What is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

Philippine's Climate

Philippines climate is not always as spectacular as it appears on postcards. As a foreigner, you might wonder when is the best time to visit the Philippines? Well… 

As a foreigner, you might wonder when is the best time to visit the Philippines? Well, this archipelago is one of the most dazzling and diverse countries in all of Asia. Not to mention, it’s home to some of the world’s best beaches, too. 

The Philippines consists of about 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. With thousands of islands consisting of rice paddies, volcanos, mega-metropolises, world-class surf spots, and endemic wildlife, the Philippines has a lot to offer adventurous explorers.

MonthsNovember – FebruaryMarch-MayJune – AugustSeptember – October
RainfallDryWet
TemperatureCoolHot
SeasonCool DryHot DryRainy

What is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

The Philippines climate is tropical and characterized by high temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year A few factors influence the time in which you want to travel to the Philippines. It has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season, based on the amount of rainfall. It depends on location in the country as some areas experience rain all throughout the year. Based on temperature, the warmest months of the year are March through October; the winter monsoon brings hotter air from November to February. May is the warmest month, and January, the coolest.

The Philippines sit across the typhoon belt, making dangerous storms from July through October. Climate change exacerbates the situation with typhoons in the Philippines. Typhoons are especially hazardous for northern and eastern Luzon and the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, but Manila gets devastated periodically as well. The typhoons are most destructive, and most tours and activities remain canceled under such circumstances.

Besides the Philippines climate, I’m pretty sure you want to consider the cheapest and the best time to visit the Philippines. The question is when?

Well… choosing the best time to visit the Philippines is pretty easy since the country has only had two seasons. For me, the best time to visit the Philippines is from December to February where the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas.

Typhoon Haiyan
Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most intense typhoons on record whipped the Philippines on November 8, 2013 killing three people and terrifying millions as monster winds tore roofs off buildings and giant waves washed away flimsy homes.

When is the best time to visit the Philippines? The most popular and best time to visit is during the dry season, between November and April. During these months the country is fully accessible, including its many tropical islands and more remote areas. December to February are the coolest months of the season.

When is the cheapest time to travel to the Philippines? The rainy season falls between May and October. The rains fall hard and fast but this does not mean you should necessarily avoid these months. The rain is not constant, there are sunny days, the temperatures are warm, the scenery is green and lush, and the prices are lower.

If you are looking for good value, the shoulder months of May to November offer unpredictable, commonly fantastic weather and economical flights.

Best time to visit to philippines - climbing coconut tree Philippines ClimateThe Best Time to Visit the Philippines

Peak Season

These are the hottest three months in the Philippines and are locally known as “summer”. The period from December to April sees the most number of tourists. The rainfall is minimal, and the weather is delightful during these months. It is recommended to make your bookings well in advance if traveling during this period.

Shoulder Season

November is the shoulder season of the Philippines Climate, so you can expect cheaper prices, although they’re already cheap to begin with, and very few crowds. If you don’t mind the chances of some rainfall, then this is a great time to visit!

Low Season

The period from June to October coincides with the wet season for the Philippines. The rise in temperatures, as well as rainfall, makes the Philippines hot and humid. These months also face an increased possibility of typhoons. It is recommended to check the weather forecast to avoid any typhoon activity during your stay. Most tours and activities remain canceled under such circumstances.

Philippines Climate & Weather By Month

Philippines - enjoying the beach Philippines Travel Blog Philippines Climate
enjoying the beach
JANUARY

In January, the temperatures are pleasant and cool, but not too cold. Hence, this month is an excellent time to visit the Philippines. The average temperatures this month are approximately 26 degrees Celsius. The rain is also minimal as January is the peak of the dry season. Even the most remote areas and islands are fully accessible. The weather remains comfortable for sightseeing, hitting the beach, or trekking. As January is a popular time of the year for a Philippine vacation, travelers are advised to make their bookings well in advance.

FEBRUARY

The weather in February is similar to January. A slight increase in the overall temperatures can be expected. Apart from that, the rainfall is still at a minimum, and you get to experience dry, sunny days throughout the month. The sea temperatures are on the rise, and hence, February is an ideal month to take up water activities such as snorkeling and diving.

MARCH

March, the first month of the spring, is still a tropical month for the Philippines Climate, with temperature in the range of an average high of 31.9°C and an average low of 23.6°C. The coastal regions experience a pleasant breeze that helps to beat the heat. However, the conditions are still suitable for travelers.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

APRIL

April, the same as March is another hot spring month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 33.3°C and an average low of 25°C. Possible increase in humidity levels. The hot, sunny days and clear, blue skies make April a popular time to visit the coastal areas. It is also a peak time for the diving season. The ideal seawater temperature of 28.5°C and only 3 rainfall days, with 18.7mm of accumulated rainfall, make April the best time for swimming and other water activities.

MAY

With an average high-temperature of 33.4°C and an average low-temperature of 25.7°C, May is the warmest month for the Philippines Climate. The lowland areas of the Philippines are extremely hot during this time of the year. The average temperatures can reach 34°C. However, May is a good month to travel to the mountain and coastal areas.

Malcapuya island - Good times and tan lines.
Good times and tan lines at Malcapuya Island in Palawan

What is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

JUNE

June is monsoon season in the Philippines. The rains start from the North and gradually make their way South over this month. The average high temperature in June is 32.1°C, while the average low-temperature is 25.3°C. The average heat index that combines both air temperature and relative humidity in June is appraised at 43°C. During June, the rain falls for 16 days and regularly aggregates up to 283.8mm (11.2″) of precipitation. Areas in and around Cebu stay dry for most days of June. ​​​​​​​The rainfall brings about attractive changes to the Philippine landscape. The rice terraces of Banaue are normally at their greenest during June.

Independence Day occurred on 12th June. An elaborate ceremony is held at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, the spot where the first Philippine flag was unveiled. The Pintagos-Kasadyaan is a festival that celebrates the art of tattooing.

JULY

In July, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in June – a still tropical 31.2°C. The average low-temperature is 24.8°C. Remote regions and islands can be challenging to reach during this month. The central areas usually remain dry for most of the month. Even when they do experience rainfall, it is not as heavy as in the other regions. Be wary – heat exhaustion and heat cramps are highly anticipated. With continued activity, heatstroke is very likely.

Manila Bay after 2019 rehabilitation
Manila Bay after 2019 rehabilitation
OCTOBER

October, the same as September is another tropical autumn month in the Philippines, with temperature in the range of an average high of 30.9°C and an average low of 24.3°C. The rainfall starts to decrease gradually throughout October. However, there is still a slight probability of typhoons. Hence, it is recommended that travelers choose the latter half of October to plan their trip. The southern islands face a lesser risk of typhoon activity. Take special precautions – heat exhaustion and heat cramps are expected. Heatstroke may occur with lengthy activity.

NOVEMBER

November marks the official beginning of the dry season in the Philippines. You can expect to see predominantly sunny days throughout the whole country. During November, it is raining for 14 days, with typically 111.4mm (4.4″) of accumulated precipitation. The average high-temperature is 30.5°C, and the average low-temperature is 23.8°C. With these temperatures, water activities are pleasurable, without feeling uncomfortable for prolonged periods.

DECEMBER

December witnesses a drop in temperatures throughout the country. The average high-temperature is 29.6°C, and the average low-temperature is 22.9°C. The average heat index, which combines both air temperature and relative humidity, is appraised at 35.2°C. It is also the start of the peak tourist season for the Philippines. A typical day is sunny with minimal chances of rainfall. The pleasant weather conditions make for an excellent time to plan your travel. For any water activity, surface water temperatures between 25°C and 29°C are considered excellent and extremely pleasant for lengthened periods.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

In the opinion of a Filipina, the best time to visit the Philippines has to be between the months of December through to February. As a general rule, temperatures are around 24°C-31°C at this time of the year. Over these seasons the country is fully accessible. Although the dry season lasts from November to April, temperatures are high during March and April, with highs of 34°C.

The wet season falls between May and October, but the rain isn’t constant and rarely disrupts travel plans. You’ll still enjoy hot, sunny days at this time (expect temperatures in the early thirties), with fewer crowds and lush, green scenery.

It’s worth noting the weather can be unpredictable in the Philippines. Typhoons can sometimes occur as early as August or as late as January.

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What is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

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