Manila Bay Weather Information

Manila Bay weather is influenced almost exclusively by the two dominant weather patterns that prevail over much of the northern Philippines, depending upon the season: the northeast monsoon, "amihan", November to April; and, the southwest monsoon, "habagat", from May to October. The northeast monsoon features drier and marginally cooler weather; the southwest monsoon weather is generally warmer and wetter, especially in the afternoons. There is little temperature variation during the seasons in most places, with average highs and lows of around 31C (88F) and 24C (75F) respectively; sea surface temperature is in the range of 28C (82F) to 24C (75F).

Metro Manila′s vast expanse of concrete, required to provide houses and offices for up to 13 million inhabitants and tourists, has a direct affect on the weather. Most noticeable during the northeast monsoon, the concrete induced thermal weather activity over Metro Manila frequently spawns late afternoon thunderstorms. Also during the northeast monsoon, after the sun has had many hours to warm Laguna De Bay (the adjacent, almost equally vast, freshwater lake), a moderate to strong southeast breeze may affect the southern half of Manila Bay.

Manila Bay weather close to the city during the northeast monsoon is good for sailing, windsurfing and dragon boats; especially for novices, because the breeze near the shore is somewhat moderated by the tall buildings and there are large areas of flat water. As you venture further out into Manila Bay, away from the influence of Metro Manila, the breeze gradually increases and then funnels near the mouth of the bay, between the arms of the Bataan peninsula and Batangas province.

Manila Bay weather during the southwest monsoon is characterised by generally stronger and steadier breezes, creating larger waves near the city. For extreme windsurfing this is the time of year to venture out onto Manila Bay and offer spectacle to the many tourists and city folk who stroll along Roxas Boulevard.

Almost any time of year is great for photographing the famous Manila Bay sunset except on just a few days during the southwest monsoon when it may be totally overcast.