, particularly from June to August, when monsoon rains intensify. June leads this heavy rainfall period with 246 mm (9.7 in), followed by 420 mm (16.5 in) in July, the wettest month, and 362 mm (14.2 in) in August. As the season progresses into September and October, rainfall remains significant, though it begins to taper off, with 346 mm (13.6 in) and 224 mm (8.8 in) respectively. The year concludes with a decrease in both total rainfall and rainy days, totaling around 125 mm (4.9 in) in November and 149 mm (5.9 in) in December, suggesting a gradual transition back to drier conditions.
In Metro Manila, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, marked by a steady increase during the first half of the year. The year begins with 234 hours of sunshine in January, which gradually climbs to 275 hours in February. March and April see a remarkable surge, peaking at 315 hours and 311 hours respectively, as the region transitions into the hotter months. May stands out as the sunniest month, delivering an impressive 321 hours of sunshine, providing ample daylight for both residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities before the onset of the rainy season.
As the wet season approaches, sunshine hours begin to taper off, although the decline is gradual. June maintains a relatively high 292 hours of sunlight, but by July, this drops to 260 hours, coinciding with the peak of the rainy season. This trend continues into August and September, with sunshine durations falling to 256 hours and 254 hours, respectively. The months of October through December witness a slight recovery, with November totaling 271 hours and December reaching 279 hours, indicating a gradual return to sunnier days. This cyclical pattern highlights the dynamic interplay between sunshine and the tropical climate of Metro Manila.
The UV Index in Metro Manila consistently indicates a high level of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate. Starting with 11 in January and escalating to a peak of 15 in March and April, the UV Index signifies an extreme exposure category, where individuals have a burn time of just 10 minutes under direct sunlight. This pattern emphasizes the need for effective sun protection measures, particularly during the hotter months when the potential for skin damage is significant.
As the year progresses into the rainy season, the UV Index remains notably high, with values ranging from 13 to 14 from June to October, sustaining the extreme exposure category and a burn time of 10 minutes. Notably, November and December show a slight decline to 10, categorized as very high, but still warranting caution with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. This persistent high UV Index underscores the importance of public awareness regarding sun safety practices in Metro Manila, as exposure to intense sunlight can have immediate and long-term health implications.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Metro Manila reveals a consistent pattern throughout the year, characterized by minor fluctuations that align with the region's equatorial location. In the first two months, January and February, daylight lasts approximately 11 hours, providing a balanced yet relatively short period of sunlight as the year begins. With the arrival of March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration that remains steady through to September. This consistency highlights the relatively stable climatic conditions that typical equatorial locales experience, where seasonal changes have a lesser impact on day length.
As the year progresses into the latter months, daylight gradually returns to 11 hours in October and continues that way through December. This gradual shift back to shorter days reinforces the notion that Metro Manila experiences minimal variation in daylight hours, contrasting with regions further from the equator. The stable daylight duration encourages diverse outdoor activities year-round but emphasizes the importance of maximizing sunlight exposure, particularly in the leading months of the year when the days are slightly longer.
Makati City, Philippines, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Average temperatures range from 27°C (80°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in April and May, peaking at a maximum of 36°C (97°F). The city sees heavy rainfall from June to August, with July being the wettest month, receiving about 362 mm (14.2 in) of precipitation. Despite the rain, the sun shines brightly, particularly in March and May, with over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more details, visit Makati City climate.
Mandaluyong City, Philippines, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly from June to September. Temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) in January to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in April and May. The city sees the highest precipitation in July, averaging 362 mm (14.2 in), while January features less rain with 71 mm (2.8 in). Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 323 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Mandaluyong City climate.
Manila, Philippines, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 27°C (80°F) in January to about 30°C (86°F) in April and May, peaking at 36°C (97°F) during these months. The rainy season, primarily from June to October, sees significant precipitation, with July recording the highest at 362 mm (14.2 in). Meanwhile, sunshine hours vary, with March and May being the sunniest months, offering over 300 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Manila climate.
Pasay, Philippines experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly from May to October. Average temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in the warmer months, with highs peaking at 36°C (97°F) in April and May. The wet season, marked by heavy rainfall, peaks in July with 362 mm (14.2 in), while December sees lower precipitation at 160 mm (6.3 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in March and May, averaging around 316 to 323 hours. For more detailed information, visit Pasay climate.
Pasig City experiences a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) in January to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in April and May. The wettest months are July and August, receiving 362 mm (14.2 in) and 290 mm (11.4 in) of precipitation, respectively, while February and March are drier months with minimal rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in May with 323 hours, offering plenty of sunlight. This combination of heat and rainfall shapes the unique climate of Pasig City throughout the year. For more details, visit Pasig City climate.
Quezon City, Philippines, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from 26°C (80°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in May, with the hottest month being May, reaching a maximum of 36°C (96°F). The city also endures significant rainfall, particularly from June to August, with July being the wettest month at 504 mm (19.8 in). Despite the heavy rains, Quezon City enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in May with 317 hours. For more detailed information, visit Quezon City climate.
Taguig, Philippines experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round and distinct rainy months. From January to March, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), while April and May see even higher peaks, reaching up to 36°C (97°F). The rainy season begins in June, peaking in July with substantial precipitation of 362 mm (14.2 in), while average daily sunshine varies throughout the year, with March enjoying the most hours at 316. For more detailed information, visit Taguig climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Metro Manila is characterized by its consistent warmth, high humidity, and significant rainfall, all of which interact to create a vibrant urban environment. The notable seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index underline the region's tropical nature and highlight the necessity for residents and visitors alike to adopt effective sun protection and heat management strategies. Understanding these climatic factors not only enhances awareness of the health risks associated with UV exposure but also showcases the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in this dynamic metropolis. As climate patterns evolve, continued attention to environmental changes will be essential for fostering a sustainable future for Metro Manila and its inhabitants.