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Seasons in Philippines? It's Not Your Typical 4 Seasons. We Keep it Dry and Wet!
About the seasons in Philippines, forget about spring, autumn, summer and all that. Instead, we only just have to 2 main seasons: dry and wet.
Dry Season (December to May)
Dry season, around December to May, is our endless summer. Temperatures range from 25-35°C (77-95°F), with March to May being the hottest months. Rainfall is minimal during this season, resulting in clear skies.
It’s definitely the best time to visit the Philippines for sunshine, beaches and island hopping.
Wet Season (June to November)
Then comes the wet season, from June to November. This season brings more rain, sometimes heavy and occasional typhoons, especially July to August. Temperatures are around 24-31°C (75-88°F).
While cooler than the dry season, the humidity can make it feel warmer.
Best Time to Visit Philippines: Dec to Feb (Super Peak Season!)
December to February is the best “super peak” time for visits to the Philippines.
Why Super Peak?
Perfect weather is the reason! 25-31°C (77-88°F), sunny skies, and minimal rain. No typhoons. Ideal for enjoying this beautiful country. That's why everyone, including tourists and fellow Filipinos, comes then.
| Avg. Temp. | Rainy Days | Crowding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | 25-31°C (77-88°F) | 2-5 | High tourist activity due to the Christmas holidays and festive celebrations. |
| Jan | 24-30°C (75-86°F) | 2-4 | Peak season continues, especially in popular destinations like Boracay, Bohol and El Nido. |
| Feb | 25-31°C (77-88°F) | 2-3 | Still busy, but slightly less crowded compared to December and January. |
What to Do from December to February?
Island hopping: Explore the breathtaking waters and hidden lagoons of Palawan (El Nido or Coron, which is better?) and Cebu.
Beach Relaxation: Relax on the picture-perfect shores of Boracay, El Nido, and Bohol.
Diving/Snorkeling: Discover the vibrant marine life in world-renowned sites like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Apo Island, and Malapascua Island.
Whale Shark Watching: Oslob in Cebu is great for seeing whale sharks any time! Puerto Princesa is another place to go.
Sardine Run Experience: The most famous place in Philippines to witness the sardine run is Moalboal, Cebu.
Festival Vibes: December sees the festive spirit of Christmas celebrations throughout the country. January witnesses the grand Sinulog Festival in Cebu. Chinese New Year is celebrated in Manila's bustling Chinatown in January or February. In February, you can also enjoy the colorful Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio.
Just a head Up! Book well in advance for December/January, especially for popular destinations like Boracay, Bohol, and El Nido, due to high demand (Christmas, festivals).
Best Time to Visit Philippines: Mar to May (For Fewer Crowds)
Your local guide is here, ready to give you the lowdown on why March, April and May might just be the best time to visit Philippines, especially if you're looking for a more chill vibe.
Why Visit Philippines in March, April and May?
The weather's heating up, with sunny days, clear skies, and calm seas. It's our "summer," and while we locals might head for cooler spots, this is a fantastic best season to visit Philippines for you!
Why? You’ll see fewer tourists and locals traveling around. Moreover, it's not peak season, so you might snag sweet deals (20-30% off) on hotels and flights.
| Avg. Temp. | Rainy Days | Crowding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | 27-34°C (80-93°F) | 2-4 | Moderate tourist activity as the dry season continues. |
| Apr | 28-36°C (82-97°F) | 2-3 | High tourist activity due to summer vacations and Holy Week. |
| May | 28-36°C (82-97°F) | 3-5 | Moderate to high, as locals and tourists enjoy the last stretch of summer. |
What to Do During This Time?
Beaches, islands and cool water activities like diving, snorkeling, wale shark watching or sardine run are a must, but let's explore other options now.
Mountain Adventures: Head to cooler spots like Sagada and Baguio for stunning views and local culture. Don't miss the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Festivals: You might catch the Pahiyas Festival in May, or the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark.
A Friendly Reminder! Popular spots like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol can still have flood of visitors. Plus, it's “summer”, so protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated!
Is Jun-Nov the Worst Time to Visit Philippines? Maybe Not, Siargao's a Plus
Some folks might think this is the worse time to visit Philippines, but hold up – let me tell you, it's not all bad, especially if you're chasing some waves in Siargao!
Sure, you might get some rain, and you need to watch out for the occasional typhoon!
Why June to November Isn't So Bad?
| Avg. Temp. | Rainy Days | Crowding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun | 27-33°C (80-91°F) | 12-17 | Moderate tourist activity as the wet season begins. |
| Jul | 26-32°C (79-90°F) | 15-20 | Lower tourist activity due to heavy rainfall and typhoon risks. |
| Aug | 26-31°C (79-88°F) | 16-21 | Minimal tourist activity due to peak typhoon season. |
| Sept | 26-31°C (79-88°F) | 15-20 | Low tourist activity as the wet season continues. |
| Oct | 26-32°C (79-90°F) | 12-18 | Moderate activity as the dry season approaches. |
| Nov | 27-33°C (80-91°F) | 5-10 | Increasing tourist activity as the dry season begins. |
June to November is our wet season. But here's the thing: it's still awesome!
Surfing's Up! This is when Siargao really comes alive. We get those southwest monsoon swells, which means great waves for surfing.
Budget-Friendly: It's the low season to visit Philippines, so you can expect cheaper flights and hotels (about 30%-50% off). Your wallet will thank you!
September to November Is Perfect for Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is iconic. It's best for pro or advanced surfers, no question. The waves can get huge - over 3 meters (10 feet)!
It's one of the top surfing spots in Philippines, and we even have international competitions here, like the Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in October. The vibe is electric, with surfers from all over the world!
June to August Is Great for Jacking Horse & Daku
If you're not a pro yet, don't worry! Jacking Horse and Daku are the places to go.
Jacking Horse (Siargao): Right next to Cloud 9, great for beginners. Mellow right-handers, 0.5 to 2 meters.
Daku Island (Siargao): A quick boat ride from General Luna. Good for intermediate surfers or beginners with a coach. Waves can vary.
Best Time to Visit Philippines Islands
Prime Time: December to May. That's when you get sunny skies and calm seas, which is perfect for island hopping! See the most beautiful island in Philippines >>
Let's break it down by destination:
Puerto Princesa (Honda Bay): December to May sees calm seas and sunny weather, ideal for island hopping in Honda Bay. You'll be able to fully enjoy tours to Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido: Van or Bus? Choose Wisely (2025)
El Nido & Coron: Think December to May. This is when these Palawan gems are at their finest. We're talking crystal-clear waters, zero interruptions to your island-hopping adventures, and views that'll blow your mind.
El Nido to Coron: Ferry, Flight, or Island Hop? (2025)
Cebu (Malapascua, Bantayan): Again, December to May is the sweet spot. You'll get those sunny beach days and awesome conditions for all your marine adventures.
Coron to Cebu: Flights, Ferry, Map, Routes
Best Time to Visit Philippines Beaches
Best Season: December to May. That's when the sun's out, the skies are blue, and the ocean's calling!
Here's the lowdown by location:
El Nido (Nacpan Beach): December to April is your sweet spot. Think crystal-clear water, perfect for that postcard-worthy beach day. We’ve got more things to do in El Nido!
Boracay (White Beach, Puka Shell Beach): December to April means sunny skies and a super festive atmosphere. Get ready to party and soak up the sun!
Bohol (Alona Beach): December to May brings those sunny days you dream of. Ideal for chilling on the beach and all sorts of water fun.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines for Diving
Ideal Months: December to May. Sunny skies and calm seas mean awesome visibility and more time underwater! Plus, you’ll find some amazing marine critters.
Here's the dive-site lowdown:
Tubbataha Reef (Puerto Princesa): Mid-March to mid-June is the only time to hit this UNESCO site, with pristine coral reefs, abundant sharks (including whale sharks!), manta rays, and a huge variety of fish.
Apo Reef (Mindoro): December to May offers calm waters and tons of marine life. You’ll see pristine reefs, sharks, manta rays, and a variety of pelagic fish.
Malapascua (Cebu): Famous for its thresher sharks, the best time to visit is from December to May. Calmer seas and better visibility increase your chances of a great encounter.
Coron (Palawan): Late February to May offers the best visibility and calmest seas, making it safer and more enjoyable to explore the World War II shipwrecks.
Local Tips for Choosing the Best Time to Visit the Philippines (Weather-Wise)
As a local tour guide with 8+ years of experience, I have these insider tips for you:
- December to February (Cool & Dry): This is prime time! You get comfy weather and the safest conditions.
- March to May (Hot & Dry): These months see less crowds. You need to keep cool; escape the heat in northern mountain areas like Baguio, Sagada, or Tagaytay.
- June to November (Wet Season): Adventure seekers, this is your call! Think surfing, but be ready for changing weather.
Let's tackle some FAQs about the best time to visit Philippines together:
Is March a good time to visit the Philippines? Yes, March is a fantastic time! It falls within the dry season, offering plenty of sunny days.
Is April a good time to visit the Philippines? Absolutely! April also falls within the dry season.
Is October a good time to visit the Philippines? No, October is rainy, especially in the north, and there might be typhoons.
Is November a good time to visit the Philippines? Yes, November can be a good time to visit. It marks the tail end of the wet season, so you can expect less rainfall compared to the earlier months.
Let Asia Odyssey Travel Help You Plan the Best Time to Visit Philippines
The Philippines offers amazing experiences year-round! With 8 years of local expertise and offices in the Philippines, Asia Odyssey Travel crafts perfect journeys, no matter when you visit.
We handle everything from Philippines travel costs and Philippines itineraries to Philippines maps, Philippines surfing spots, and the best places to go in Philippines.
Let us guide you to the best time to visit Philippines for your dream vacation!
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