Understanding the significance of weather and seasons is a crucial aspect of planning a memorable and enjoyable trip. This is especially true for a tropical country like the Philippines. The country boasts a diverse range of landscapes, cultural festivities, and outdoor activities. However, the climate can vary greatly from one region to another. You might wonder, when is the best time to visit the Philippines? Well, don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about it!

Read: Why Visit the Philippines? 10 Reasons Why You Must!

Seasons in the Philippines

The Philippines experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. During the dry season, the weather is typically hot and dry. Average temperatures in most parts of the country range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89°F).

The wet season is characterized by more rain and increased humidity. Average temperatures during this time range from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). The wet season may also experience occasional typhoons, especially from July to September, which can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to some regions.

Dry Season Delight (November to April)

Imagine this: blue skies, sandy beaches, and warm sunshine all around you. That’s what the dry season is like in the Philippines, from November to April.

During these months, there’s not much rain, so it’s perfect for exploring. Whether you want to visit busy Manila, stunning El Nido with its limestone cliffs, or the unique chocolate hills in Bohol, the dry season offers pleasant weather for your adventures.

Enjoy the Peak Season (December to February)

December is a special time with lots of festivities and fun. Christmas lights decorate the streets, and people celebrate together.

The excitement continues in January and February, which are the most popular months for tourists. You can join famous festivals like the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo or the Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio. Just know that it might be a bit crowded during this time, so book your accommodations early to be safe!

Hidden Gems of the Shoulder Season (November & April)

If you prefer a quieter vacation, November and April are great choices. In November, the dry season starts, but there aren’t too many tourists yet, so you can enjoy the popular spots without big crowds.

April has a similar charm as the dry season ends and some rain showers come. It’s still nice and not as busy as the peak months.

Wet Season Wonders (May to October)

Now, you might wonder about the wet season. Don’t worry, it has its own charm! From May to October, everything turns lush and green, and there are some rain showers. Sometimes, there might be typhoons, especially from July to September. But you can still enjoy sunny days in between the rains.

The wet season is a good time for budget travelers since accommodations are cheaper, and there are fewer tourists around. It’s a chance to explore without the crowds.

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

The best time to visit the Philippines depends on what you like. The dry season (November to April) is great for sunny adventures, and December to February is party time with lots of festivals. If you prefer a quieter trip, try November or April. And don’t forget about the wet season (May to October), when nature is at its greenest, and you can find good deals.

Pack your bags, get excited, and have a fantastic time discovering the wonders of the Philippines whenever you choose to go. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful land!

Don’t know where to stay in the Philippines? Book your hotel here.

Did we miss anything else? Let us know in the comments! 

GO AROUND PHILIPPINES USEFUL TIPS AND LINKS
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS To travel around the Philippines, there are 3 local commercial airlines. Cebu Pacific Air, AirAsia and Philippine Airlines. Smaller airlines called AirSwift (El Nido, Boracay) and Royal Air also fly to limited destinations. Book your local flights here. For international flights, I found Kiwi and Trip.com have cheaper flight options to the Philippines.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION There are many choices of hotels, hostels, apartments and guesthouses to stay in the Philippines. Book through AGODA for the cheapest options and Booking.com. I also use Hotelscombined to see all prices from different websites to choose from.
BOOK YOUR BUS/FERRY/VAN/CAR The Philippines can be difficult to go around because many buses, ferries and even private vehicles are offline. The best websites to book them are through Bookaway.com and 12GoAsia – they have many partners in different destinations and you can purchase tickets online. Car rentals are also available for you to choose from here.
BOOK YOUR PACKAGE TOURS If you don’t know where to go and just want a hassle free trip to the Philippines, you can find package trips to different destinations with Klook – I recommend them for local tours and activities or Get Your Guide.
DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is very important to be safe and ready whenever accidents happen, especially in the Philippines where some places don’t have quality hospitals and clinics. I use Safety Wings for whenever I travel in the Philippines or abroad.
Have you got any questions about traveling to the Philippines? Join our Philippines Travel Planning FB Page to get your answers. Don’t know how to start planning your Philippines trip? You can start here.