Discover The Philippines: Best Travel Times Revealed

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to February, when the country and its many islands are most accessible. During these months, temperatures are at their coolest, and rain is less likely. From March to May, temperatures increase, making sightseeing less pleasant, and the high humidity can be unpleasant. The wet season falls between June and October, and while the rain is not constant, travel plans may be impacted by typhoons and cyclones. The shoulder seasons of May and November can also be good times to visit, as they offer pleasant weather without the peak season crowds.

Dry season (November to April)

The dry season in the Philippines, from November to April, is a great time to visit the country. The dry season is characterised by the northeast monsoon, known as amihan, which brings hot yet pleasant temperatures and dry weather. While you may still experience the odd heavy shower, the rain mostly falls in short, sharp bursts in the evenings, so it shouldn't impact your travel plans too much.

November marks the beginning of the dry season and the return to high season, with good, dry weather for most of the country. It's a festive time, with families gathering at the start of the month to celebrate Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and remember their departed loved ones.

December to February is a popular time to visit the Philippines, as it is the driest and coolest part of the year. In December, the Christmas winds create perfect conditions for kite-surfing in Boracay and surfing in northwest Luzon. The weather is also pleasant for hiking and city tours. January and February are the coolest months, with temperatures around 25°C in January and 28°C in February. This period is a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural landmarks and cities.

February is an excellent month for those who want to avoid the crowds and experience slightly warmer temperatures. It is also a good time to visit the capital city, Manila, and the adventure capital, Cagayan de Oro. There are also several festivals to enjoy, such as the Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, which celebrates the culture and tradition of the seven ethnic tribal groups that originally inhabited the area.

In March, temperatures start to rise, making it ideal for beach lounging. It is still part of the dry season, so you can expect good weather, but it is essential to be wary of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter, as resort prices can reach 'superpeak' levels.

April is the last month of the dry season, and temperatures are at their peak. It is a great time to visit the beaches and enjoy water sports. However, it is crucial to secure accommodation in advance, as the knock-on effect from Easter can cause disruptions.

Overall, the dry season in the Philippines, from November to April, offers a mix of pleasant weather, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities. It is an excellent time to visit the country's beautiful islands and explore its diverse attractions.

Wet season (May to October)

The wet season in the Philippines runs from May to October. However, the rain isn't constant and rarely impacts travel plans. You will still have hot, sunny days with temperatures in the early thirties, and the benefit of fewer crowds and lush, green scenery.

The wet season is known as Habagat, the southwest monsoon season. It's not constantly soggy, and there are still blue-sky days. Rain tends to fall in short, sharp showers in the evenings, and July and August are the wettest months.

Some remote regions can be difficult to access during Habagat, as flights are cancelled and roads become muddy. Boat excursions can be choppy, and underwater visibility is reduced due to runoff from the rivers.

Cyclones can occur at any time but are most likely between June and September, with the occasional tropical typhoon. The eastern islands are the most exposed, but you will always get plenty of warning. Palawan and the southern Visayas are less likely to experience typhoons.

The wet season is a great time to find lower prices and fewer tourists. However, the end-of-term school holidays in April and May bring high levels of domestic tourism.

If you're looking for things to do during the wet season, there are still plenty of options. The month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi in May features nightly street markets, pop-up bars, and live music. The MassKara Festival in late October brings flamboyant outfits and frenzied dancing to Bacolod.

The wet season is also a good time to visit the mountainous and coastal areas, as well as the Cordillera region, which is packed with interesting sights and blessed with cooler weather before the typhoon season.

Peak travel season

The Philippines is a tropical destination with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season, from November to April, is the peak travel season. During this period, the weather is hot yet pleasant, and the rain generally stays away. The dry season is further divided into the high season and the shoulder season.

The high season, from November to April, is the busiest time for travel to the Philippines. December, January, and February are the coolest and most pleasant months for travel, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). These months bring crowds to popular beach areas like El Nido and Coron, and competition for hotel beds. The dry season is also characterised by lower humidity, making it more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The shoulder season, from May to October, is shorter and sits just outside the popular dry season and quieter rainy months. Accommodation prices are lower during the shoulder season, and tourist crowds are thinner. However, the end-of-term school holidays in April and May bring high levels of domestic tourism. The shoulder season also offers exciting events and festivals, such as the Magayon Festival in Legazpi and the MassKara Festival in Bacolod.

The months of May, November, and December are good alternatives to the peak season. May offers warm weather with temperatures peaking in the high 30s°C (mid 90s°F). November and December have pleasantly warm weather but carry the risk of heavy tropical storms or typhoons.

The peak travel season in the Philippines offers ideal weather conditions for enjoying the beaches and exploring the country's natural landmarks. It is important to book accommodations in advance during this period, as resort prices can triple during holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter.

Low season

The Philippines has a tropical climate, so it's hot and humid all year round. The low season, from June to September, is the rainy season, with the highest chance of typhoons. During this time, you can expect rougher seas and a greater chance of bad weather, with passing typhoons sometimes causing days of torrential rain. However, the low season also means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation prices.

June marks the start of the typhoon season, so it's important to check the weather forecast and be prepared for heavy rains and potential travel disruptions. The rains usually start in the north and gradually make their way south throughout the month. Areas around Cebu tend to stay dry for most of June.

July is not a popular month to visit the Philippines due to the high volume of rainfall, especially in the northern areas. However, central areas like Cebu still experience dry weather, with only occasional showers.

August is similar to July, and with the typhoon season starting towards the end of the month, it is best avoided. This is the time when big wave surf season starts at Siargao's Cloud Nine, attracting seasoned boarders.

In September, heavy rainfall and typhoons are likely, so travelling during this month is not advisable. The Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival takes place in September, with a sacred statue of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patron saint of Bicol, paraded through the streets of Naga and then sailed down the Bicol River.

By October, most of the rains have usually dispersed, but there is still a chance of typhoons, so travelling towards the end of the month or in early November is recommended. The MassKara Festival takes place in the third week of October, with food fairs, mask-making contests, brass-band competitions, and a mardi-gras-style parade.

Shoulder season

The Philippines has a tropical climate, so it's hot and humid all year round. The shoulder season falls between May and October, which is the rainy season. However, the shoulder months of May and November are a great option if you want to avoid the peak of the rains and the busiest tourist periods.

In May, you can expect warm weather, with temperatures peaking in the high 30s°C. This is a good time to visit the mountainous and coastal areas, as well as the Cordillera region, which is usually cooler before the typhoon season. If you're looking for an active holiday, May is a good time for hiking and sightseeing before temperatures get too high.

November is the start of the dry season, so you'll find pleasant weather, with temperatures around 25°C to 28°C. The rains have mostly passed by November, but there is still a chance of the odd tropical storm or typhoon. This is a great time to visit if you want to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and lower humidity before the peak season kicks in.

The shoulder season is a good time to find accommodation savings and thinner tourist crowds. However, keep in mind that April and May are school holidays in the Philippines, so you may still encounter high levels of domestic tourists during these months.

The shoulder season also offers some exciting events and festivals. In May, you can experience the month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi, which features nightly street markets, pop-up bars, live music, dance performances, and chilli-eating contests. In late October, the MassKara Festival takes place in Bacolod, with flamboyant outfits, brass-band competitions, and frenzied dancing.

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