Manila
About Manila
Manila, the high-energy capital of the Philippines, is a sprawling metropolis where colonial history meets a modern skyline. As a tropical destination, Manila's climate is defined by two primary seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Understanding these cycles is crucial for a successful trip, as the weather can range from perfect blue skies to intense monsoon rains and high humidity. Generally, the peak season falls during the cooler dry months from December to February, while the shoulder months of March to May bring scorching heat. The low season coincides with the rainy months from June to October, offering the lowest prices but higher risks of travel disruptions due to tropical storms. Whether you are coming for the world-class shopping, historic Intramuros, or the vibrant culinary scene, timing your visit will significantly impact your experience.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Manila at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
December to February
Cool Dry Season
March to May
Hot Dry Season (Summer)
June to September
Rainy Season (Monsoon)
October to November
Transitional Season
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Manila, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Philippine Peso (PHP) daily budgets: $35-55 / day to $250+ / day
At a Glance: When to Visit Manila
Best Overall
December–February
Cheapest
July–September
Busiest
December and April (Holy Week)
Best Weather
January and February
For Events
January (Feast of the Black Nazarene)
For Families
January–March
For Couples
February
Budget Travel
August–September
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Manila.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Manila — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Manila
January
23°C-30°C (73°F-86°F). Low precipitation, roughly 6 sunshine hours daily.
“Best for those who want the coolest weather and don't mind massive crowds during religious festivals.”
February
23°C-31°C (73°F-88°F). Very dry, clear blue skies, minimal humidity.
“Arguably the best month for weather, perfect for urban exploration and photography.”
March
24°C-33°C (75°F-91°F). Start of the hot dry season, rising temperatures.
“Ideal for those who enjoy heat but want to avoid the peak monsoon rains.”
April
25°C-34°C (77°F-93°F). Peak heat of the year, very low rainfall.
“Best for experiencing Filipino religious culture, but be prepared for intense heat and domestic travel surges.”
May
26°C-34°C (79°F-93°F). Extremely humid, occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
“A transition month that is great for seeing colorful local town festivals.”
June
25°C-32°C (77°F-90°F). Start of the rainy season, frequent rain showers.
“Good for budget travelers who don't mind rain and want to see national celebrations.”
July
25°C-31°C (77°F-88°F). Heavy rainfall, high humidity, 4 sunshine hours.
“The best month for finding hotel deals and staying indoors.”
August
25°C-31°C (77°F-88°F). Peak of the monsoon season, high risk of flooding in some areas.
“Strictly for indoor enthusiasts and bargain hunters; outdoor activities are often cancelled.”
September
25°C-31°C (77°F-88°F). Rainfall continues, but 'Ber' months bring early Christmas spirit.
“Great for book lovers and early bird shoppers as the holiday decor starts appearing.”
October
24°C-31°C (75°F-88°F). Rain begins to taper off, cooler nights.
“A good shoulder month with decreasing rain and vibrant nightlife events.”
November
24°C-31°C (75°F-88°F). Generally dry, pleasant temperatures return.
“The start of the ideal travel window; the weather is great and the holiday energy is infectious.”
December
23°C-30°C (73°F-86°F). Dry and cool, the most comfortable month.
“The most festive but most expensive and crowded time to visit; book months in advance.”
Festivals & Events in Manila
Feast of the Black Nazarene
One of the world's largest Catholic processions where millions of devotees flock to Quiapo to touch a centuries-old black statue of Jesus.
Expect extreme congestion in Old Manila; many roads are closed.Chinese New Year
Celebrated in Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, with dragon dances, fireworks, and special street food.
Very crowded in Binondo; book food tours weeks in advance.Art Fair Philippines
The premier platform for exhibiting and selling modern and contemporary Philippine visual art.
Popular with the international art crowd; Makati hotels may see higher occupancy.Holy Week (Semana Santa)
A week of solemn religious observance with processions and the tradition of Visita Iglesia.
The city becomes quiet as locals head to provinces, but some businesses close.Aliwan Fiesta
The 'Mother of All Festivals,' bringing together various cultural festivals from across the Philippines for a massive parade in Pasay.
Traffic around the CCP Complex and Roxas Boulevard is heavy.Flores de Mayo & Santacruzan
A month-long floral festival honoring the Virgin Mary, culminating in a beautiful pageant/procession.
Minor local traffic around neighborhood churches.Manila Day (Araw ng Maynila)
The founding anniversary of the city, featuring parades, concerts, and civic events.
Public holiday; some government offices and banks are closed.Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)
A festival where only local films are shown in cinemas across the city starting Christmas Day.
Malls and cinemas are extremely crowded; international films are not shown.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Manila?
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Daily Budget
Peak
$100-180 (Mid-range)
Off-Peak
$60-100 (Mid-range)
Prices peak sharply during the Christmas/New Year period and Holy Week. To save money, visit during the rainy season (July-August) when luxury hotels often offer significant discounts of up to 40%.
Where to Stay in Manila by Season
Makati City
Moderate to LuxuryYear-round
The financial heart of Manila, offering the best luxury hotels, shopping malls, and upscale dining. It is very walkable and safe.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
PremiumDry Season (Nov–May)
A modern, pedestrian-friendly district with parks, street art, and trendy cafes. Perfect for families and business travelers.
Intramuros
Budget to ModerateCool Dry Season (Dec–Feb)
Ideal for history buffs who want to be steps away from San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. Best visited when the weather is cool for walking.
Malate & Ermita
BudgetRainy Season (Jun–Oct)
Offers great value and a bohemian vibe with plenty of nightlife and museums nearby. Indoor attractions are plentiful here.
What to Pack for Manila
Cool Dry (Nov–Feb)
Pro tip: Malls and cinemas in Manila are notoriously cold; always carry a light layer for indoors.
Hot Dry (Mar–May)
Pro tip: Avoid dark colors as they absorb heat; stick to light, reflective tones.
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct)
Pro tip: Check the PAGASA (weather bureau) website daily for typhoon warnings.
Festive Season (December)
Pro tip: Traffic is at its worst in December; wear comfortable shoes as you may end up walking short distances.
FAQs: Visiting Manila
What is the best month to visit Manila?
January and February are the best months due to the cool, dry weather and lower humidity compared to the rest of the year.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Manila?
The rainy season, specifically August and September, typically offers the cheapest airfares and hotel rates.
Is Manila worth visiting in the winter?
Yes, 'winter' in Manila (Dec-Feb) is the peak tourist season because the weather is pleasantly warm and dry, and the city is full of holiday spirit.
What should I expect during the rainy season in Manila?
Expect frequent afternoon showers, high humidity, and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. It is manageable if you plan indoor activities like visiting museums or malls.
Is it safe to visit Manila during typhoon season?
Yes, but you must stay informed. Most modern hotels are well-equipped, but flights and ferries may be cancelled during severe storms.
How hot does it get in Manila during the summer?
In April and May, temperatures regularly hit 34-36°C (93-97°F), but the 'real feel' or heat index can exceed 40°C (104°F).
When is the busiest time in Manila?
December (due to Christmas) and the week of Easter (Holy Week) are the busiest times for travel and shopping.
Are there many festivals in Manila?
Yes, Manila hosts many festivals, the most famous being the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January and the Aliwan Fiesta in April.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Philippines
United Travels
Want to visit Manila,
but still have questions?
Leave a request and our team will help you plan the perfect trip from Halifax, Atlantic Canada, or anywhere across Canada to Manila.
UNITED TRAVELS