The Philippines is a breathtaking archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands filled with world-class scuba diving destinations, the world’s clearest waters, and tons of natural sights to fuel your next adventure. With so many bucket list experiences, it’s important to determine the best time to visit the Philippines so that you can make the most of your trip.
The answer to that can vary depending on what you want to see and do, which is why I made this guide with monthly breakdowns, temperature and rainfall averages, and overviews of each month and season so you can get a good grasp of climate and weather in the Philippines.
In this detailed guide, I break down everything you need to know about the best time to travel to the Philippines, plus things to do in each season, to make your trip-planning process more streamlined. This gets logistics out of the way so you can focus on the fun stuff, like your itinerary! Let’s dive in!
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When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit the Philippines is from December to February when the weather is cool and dry. It’s usually recommended to avoid the summer months from July to October because that is the peak typhoon season in the Philippines.
Another good time to visit is during the shoulder months of May and September when it is less crowded and the weather is still favorable.
Because there are pros and cons to each month of the year, there really isn’t a “correct” answer to this question.
Which is why I made this guide so you can compare the seasons and decide what month will best suit your Philippines itinerary. The best time of year to go will depend on what you want to see and do.
Before we dive into this guide, here are some questions to keep in your back pocket as you read:
Do you mind crowds?
Are you bothered by a bit of rain?
How well do you handle extreme heat? Humidity?
Do you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities?
Are you doing any snorkeling or scuba diving during your trip?
Worst time to visit the Philippines
July to October is typically the worst time to visit the Philippines because it’s peak typhoon season. August and September are typically the most common for the storms to hit so that’s something to consider if you’re planning a trip during this time of year.
What is the cheapest season to visit the Philippines?
The cheapest time to visit the Philippines is during the low season from May through October and the shoulder months of May and September. Cheap flights and accommodations are typical this time of year so it’s great if you’re traveling on a budget. However, the Philippines will be cheap regardless of the season you visit (if you have a strong currency).
What month is the hottest in the Philippines?
April and May are the hottest months in the Philippines. The average temperature during these months sits around 93 F ( 34 C), but can easily feel like 100 F (37 C).
What is the coldest month in the Philippines?
January is the coldest month in the Philippines. Because the country is so close to the equator, the average temperature is still high this month, around 85 F (29 C).
What is the low season in the Philippines?
The low season in the Philippines runs from May through October. Most of the season makes up typhoon season, so many people avoid these months entirely when they plan a trip to the Philippines.
My Experience
Philippines Geography Overview
Over 7000 South China and Philippine islands make up the Philippines. These islands are separated into three key regions: Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao. Aside from the miles and miles of powdery white sand beaches, you can find mountainous regions, rivers, plains, lakes, and rivers all around the country.
The Central Visayas are the most popular islands people explore during their trip to the Philippines. Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Siquijor, Dumaguete, and Siargao are the main areas among many others. This area tends to be drier than the north, but it still experiences a heavy wet season.
The Luzon region is the largest island in the Philippines in the north. The most popular city here is Manila. It has a more mountainous terrain than the Visayas and many dramatic peaks pop up around the island like the Mayon Volcano and Mount Pulag.
Mindanao is the southernmost island in the Philippines with Davao as a major hub. It’s not the most popular on an itinerary, but travelers do meander down here to get off the beaten path. It’s home to the highest point in the Philippines, Mount Apo.
It’s one of the few countries in the Coral Triangle (the global center of marine diversity), making the Philippines one of the best places in the world for underwater exploration.
Weather in the Philippines
Since the Philippines is so close to the equator, the year is divided into two seasons: rainy (May to October) and dry (November to April).
The daytime temperature doesn’t fluctuate very much, so you can expect temperatures in the mid-80s pretty much year-round. It does get hotter or feel much hotter than that because of the 80% humidity that looms year round. You can get a little bit of reprieve from the extreme heat present from April to May by visiting from December to February.
During the rainy season, there is a high chance of typhoons, particularly from late July to October.
Throughout the year, you’ll typically have the same number of daylight hours (8-10) to work with, so that’s not something you need to worry about when planning your trip.
Quick Look At Philippines Weather + Seasons
Warmest months in the Philippines: March, April, and May
Coolest months in the Philippines: January & February
Most crowded months in the Philippines: December & January
Least crowded months in the Philippines: June, July, and August
Rainiest months in the Philippines: July & August
Driest month in the Philippines: February
Dry Season in the Philippines
The dry season in the Philippines is from November to April.
Since the weather is warm and dry, this is the most popular time to visit the Philippines. During these months the waves are ideal for surfing, the water is clear for snorkeling and diving, and there’s plenty of sunshine to go around.
Good to know: Holy Week is a significant Catholic holiday in the Philippines that begins on Friday of Sorrows before Palm Sunday, and continues through Easter Sunday. It’s a very important week across the country when most locals take off work, businesses close and have shorter hours, accommodations fill up fast and attractions are very crowded.
*Holy Week 2025: Sunday, April 13th – Saturday, April 19th.
*Holy Week 2026: Sunday, March 29th, – Saturday, April 4th.
If you want to avoid extreme heat this month, visit in January or February. April is typically the driest month of the year if you’re looking to avoid rain, but it’s also one of the hottest months of the year.
Things To Do During Dry Season in the Philippines
Go scuba diving (Malapascua Island, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Apo Reef Natural Park, Coron, and Moalboal)
Try other water sports (kayak, SUP, canyoneering, and free diving)
Get off the beaten path on whale shark tour in Southern Leyte
Marvel at El Nido in Palawan
Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces
Surfing in Siargao (November for experts)
Rent a boat and go island hopping in Siargao
Celebrate the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival
Go swimming with sea turtles on Apo Island
Hike to Casaroro Falls
Chase waterfalls in Cebu
Leisure on powdery white sand beaches
Philippines In November
Average temperature: 78 F (25 C) // Average rainfall: 8.9 in (227.5 mm)
November is the first month of the dry season in the Philippines, but it’s recommended to travel in the latter half of the month for optimal weather. The weather is cooler with lower humidity, which makes it a favorable month to visit.
Occasional rain showers are likely, but the majority of days will be filled with sunshine. The best location to visit during this month would be Palawan and Coron since they have the best weather while other destinations like Cebu and Siargao will have moderately favorable weather but still some rain to look out for.
November is considered a shoulder month in the Philippines so prices are cheaper and there are fewer crowds.
Philippines In December
Average temperature: 78 F (25 C) // Average rainfall: 9.4 in (239 mm)
December moves into the peak travel season for the Philippines. The temperatures and humidity drop slightly from the rainy season and the ocean water begins to clear for water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling.
Sometimes the typhoon season can linger late, but for the most part, December is one of the best months to visit the Philippines.
Also, just so you know, Christmas in the Philippines is a month-long celebration, so if you happen to find yourself at a Filippino Christmas party, you’ll be in for a huge treat and feast.
Philippines In January
Average temperature: 77 F (25 C) // Average rainfall: 6.6 in (167.8 mm)
January is right in the heart of the dry season with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall.
If you’re traveling in the Northern regions near Manilla, temperatures might drop significantly lower than they would in the Visayas, so pack a lightweight jacket if you plan on trekking around this region.
In the Central Visayas, the lingering effects of the monsoon could be underway, so it’s worth packing a lightweight rain jacket or one of those handy ponchos. Rainfall is not guaranteed as it varies from year to year, but January still makes one of the best times to visit the Philippines.
If you love to experience local culture, every January in Kalibo, the festival Ati-Atihan is held in honor of Santo Niño (Baby Jesus). You’ll get to see tribal dances, indigenous costumes, a parade through the street, and of course, some tasty grub to accompany everything! This festival has inspired many other festivals around the Philippines, so if celebrations are your game, you’ll want to attend this!
Philippines In February
Average temperature: 77 F (25 C) // Average rainfall: 5.6 in (141 mm)
February is an excellent month for snorkeling, diving, and swimming as the waters begin to clear and the weather warms slightly. It’s peak season for travel in the Philippines so book things in advance and be prepared for some crowds.
Prices this month are slightly inflated due to popularity, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling on a budget.
Conditions are optimal for trekking around Northern Luzon, but it does continue to stay just a little cooler in that region so pack a lightweight rain jacket if you’re heading up there.
Philippines In March
Average temperature: 78 F (25.6 C) // Average rainfall: 4.4 in (111.9 mm)
March brings the official summer months in the Philippines, so March is one of the hottest months of the year. Lightweight, breathable clothing and quality sunscreen are going to be crucial for this month.
This is a great month for hitting the beach, island hopping, chasing waterfalls, and getting into water sports. Anything involving the ocean will be your friend to help ease the brutal heat this month brings.
This month is considered the high season to travel to the Philippines. Also, Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, sometimes falls at the end of the month, which you’ll want to avoid as crowds and prices near an all-time high.
Philippines In April
Average temperature: 79.7 F (26.5 C) // Average rainfall: 3.8 in (98.5 mm)
April is peak season in the Philippines, but more for locals than for international travelers.
Since Holy Week falls during this month and schools are out, many local families go on vacation around the country so expect inflated prices, huge crowds, business closures, and minimal hotel availability.
Booking in advance is crucial at this time. I tried to book a last-minute trip to the Philippines during this month and there were only two places to stay on Siargao when I went to book.
April is the final month of the dry season, but that doesn’t mean that islands will be immune to occasional rainfall. However, as all islands do, most rainfall in this month will last a few hours and end to reveal another sunny day.
If you can manage, I recommend pushing your trip forward to around February to early March to help ease the temperatures and crowds because April is too busy.
Wet Season in the Philippines
The rainy season in the Philippines runs from May to October.
A majority of the rainy season is also typhoon season, which peaks from August to October. Poor weather can cause many complications with domestic travel, especially if you’re planning on doing island hopping tours or taking ferries to and from different islands.
But just because it’s titled the “wet” season, doesn’t mean it is raining all day every day. You can still get sunshine during these months, there are just more days with rain during this season, which is something to consider when planning your Philippines itinerary.
Trekking in the Northern regions becomes impossible since the mountains and rice terraces will be filled with water and scuba diving can be unfavorable because of water clarity. Surfing changes with the different monsoon seasons, but it could be ideal from May through August in some regions.
Good to know: Areas in the north around Manila receive significantly more rainfall than the Central Visayas and Mindanao. If you’re planning on hiking in this area, it’s more important to align your trip dates with the dry season.
Months with the fewest rainy days: August & September
This isn’t one of the best times to visit the Philippines, but if you’re willing to travel in the slower season to save some money and experience fewer crowds, you’ll have a unique experience.
Things to do during the rainy season in the Philippines
Take a cooking class
Go hiking in Mindanao
White water rafting on the Cagayan River (Luzon)
Go surfing in Siargao (April-July for beginners / September-October for experts)
Chase waterfalls
Soak in hot springs
Philippines In May
Average temperature: 80.3 F (26.8 C) // Average rainfall: 5.8 in (147.1 mm)
May is a shoulder month with cooler weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds, making it one of the best times to visit the Philippines.
There is a higher chance of rain this month, but overall there is plenty of sunshine to get out and explore. It’s the best time to squeeze in dive trips, snorkeling tours, and beach days before the rain comes in.
May hosts the Flores De Mayo celebration which involves thousands of colorful flowers throughout all the regions of the Philippines. The shoulder season is always a great time to visit most countries, so don’t let the ‘wet season’ title scare you away from visiting this month.
Philippines In June
Average temperature: 79.8 F (26.6 C) // Average rainfall: 8.6 in (219.7 mm)
June is the start of the rainy season in the Philippines, so expect plentiful showers during this month.
For all my fellow beach bums, you can still lay out and get a tan in the Central Visayas since they will stay drier during this month but still expect some light rainfall here and there.
Rainfall will be its heaviest in the Northern regions of Luzon. The temperature is going to fall and stay around the upper 80s, but the cooler rainfall will help bring some relief to the hotter weather.
As unfavorable as this month might seem, the rain brings a sweep of greenery through the Chocolate Hills and the Rice Terraces of Banaue, so if you have some trekking on your mind and have a dry period in June, these can be a silver lining.
Philippines In July
Average temperature: 79.2 F (26.2 C) // Average rainfall: 8.2 in (210.5 mm)
July is the low season and the start of typhoon season in the Philippines.
During this month, Luzon and other northern regions experience heavy rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon, but Cebu, Siargao, and Bohol steer clear of the heaviest rain if you’re looking for somewhere to escape to.
It’s important to keep an eye out for the weather if you’re traveling this month because typhoons are unpredictable and can hit anytime.
There isn’t a lot of local travel going on since schools go back in session this month. Prices for tours, accommodation, and transport will be cheaper during this time, but there’s a trade-off due to the unpredictable weather.
Philippines In August
Average temperature: 79.4 F (26.3 C) // Average rainfall: 6.3 in (158.8 mm)
August is peak typhoon season in the Philippines, so it’s not ideal to visit during this time.
Downpours are common everywhere so it’s best if you’re planning on enjoying indoor activities around the country. Although many of the best things to do in the Philippines are outdoor-centric, so keep that in mind.
If you choose to visit this season, note that the rain can make accessing parts of the country very difficult due to rough ocean waters, landslides, and flooding. If you’re traveling to very remote areas, be sure to add a few days to your itinerary for a buffer.
Philippines In September
Average temperature: 79.3 F (26.3 C) // Average rainfall: 7.2 in (184.8 mm)
The height of the typhoon season kicks off in September, so a lot of heavy rain throughout the Philippines.
All the rain makes the ocean too cloudy for diving and snorkeling and traveling around the country more difficult.
Plan to cushion your itinerary with a few extra days and have plan b’s in place to avoid any hiccups, but I wouldn’t recommend visiting in September. The prices and crowds are lower this month, which is a pro, but all the rain will put a damper on your trip.
If you’re looking for a little bit of reprieve from the rain, the Southern Visayas like Cebu and Palawan are less susceptible to typhoons, but they can make landfall anywhere.
Philippines In October
Average temperature: 78.9 F (26 C) // Average rainfall: 8.9 in (226.1 mm)
October is the end of the rainy season in the Philippines.
If you’re planning a trip this month, aim for the second half of the month so you can be closer to the drier weather November brings. There are still chances of rain this month, and while they’re not as intense as the middle of typhoon season, they can still cause choppy and uncomfortable ferries and flight cancellations.
Crowds and pricing will still be lower this month since it’s still the low season.
The MassKara Festival, held in Bacolod (capital of Negros Occidental), is one of the biggest festivals in the country happening this month that’s very similar to Carnival in Brazil. Think flashy costumes, masks, music, and parades.
What To Pack For The Philippines
Any new destination can be stressful when thinking about what you need to pack. This is why I wrote a full and detailed Philippines packing list you can refer to for your trip.
It covers both wet and dry seasons and everything from clothing essentials to small niche items so you’ll arrive in the islands with everything you’ll need.
If you have any other questions about visiting the Philippines, please reach out! Otherwise, browse my other guides to the Philippines to help you plan your trip:
Tumalog Falls in Cebu Day Trip Guide
How To Visit Casaroro Falls in Dumaguete
Where To See Whale Sharks Ethically In The Philippines
How To Visit Sugba Lagoon in Siargao
Where To Stay On Siargao Island
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