Manila Weather in December

Wet, warm days

December in Manila feels warm and sticky, with frequent rain. The month gets 415 mm of rain across 27 days, so showers can interrupt plans even when the sky looks bright. November is also wet, but December brings more rain; January is much drier.

You can still explore indoor sights like the National Museum of Fine Arts, or duck into a café in Binondo between showers. Intramuros is worth visiting, but wet paving can make its old streets less comfortable to walk. Keep outdoor plans flexible rather than counting on a dry beach day.

Christmas in the city

Manila leans into Christmas in December. You may hear carols and see festive lights around Makati, while churches hold Simbang Gabi, a series of Christmas-season dawn Masses. It's a lovely time to see local traditions, but popular shopping areas and roads can get packed.

Travelling with kids? The Christmas lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati make an easy evening outing, though the area gets busy.

Crowds and getting around

The Christmas and New Year holiday period brings more local travellers and visiting families. Expect crowds and higher hotel and flight prices than in quieter months, especially close to the holidays. If you hate crowds, plan museum visits for weekdays and avoid major malls at peak shopping times.

For a practical rainy-day route, take the LRT-1 to Central Terminal for Intramuros, then visit nearby Manila Cathedral. Check conditions before setting out; rain and holiday traffic can make short journeys slow. For a drier visit, January and February are better choices.