Manila is defined by a tropical monsoon climate where the rhythm of life is dictated by two major wind systems: the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) and the Habagat (Southwest Monsoon). Located in a coastal basin between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay, the city experiences high temperatures, oppressive humidity, and significant rainfall.
The Two Seasonal Pillars
Unlike temperate regions with four distinct phases, Manila operates on a binary cycle of wet and dry, influenced by the shifting monsoons.
- The Dry Season (November to May): This period begins with the arrival of the Amihan winds from the northeast. From November to February, the air is relatively cooler and drier, offering the most pleasant weather of the year. Skies are often clear, and evening temperatures can dip to a refreshing 23°C (73°F). However, as the season progresses into March through May, the heat intensifies, culminating in the "summer" peak.
- The Wet Season (June to October): Driven by the Habagat winds, this season brings warm, moisture-laden air from the southwest. Rainfall is frequent, often arriving in short, intense bursts in the late afternoon or evening. August is typically the wettest month, where the city can receive nearly 500mm (20 inches) of rain.
Daily Rhythms and the "RealFeel"
In Manila, the thermometer rarely tells the full story. The city's high humidity means that a recorded 32°C (90°F) often feels like 40°C (104°F) or higher.
- Mornings: Usually clear and deceptively calm during the wet season, making them the best time for movement.
- Afternoons: This is when the "Urban Heat Island" effect peaks. The vast stretch of concrete and lack of green space in the city trap heat, causing temperatures to rise faster than in the surrounding provinces. During the wet season, this heat often triggers convective thunderstorms.
- Evenings: Humidity levels frequently rise after sunset. While the sun is gone, the air can feel "heavy" and sticky, especially in the densely packed urban corridors.
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Typhoons (Bagyo): Manila sits in the Pacific typhoon belt. While the country sees about 20 tropical cyclones a year, Manila is often impacted by their "tail-end" effects—prolonged, heavy rains that cause flooding even if the storm's eye is hundreds of miles away. The most dangerous window for these systems is July through October.
- Monsoon Lull: Occasionally, during the rainy season, the city experiences a "lull" of several days with no rain and clear skies. Conversely, a "monsoon surge" can lead to several days of continuous, light-to-moderate drizzling rain without sunshine.
Local Microclimates and Adaptation
Manila’s geography creates distinct variations across the metro area. Coastal districts like Malabon and Navotas are prone to tidal flooding, where high tides can submerge streets even on sunny days. In contrast, the northern inland area of Quezon City is slightly more elevated but often registers the highest daytime temperatures due to its distance from the cooling sea breezes of the bay.
Locals have lived with these patterns for centuries and have adapted through a concept known as "weather-proofing" their lives. You will notice many houses built with elevated ground floors or residents owning small boats in flood-prone areas. Life in Manila involves a high degree of "disaster resilience"; when heavy rains hit, business often shifts online or slows down, and the city's famous shopping malls serve as climate-controlled refuges from both the torrential rain and the mid-afternoon heat.