Things to do in Manila in January

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Overview

January is a great time to visit Manila. The weather is usually very warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 71—83°F (22—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Manila during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, take a trip to Taal Volcano, attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene, and more!

Manila has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Manila. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Manila in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Manila in January

Top experiences in January
Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros
Intramuros, located in the heart of Manila, is a historic walled city that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. January is a great time to explore the area and learn about its rich history and cultural heritage. You can visit iconic landmarks such as Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, stroll along the cobblestone streets, and immerse yourself in the charming colonial architecture. It's a unique and fascinating experience that offers a glimpse into Manila's storied past.
Take a trip to Taal Volcano
January is a great time to visit Taal Volcano, located just a few hours' drive from Manila. The cooler weather makes it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes surrounding the volcano. You can take a boat ride across Taal Lake and hike up to the crater, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It's a unique and unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the Philippines.
Attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene
The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a religious festival held on January 9th in Manila. It is a unique and vibrant event where millions of devotees gather to honor the statue of the Black Nazarene, believed to have miraculous powers. The procession involves a massive crowd of people pulling the carriage carrying the statue through the streets of Manila, making it a truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience.
Go on a whale shark watching tour in Oslob
January is a great time to go on a whale shark watching tour in Oslob, Cebu, which is just a short flight away from Manila. The warm waters of Oslob attract whale sharks, and visitors have the unique opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside these gentle giants. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to get up close and personal with one of the ocean's most magnificent creatures.
Take a sunset cruise along Manila Bay
In January, you can take a sunset cruise along Manila Bay and enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the iconic Manila Bay sunset. It's a romantic and unforgettable experience that allows you to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the Philippines' capital city. Many cruises also offer dinner and entertainment, making it a perfect way to spend a memorable evening in Manila.
Go on a food tour of Pampanga
Pampanga, located just north of Manila, is known as the culinary capital of the Philippines. In January, you can embark on a food tour of the region and sample a wide variety of delicious and unique dishes. From traditional Kapampangan cuisine to modern fusion dishes, Pampanga offers a diverse and flavorful culinary experience that is sure to delight food lovers.
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Holidays in Manila in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Lailatul Isra Wal Mi Raj (January 27)
  • Lunar New Year's Day (January 29)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Manila in January

Temperatures on an average day in Manila in January

The average temperature in Manila in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 71°F (22°C). Some would describe it as very warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Manila, April, has days with highs of 92°F (33°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 71°F (22°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Manila in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
83°F
highs
71°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
23%
Chance of rain
0.125 in
Amount
14.3 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
11.4 hrs
Daylight length
6:23 AM
Sunrise
5:45 PM
Sunset
40%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 83°F (28°C) and a low of 71°F (22°C), it generally feels very warm with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Manila in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Manila has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Manila that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Manila for January.
Intramuros
1. Intramuros
Historic Walking Areas
Neighborhoods
Old-world Intramuros is home to Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago, with a large stone gate and a shrine to national hero José Rizal. The ornate Manila Cathedral houses bronze carvings and stained glass windows, while the San Agustin Church museum has religious artwork and statues. Spanish colonial furniture and art fill Casa Manila museum, and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) ply the area’s cobblestone streets.
Manila Ocean Park
2. Manila Ocean Park
4.2
(15603)
Theme park
Nature & Parks
Aquatic theme park & educational facility featuring hands-on activities, an oceanarium & live shows.
Rizal Park
3. Rizal Park
4.5
(28248)
Park
Nature & Parks
Grand 57-hectare park featuring lawns, gardens, outdoor events & a monument to hero José Rizal.
Fort Santiago
4. Fort Santiago
4.6
(11607)
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
This landmark defensive fortress features a museum commemorating the national hero José Rizal.
San Agustin Church
5. San Agustin Church
4.6
(4276)
Church
Museums
Historic church constructed starting in the 16th century with vaulted ceilings & detailed frescoes.
Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach
6. Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach
4.2
(5580)
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Bordered by open-air cafes, this long, bayside walkway is a popular place to watch the sunset.
Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - The Manila Cathedral (Archdiocese of Manila)
7. Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - The Manila Cathedral (Archdiocese of Manila)
4.7
(6008)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Built in 1571, this historic church is known for its ornate architecture & visits by several popes.
Robinsons Place Manila
8. Robinsons Place Manila
4.6
(29867)
Shopping mall
Shopping
National Museum of Fine Arts
9. National Museum of Fine Arts
4.7
(7668)
Art museum
Museums
Massive museum with collections of Filipino fine art, archaeology, botany, natural history & more.
Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
10. Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
4.7
(9774)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Catholic church containing a revered 17th-century statue of Jesus called the Black Nazarene.
Casa Manila
11. Casa Manila
4.6
(587)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
This restored 1850s house is now a museum displaying Spanish colonial furniture, art & architecture.
Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel
12. Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel
3.9
(279)
Hotel
Neighborhoods
Low-key rooms & suites in a relaxed hotel with an informal restaurant & a spa, plus breakfast.
Divisoria Public Market
13. Divisoria Public Market
4.2
(3888)
Shopping mall
Sights & Landmarks
San Agustin Church
14. San Agustin Church
4.6
(4276)
Church
Museums
Historic church constructed starting in the 16th century with vaulted ceilings & detailed frescoes.
University of Santo Tomas (UST)
15. University of Santo Tomas (UST)
4.6
(742)
Private university
Sights & Landmarks
Established in 1611, this famous Catholic campus features a mix of historic & modern buildings.
Rizal Shrine at Fort Santiago
16. Rizal Shrine at Fort Santiago
4.7
(189)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Prison where 19th-century national hero Jose Rizal was held, now a museum with books & artwork.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Manila?

Get inspired for your trip to Manila with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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