Manila in May
In May, Manila averages 34°C (93°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (130 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May in Manila is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Manila
May is one of the warmest months in Manila (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (31°C). May runs roughly the same as April (34°C) and cools 2°C in June (32°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Manila
Times shown for Manila local time (Asia/Manila), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Manila — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Manila's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Manila in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Off-peak) and Manila's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Manila
This is off-peak for Manila — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Manila
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Manila — May
Across the year Manila's sea swings from 27.6°C (February) to 31.7°C (May) — May sits at 31.7°C.
Manila in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 25 mm | 4 | 0 |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 5 mm | 2 | 0 |
| March | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 10 mm | 2 | 0 |
| April | 34°C / 93°F | 24°C / 75°F | 25 mm | 3 | 0 |
| May | 34°C / 93°F | 25°C / 77°F | 130 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 250 mm | 16 | 0 |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 410 mm | 22 | 0 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 480 mm | 23 | 0 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 360 mm | 21 | 0 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 200 mm | 18 | 0 |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 110 mm | 13 | 0 |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 65 mm | 8 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Manila in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Manila in May?
In May, Manila averages a high of 34°C (93°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Manila in May?
May sees occasional rain in Manila, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Manila?
May is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Manila in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Manila for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.