Ah, yes: the Philippines. A tropical country made up of thousands of islands, the Philippines has a climate that stays relatively hot year-round. As the temperature typically ranges between 20-30 degrees Celsius, many travellers come to this stunning country to enjoy the world-class beaches and spend their holidays exploring nature.
The best time to visit Philippines depends mainly on the country’s two seasons: wet season and dry season. The wet season lasts from June to October. The dry season lasts from December to May.
Check out below our breakdown of each month’s weather conditions in the Philippines.
Best time to visit Philippines based on season and month
- Best time to visit the Philippines during the dry season (December to May)
- Best time to go to Philippines during the wet season (June to November)
Dry Season: December through May
December
Marking the beginning of peak travel season, December weather tends to be slightly cooler than the following dry season months. Typhoons have a small chance of appearing during this time since it marks just the end of the wet season. This is a great month to enjoy the cooler weather just before it gets really hot.
January
January is one of the best times to visit the Philippines due to its cooler weather and low chance of rainfall. Additionally, some of the biggest festivals in the country are held during this month, including Ati-Atihan in the Aklan province where wild costumes and street dancing is held to celebrate a pact between indigenous people and settlers.
The downside to traveling the Philippines in January is the crowds due to higher levels of visitors.
February
February is much like January in that the weather is cool and pleasant, only slightly hotter. There will be fewer crowds as the visitors from January reduce. However, February is one of the best times to go to Philippines for festival-lovers.
In Clark, Pampanga, the Philippines Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is held where balloon rides, microlight flying, and skydiving can be enjoyed.
In Baler, Aurora, a mardi-gras styled extravaganza, called Suman Festival, is held where street parades fill the city and people can be found dancing in colorful, festive style.
March
The weather will start to get hotter during March, and many visitors may find a bit of a challenge to book hotels during Holy Week, or Easter. During Easter weekend, the locals will wear masks and celebrate Moriones, a re-enactment of a Roman centurion.
April
For those who enjoy hot weather and beaches, April is one of the best times to visit the Philippines due to its particularly hot weather. April is one of the hottest months of the year.
Be sure to take advantage of the last of the dry season months to explore the beautiful beaches of the Philippines. Head over to Mt Pulag National Park for an outdoor trekking adventure where you’ll spot wildlife and view cascading waterfalls.
May
May is one of the hottest months of the year, so be prepared to pack your sunscreen. This is a particularly great month to explore the mountains and coasts where it tends to be a little cooler than the lowlands.
Flores De Mayo is a country-wide festival held in May that ushers in the upcoming wet season in June. Be sure to check it out as it is a beautiful ambience created by candlelight processions in the evening.
READ MORE: What are the best tourist spots in the Philippines?
Wet Season: June through November
June
With the exception of Cebu, the Philippines will experience their first rainfall as the wet season begins. The rain will typically begin in the north and make its way down towards the south.
If you’re a fan of clear skies, June may likely not be the best time to travel to Philippines.
July
As the wet season continues, July will see more rainfall than June. In the northern parts of the Philippines, it will become especially wet. The month of July is also when typhoons become more frequent as it is one of the wettest months of the year. Overall, this is not the best time to visit the Philippines.
August
Typhoons will begin to pick up in August, and will continue the rain fall. It is best to avoid this month if you are looking to explore the outdoors.
September
As the typhoons continue, sightseeing is limited due to people being urged to stay indoors. Much of the country will be deep in the wet season.
In the third week of September, Penafrancia Fluvial Festival is held in Naga.
October
As the wet season starts to come to an end, typhoons will become less regular. The best time to visit the Philippines in October will be towards the end of the month when it gets drier.
A couple festivals start to emerge in October, including Ibalong, where epic dances and exciting performances fill the streets.
November
November marks the official first month of the dry season. Although the weather is much better and clearer, there still is a chance of typhoons in the area. For travellers looking to explore more of the Philippines, it is better to go towards the end of the month.
The two seasons make it pretty clear which months are the best times to visit the Philippines. If you’re an adventurer like myself, you will want to travel to the Philippines in the dry season of November through May.
For those who travel during the wet season, be sure to plan traveling and accommodation ahead of time to avoid scheduling issues that may arise due to the inclement weather.
Check out our Philippines Travel Guide for tips on everything you need
to know when planning your trip to the Philippines so you can
make the most of your time in this unforgettable country!
