Manila Weather in March

March: hot, sticky days

March feels like the start of Manila's hot season. Afternoons can be sticky, with highs around 31°C, and brief rain is still common. You'll get plenty of sun, but cloudy spells and showers can interrupt a day out. The comfort score is poor, so expect sightseeing to feel tiring.

Intramuros works well if you take breaks inside churches and museums. Save a long walk around Rizal Park for a cooler part of the day. A boat trip on Manila Bay can be pleasant, but don't count on dry weather all day.

Events and crowds

There isn't one major annual festival that defines March in Manila. Holy Week sometimes falls in March, though its dates change each year. If it does, expect church services and processions, plus closures and reduced transport during the holiday period.

If you hate crowds, avoid travelling around Holy Week. Otherwise, March is usually less busy than the Christmas and New Year period, though local school breaks can bring more Filipino families to popular sights. Prices can rise around Holy Week, while the rest of the month is generally less in demand than peak holiday periods.

Make the city easier

For a city break, plan your day around indoor stops such as the National Museum complex, then explore Intramuros when the heat eases. Skip long, exposed walks in the midday sun; the warmth and humidity can wear you down quickly.

Travelling with kids? Keep a cool-down stop in the plan. At Intramuros, Fort Santiago's shaded paths offer a break from the open streets, though rain can make them slippery. For a local meal, duck into Binondo for dumplings and noodles between sights. A short taxi ride there can be easier than walking through the heat.