Best time to visit Philippines

+145
Philippines

Best time of year to visit Philippines

Although wet season doesn't mean everyday downpours, dry season from November to April is the best time to visit the Philippines. March and April are slightly hotter and Easter holidays usually are booked out, so December–February are the most pleasant months. Winter is also full of special bright events like Ati-Atihan Festival or Feast of the Black Nazarene. It's also the best time to enjoy beach season and activities like snorkelling, hiking, and rafting. You can easily mess with typhoons in the wettest months of July, August, and September which can cause the cancellation of flights. Anyway, whenever you decide to visit the Philippines, there is always a chance to face typhoons as the weather is quite unpredictable. May and November are known for price cuts and moderate crowds and are considered to be perfect months for enjoying the archipelago's lush sceneries.

20 THINGS TO DO IN PHILIPPINES (FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 08)

Panagbenga Festival

Panagbenga Festival

unconfirmedMarch 1–March 10 • event

A month-long celebration of the blooming season

Stargazing

Stargazing

all year round (best in March–May) • nature

Enjoy the Philippines' dark sky full of stars

Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces

September–June • nature

Do not miss a chance to visit the potential “Eighth Wonder of the World”

Philippine Eagle

Philippine Eagle

all year round • nature

The national bird of the Philippines is renowned as the world's largest eagle species and is found nowhere else across the globe

Beach Season

Beach Season

November–May • nature

Beach season is the best part of the year in any country, and the Philippines is no exception

Firefly Watching

Firefly Watching

December–January | available all year (Take note: in case of heavy rain in June–August guided tours get canceled) • nature

Discover natural Christmas trees in mangrove forests

Hinatuan Enchanted River

Hinatuan Enchanted River

December–April • nature

A fantastic river in this Philippine jungle seems to pop from the ground with its beautiful turquoise waters

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills

December–July • nature

One of the most prominent geological landmarks of the Philippines

Ifugao Mumbaki

Ifugao Mumbaki

all year round • activity

Check out mysterious rites performed by indigenous Ifugao Shamans

El Nido Caves

El Nido Caves

December–May • nature

Come closer to the history of the Philippines and discover its oldest caves

Kitesurfing on Boracay

Kitesurfing on Boracay

November–April • activity

Time for water sports at the Philippine's natural jewel!

Climbing Mount Apo

Climbing Mount Apo

March–May (all year round) • activity

Conquer the highest mountain of the Philippines

Waling-Waling Orchid

Waling-Waling Orchid

February–March | August–September • nature

The Philippines are called the kingdom of orchids for a reason, and Waling-waling is its queen

Aguinid Falls

Aguinid Falls

December–June | July–October • nature

A system of waterfalls with green rocks and turquoise water is a popular spot for photos

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano

October–June • nature

The smallest active volcano in the world is considered to be one of the most dangerous

Cycling

Cycling

November–May • activity

Cycling is always a good idea when you have such rich nature around

Kinilaw (Kilawin)

Kinilaw (Kilawin)

all year round • food

Discover the taste of the Philippines

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

November–April (all year) • activity

Do not miss a chance to get acquainted with the undersea inhabitants of the Philippines

Suman

Suman

all year round • food

Check out Filipino desserts, starting with a special rice cake called suman

Patapat Viaduct

Patapat Viaduct

December–May • activity

Enjoy the ride along the 5th longest bridge in the Philippines

34 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Simbáng Gabi (Misa de Gallo)

Simbáng Gabi (Misa de Gallo)

out of rangeDecember 16–December 24 • event

A Filipino Christmas tradition in anticipation of Christmas

Giant Lantern Festival

Giant Lantern Festival

out of rangeDecember 16, 2023–January 1, 2024 • event

Welcome to the divine world of lights

Quiapo Fiesta: Feast of the Black Nazarene

Quiapo Fiesta: Feast of the Black Nazarene

out of rangeJanuary 9 | March 29, 2024 | December 31 • event

A 22-hour procession is believed to heal and give miraculous powers

Kadayawan Festival

Kadayawan Festival

out of rangeAugust 14–20, 2023 • event

A celebration of life and gratefulness—that's what this festival is about

Dinagyang Festival

Dinagyang Festival

unconfirmedJanuary 12 - January 28 • event

The most award-winning festival of the Philippines

Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan Festival

unconfirmedJanuary 11, 2024 • event

If you are looking for a party, try the most popular one among the Filipinos themselves

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

on holdMarch 6–8, 2020 • event

The best time to visit Carmona, Cavite is during "a weekend of everything that flies"

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 10, 2024 • event

Loud firecrackers and dancing dragons highlight massive street parties and celebrations

Oblation Run

Oblation Run

out of rangeDecember 16 • event

The statue of the naked man called Oblation gave the event its name and symbolic meaning

Paraw Regatta Festival

Paraw Regatta Festival

out of rangeFebruary 5–10, 2023 • event

Take part in Asia’s oldest traditional craft event and the Philippines' largest sailing festival

Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival

Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival

out of rangeApril 27 • event

Filipinos commemorate their heroes and heritage with the reenactment of the historical events

Pahiyas Festival

Pahiyas Festival

out of rangeMay 15 • event

A vibrant harvest celebration in Lucban in the province of Quezon

Santo Niño de Cebú

Santo Niño de Cebú

out of rangemid-January • event

See for yourself a miraculous statue of baby Jesus brought by Magellan

Cloud 9 Surfing

Cloud 9 Surfing

out of rangelate August–late November • activity

Catch the best waves in the Philippines

Guling-Guling Festival

Guling-Guling Festival

out of rangeFebruary 21, 2023 • event

Join this tradition which has been celebrated for more than 400 years

Higalaay Festival

Higalaay Festival

out of rangeAugust 28 • event

Celebrating true relationships in the City of Golden Friendship

Holy Week & Easter

Holy Week & Easter

out of rangeMarch 24–31, 2024 • event

Numerous processions, Passion plays, and the Way of the Cross—religious traditions make it the most spectacular week

Dagupan City Bangus Festival

Dagupan City Bangus Festival

unconfirmedApril 2024 • event

A vibrant celebration of the national fish of Philippines

MassKara Festival

MassKara Festival

out of rangeOctober 22, 2023 • event

A vibrant masquerade, street and dance parties

Vigan City Fiesta and Longganisa Festival

Vigan City Fiesta and Longganisa Festival

out of rangelate January • event

Being famous for its architecture aquired during the Spanish era of colonization, Vigan, the capital of Ilocos Sur, is also renowed for its spicy meat dishes

Torotot Festival

Torotot Festival

out of rangeDecember 31–January 1 • event

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with party horns in the city of Davao

Boracay Open: the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

Boracay Open: the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

out of rangeMarch 8-10, 2024 • event

Frisbee fans appreciate this annual Ultimate Tournament held on Boracay's beach

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate October–early November • event

In the Philippines, Halloween traditions are special and family-oriented

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Manila boasts the largest New Year Countdown celebration in the Philippines

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangeearly March—late April • nature

Enjoy the Philippines' alternative of cherry trees

Kabkaban Festival

Kabkaban Festival

out of rangeNovember 23–November 29 • event

Drive away the bad spirits while enjoying the Kabkaban Festival

Pasko Fiesta sa Davao

Pasko Fiesta sa Davao

out of rangeDecember • event

Join one of the longest Christmas holiday seasons in the world

Higantes Festival

Higantes Festival

out of rangeNovember 22–November 23 • event

Giant puppets parade the streets of Angono

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting

out of rangeJuly–January • activity

If you prefer extreme sports, you will enjoy the whitewater rafting at various mountain rivers

Ginanggang

Ginanggang

out of rangeMay 14, 2023 • food

Want to try Filipino Barbequed Bananas? Then you should go to the island of Mindanao

Tinikling

Tinikling

out of rangeJune 12 • activity

Watch the dance of the birds in the Philippines

Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival

Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival

out of rangeApril 27-28, 2024 • event

The island of Boracay annually hosts this traditional and spectacular competition

Ibon-Ebon Festival

Ibon-Ebon Festival

overFebruary 1–2, 2018 • event

This is a great time to see migratory birds and learn the dances of our feathered friends

Kesong Puti Festival

Kesong Puti Festival

out of rangeJuly 6–8, 2021 • event

A true paradise for white cheese fans

Last updated:
Jan
6.5
Feb
6.2
Mar
5.8
Apr
5.6
May
5.3
Jun
4.9
Jul
4.8
Aug
4.8
Sep
4.8
Oct
5.2
Nov
5.5
Dec
5.9

Philippines weather in January

6.5/10 score
Good
27° average
average temperatures
24 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
January is considered to be the cooler part of the dry season in the Philippines. The reasonable temperatures are comfortable both for sunbathing and sightseeing. However, they significantly drop at higher elevations in northern Luzon. The nights are especially cold there. Although the chance of rain is minimal in January, you can face lingering monsoons if heading to the eastern Visayas or the island of Siargao. The waters around Boracay and Palawan can be quite rough throughout January. Still, these locations will be perfect for enjoying the beach activities. Pack some lightweight clothes, a hat, and a sunscreen if planning a trip to the Philippines in January. And don't forget about an umbrella.

Philippines weather in February

6.2/10 score
Good
28° average
average temperatures
24 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The weather in the Philippines in February still represents the dry season, with temperatures slightly higher than in January. It is warm, sunny, and the length of the day is slowly increasing throughout the month. The probability of rain is minimal across the islands, and sunny days usually dominate throughout the month. In the Cordillera region, it feels much cooler than in the south or in Manila. The temperatures of the seawater are pleasant enough for swimming or diving. However, the waters can be rough around Boracay and Palawan. If you're planning a February trip to the Philippines, mind packing all the essentials like breathable summery clothes and comfortable shoes. Sunglasses, a hat, and a reliable sunscreen are also desirable to be brought.

Philippines weather in March

5.8/10 score
Acceptable
29° average
average temperatures
24 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Everything is beginning to heat up in March, but it is still a pleasant time to visit the Philippines. The temperatures occasionally rise over the thirties in Manila. The same story in the southern parts of a tropical archipelago. You might even face around eight hours of sunshine a day. Fresh coastal breeze caress the resorts of Siargao and El Nido, and the water in the sea is perfect for swimming. Even though there is a possibility of rain in the Philippines throughout March, you are not likely to witness it. If you are in search of fresher air, head for the mountains where the temperatures are a bit cooler. However, you might need to hide from the scorching sun there anyway. Packing light longsleeved clothes along with sandals for your journey to the Philippines is always a good idea. Especially in March. Cover your eyes with sunglasses and the skin with sunscreen. A wide-brimmed hat is also a must-have.

Philippines weather in April

5.6/10 score
Acceptable
30° average
average temperatures
24 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Being the last month of a dry season, a popular time to visit the Philippines, April sees the most of heat, sunny days and blue skies, especially on the coastal beach resorts of Boracay, El Nido or Mactan. Diving is close to perfect activity throughout April as the visibility is fantastic, and the water is unbelievably warm. If you like cooler climate, an escape to northern Luzon with its tolerable temperatures sounds like a good idea. First things first, if you decided to go to the Philippines in April, make sure you packed a swimsuit to laze in heavenly water and sunscreen to be protected from the sun. Other essentials are light clothes, sandals, sunglasses, and a hat.

Philippines weather in May

5.3/10 score
Acceptable
31° average
average temperatures
26 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
May is considered to be one of the hottest months in the Philippines with fair humidity levels around Manila. Mountainous Cordillera region, along with coastal resorts of Siargao or Palawan, faces more tolerable temperatures, but mainly it's sweltering throughout the country. As the wet season is ready to rush into, the showers are not uncommon by the end of May. However, it is the best relief from the humidity, and dry days still happen sometimes. First of all, pack an umbrella if you are planning a trip to the Philippines in May, as you never know when the rain might meet you. Don't forget to bring breathable clothes in light colors. That might help you to deal with hot conditions. Swimming suit and sunscreen will also be a good idea.

Philippines weather in June

4.9/10 score
Marginal
30° average
average temperatures
34 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
June is the month when the wet season is ready to commence. Rain showers make their way across the majority of the Philippines: they start in the north and then move to the south in the course of a month. However, the surroundings of Cebu or Bohol usually stay relatively dry in June. The landscapes go a lot, greener and prettier at that time. Humidity levels drop a little together with average temperatures. However, it is still unbearably hot around Manila. When you decided to take a trip to the Philippines in June, take care of bringing waterproof clothes and sandals with you. As the heat lasts, mind packing some light clothes which not shackle you.

Philippines weather in July

4.8/10 score
Marginal
29° average
average temperatures
37 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The wet season runs on with substantial rainfall around the Philippines in July. Due to the downpours, the northern regions can be challenging to reach. So if you'd like to stay away from the heaviest precipitation, head off to southern parts of the country. Siargao, Bohol, or Cebu will suit perfectly. Even though rain is possible in those regions, it is mostly insignificant than in Manila or northern parts of the Philippines. Daily temperatures are comfortable and stumble near twenties and occasionally thirties. When you are planning your trip to the Philippines in July, mind packing your waterproof clothes to protect yourself from the rain along with comfortable clothes and shoes.

Philippines weather in August

4.8/10 score
Marginal
29° average
average temperatures
38 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
In terms of weather in the Philippines, the first part of August has very much in joint with July. The temperatures are moderate and pleasant during the month. Heavy showers are expected throughout most of the country, especially in northern Luzon and Cordillera. If you'd like to avoid the rain throughout August, southerly regions such as Cebu or Siargao with no dramatic weather changes are here for your attention. The second part of August is better to be avoided because of the increased chance of typhoons. Get prepared for your trip to the Philippines properly: in August you'll need all the waterproof clothes you have, especially shoes and poncho.

Philippines weather in September

4.8/10 score
Marginal
29° average
average temperatures
36 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
A high chance of heavy rainfall and typhoons is expected in the Philippines throughout September. Being one of the wettest months, September monsoonal rains mostly spread across the northern regions such as the island of Luzon. However, there are always places to hide from the worst weather conditions. These are southern Siargao, Bohol, or Cebu. Even though the showers happen there too, they are not very appealing to downpours, and the days there are mostly bright and sunny. The weather is mostly warm and pleasant across the islands. If you are daredevil and planning the September trip to the Philippines, mind packing waterproof poncho and shoes if you are traveling to northern regions, swimming suits and sunscreen will be fine for the south. However, the umbrella won't hurt there either.

Philippines weather in October

5.2/10 score
Acceptable
29° average
average temperatures
29 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Even though most of the rains clear away across the Philippines by the end of October, typhoons are still possible at the beginning of the month. Typhoon activity is rarely detected in the southern Palawan and Visayas while they are still possible in the northern regions and Luzon. Even though daily temperatures drop a little, the weather is still pleasant, especially at the end of the month, which makes it suitable for swimming and sunbathing. While planning a trip to the Philippines in October, you should take into account vagaries of the weather. Pack some essentials such as lightweight clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bathing suit. However, don't forget about the raingear to protect you from the rain.

Philippines weather in November

5.5/10 score
Acceptable
29° average
average temperatures
26 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
November is the official start of the dry season in the Philippines. There is still a chance of typhoons, especially in the northern regions, so planning a trip at the end of the month sounds like the best idea — good weather and sunny skies throughout the Philippines will be here for you. Even though the temps are a bit lower than in previous months, it is still pleasant outside with humidity levels reducing day after day. If your vacation to the Philippines falls in November, you shouldn't be worried about the weather conditions. Especially if you packed waterproof clothes along with sunscreen and swimsuit. The weather is quite unstable throughout November, so bring everything that will make you feel comfortable.

Philippines weather in December

5.9/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
26 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Due to favorable weather conditions, December is deemed to be the one best months to visit the Philippines. The dry season is almost there, so the days are typically sunny, with minimal downpours and little chance of typhoons around the country. Temperatures are a bit cooler, and humidity levels continue to drop substantially. It is quite warmer in central and northern regions and cooler on the north. The mountainous Cordillera also sees the weather perfect enough to trek around the Banaue Rice Terraces. The essentials you should pack to the Philippines in December include breathable clothes, bathing suit, sunglasses, and, of course, sunscreen. Bring an umbrella with you just in case.