What May feels like in Manila
May sits between Manila's dry and wet seasons. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. Evenings ease the heat only slightly, and nights remain very warm. The air carries some moisture, so hot spells feel a little sticky.
Rain in Manila in May
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 7.6 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 10 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 5:28 am and sunset at about 6:16 pm (local time) — 12 h 48 min of daylight. Since mid-April the day has gained 21 min. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. Measured sunshine covers about 85% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Manila's temperature order, May sits as the 2nd warmest month. It is about as warm as April, with 96 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into June. By June, typical highs are 30.7°C (87.3°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: a good fit — hot coastal weather.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Manila in May
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Manila in May?
Afternoons average 32.6°C (90.7°F) and nights about 26.2°C (79.2°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 2nd warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Manila in May?
Quite a lot — 129 mm spread over about 17 days.
What should I wear in Manila in May?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Manila?
June scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Poor. June is cooler and has more rainy days.