Best time to visit Philippines

Cloud 9 Surfing in Philippines

Catch the best waves in the Philippines

Best time: late August–late November

Cloud 9 Surfing

Siargao Island is one of the best places to enjoy surfing in the Philippines. Among its numerous surf breaks “Cloud 9” is the most prominent one. In fact, it's the most popular surf spot in the country, and moreover, it's number 8 among the world's top 10 locations. "Cloud 9" is the name of the reef wave that has gained recognition due to its thick, hollow tubes. Travelling surfers discovered it in the 1980s and later on an American photographer named it after a chocolate bar.

The prime time for “Cloud 9” is roughly late August to late November when the southwest "habagat" monsoon generates offshore winds. Also, in September, the reef hosts an annual international surfing competition—Siargao Surfing Cup. These months are also recommended as one of the best times for surfing in the Philippines overall, even though each location has a different peak season. December through to May, the onshore winds make surfing hardly possible in the unprotected reef. However, some extremals might take advantage of it. When the wind slows down, Cloud 9 becomes pretty doable. June to August, Cloud 9 is the only surfing spot in all of the Philippines, as during these months there's no swell at all in other locations.

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