Manila experiences a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round, making breathable fabrics non-negotiable.
The wet season brings torrential downpours that can flood streets within minutes, so waterproof footwear becomes as essential as your phone.
Temperatures hover between 25°C and 35°C throughout the year, with April and May pushing into sweltering territory that makes air-conditioned malls a survival strategy.
Humidity regularly exceeds 70%, turning any attempt at layering into a sweaty miscalculation within minutes of stepping outside.
The city's notorious traffic jams mean you'll spend hours in transit, so prioritize wrinkle-resistant clothes that can withstand extended sitting in minimal airflow.
Manila doesn't do spring, summer, autumn, or winter—just varying degrees of hot with or without rain.