The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate - hot, humid, and heavily influenced by monsoons and ocean currents. But here's the critical detail most guides skip: with 7,641 islands spread across 1,850 kilometers north to south, the climate isn't uniform. Northern Luzon experiences distinct seasons, while southern Mindanao sees rain year-round. Palawan's west coast has different patterns than eastern Samar. Understanding these regional variations determines whether your clients experience paradise or spend days trapped in resorts watching rain.
Temperature across the Philippines remains relatively stable year-round - daytime highs range from 30-34°C (86-93°F), nighttime lows around 24-26°C (75-79°F). The real variable isn't temperature but rainfall and typhoon risk. December in Manila might be perfect beach weather while Palawan sees daily showers. April in Siargao could be scorching sunshine while Boracay faces gusty winds. This complexity is why "when to visit the Philippines" doesn't have a single answer - it depends entirely on where clients want to go and what they want to do.
December - February
Dry, cooler, crowds, higher prices
March - May, November
Hot/dry or starting wet, fewer crowds
June - October
Rain, typhoons, low prices, risky
August - October
Highest typhoon risk, avoid if possible
Travel guides oversimplify Philippines weather into "dry season" (November-April) and "wet season" (May-October). This framework is useful but misleading. The dry season isn't uniformly dry - November can be rainy in some regions, while April sees occasional showers everywhere. The wet season doesn't mean constant rain - you might get sunny mornings followed by afternoon downpours that last 30 minutes, not all-day deluges.
A more accurate framework divides the year into four periods: Cool Dry (December-February), Hot Dry (March-May), Southwest Monsoon/Habagat (June-September), and Transition (October-November). Each period has distinct characteristics that affect travel quality differently depending on destination.
Weather Characteristics: This is peak season for good reason. Temperatures drop to the coolest they'll get (which still means 26-30°C/79-86°F during the day - hardly "cool" by Western standards, but pleasant for the tropics). Humidity is lower, skies are mostly clear, rainfall is minimal, and the northeast monsoon (amihan) brings steady breezes that temper the heat.
Who Visits: Everyone. European winter escapees, North American snowbirds, Asian tourists celebrating Christmas/New Year/Chinese New Year. This is family vacation season, honeymoon season, and "I need vitamin D" season all colliding at once.
Crowds & Prices: Expect 30-50% higher hotel rates compared to low season, especially around Christmas/New Year (rates can double). Popular destinations like Boracay, El Nido, and Coron are packed - beaches fill up, restaurants have waits, island hopping boats are at capacity. Book months in advance or accept limited options.
Sea Conditions: Calm and clear - perfect for snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Visibility underwater exceeds 30 meters at good sites. Boats run reliably on schedule. This is when Tubbataha Reef (world-class diving) is accessible via liveaboard.
Best For: Families (school holidays align), first-time visitors who want guaranteed good weather, beach lovers, divers, anyone who prioritizes weather certainty over value or solitude.
Challenges: Crowds make it feel less "authentic" - you're sharing paradise with thousands of others. Prices stretch budgets. Some destinations lose their charm when overrun (El Nido town gets particularly congested).
Agent Advice: Book early (September-October for December-February travel). Consider lesser-known destinations to avoid crowds - Siquijor instead of Bohol, Camiguin instead of Siargao. Build in rest days because even paradise gets exhausting when crowded.
Weather Characteristics: This is when the Philippines gets genuinely hot. March hits 32-34°C (90-93°F) regularly, April and May can touch 38°C (100°F) in some areas, especially Metro Manila. Humidity climbs, creating that oppressive "walking through soup" feeling. Rainfall remains low, but occasional thunderstorms bring relief. The heat is intense but manageable with air-con breaks and beach access.
Who Visits: Chinese tourists (April/May are popular travel months), backpackers on Southeast Asia circuits, divers chasing whale sharks (Donsol season is November-June, peaks March-May), families during Easter/spring break.
Crowds & Prices: March is still moderately busy (lingering high season). April sees Filipino Holy Week (week before Easter) when domestic tourism explodes - Filipinos travel within the country, filling resorts and beaches. Post-Easter through May is the shoulder season sweet spot - fewer international tourists, reasonable prices, decent weather before the rains begin.
Sea Conditions: Excellent. Calm seas, excellent visibility for diving. This is prime whale shark season in Donsol (Sorsogon) and Oslob (Cebu). Water temperatures are warm (28-30°C/82-86°F), making diving/snorkeling comfortable even in minimal wetsuits.
Best For: Heat-tolerant travelers, divers (especially whale shark enthusiasts), budget-conscious travelers (May especially), couples seeking fewer crowds, adventure activities (canyoneering, hiking - trails are dry and safe).
Challenges: The heat is genuinely uncomfortable in cities (Manila, Cebu). Midday sun can cause sunburn in 15 minutes even with sunscreen. April's Holy Week means domestic crowds and higher prices during that specific week.
Agent Advice: Warn clients about heat intensity - this isn't "pleasant tropical warmth," it's hot. Schedule outdoor activities early morning (6-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-7 PM). Build in pool/beach/air-con time during midday heat. May is the value month - weather is still dry, prices drop significantly, and you beat the June monsoon start.
Weather Characteristics: The habagat (southwest monsoon) brings moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, triggering afternoon/evening thunderstorms across much of the archipelago. Rainfall varies by location - western coasts (Manila, Palawan west coast, western Visayas) get hammered, eastern areas see less impact. Expect 60-80% humidity, daily showers (sometimes light, sometimes torrential), and occasional multi-day rain systems.
Rain Patterns: Not all-day rain usually. Typical pattern: sunny morning, clouds build midday, heavy downpour 2-7 PM, clear by evening. But when typhoons approach or the monsoon strengthens, you can get 2-3 days of continuous rain. It's unpredictable - some years June is manageable, other years it's relentless.
Who Visits: Budget travelers (prices are 40-60% lower than peak), surfers (surf season in Siargao), divers willing to gamble on weather, travelers with flexible schedules who can wait out rain days.
Crowds & Prices: Low season means empty beaches, available hotel rooms (often with walk-in discounts), and restaurant staff who remember your name because you're one of few tourists. This is the time to negotiate - accommodations, tours, even diving packages offer discounts.
Sea Conditions: Variable. Calm days allow normal island hopping and diving. Rough weather cancels boat trips, creates poor visibility underwater (silt stirred up by rain), and makes snorkeling unpleasant. Diving liveaboards to Tubbataha Reef don't operate. Some island resorts become inaccessible if seas are too rough for boat transfers.
Best For: Adventurous budget travelers, surfers (Siargao's Cloud 9 works best September-November), travelers with 2+ weeks who can wait out bad weather, those who don't mind rain if it means empty beaches and low prices.
Challenges: Typhoon risk (see dedicated section below). Cancelled tours mean lost days. Mold and dampness in accommodations. Some beach clubs and restaurants close for the season. Island hopping becomes weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.
Agent Advice: Only recommend wet season to specific client profiles - backpackers, surfers, long-term travelers. Always disclose typhoon risks. Build extra buffer days into itineraries. Have backup indoor activities (museums, malls, cooking classes). Consider destinations less affected by southwest monsoon (eastern coasts, southern Mindanao).
Weather Characteristics: October remains typhoon-prone (peak typhoon month statistically), but rainfall starts decreasing. November transitions toward dry season - showers become less frequent, skies clear more often, humidity drops slightly. It's a gamble - you might hit perfect weather or catch the tail end of monsoon rains.
Who Visits: Savvy travelers hunting value (prices haven't hit peak season yet), divers (liveaboard season to Tubbataha starts mid-March, but regional diving is good), couples avoiding crowds.
Crowds & Prices: November is the sweet spot - weather improves dramatically compared to October, but Christmas rush hasn't started. Prices are reasonable, availability is good, and you avoid both wet season risks and peak season crowds. October is trickier - lower prices but higher weather risk.
Sea Conditions: Improving. November sees calm seas return, making island hopping reliable again. Underwater visibility improves as rains decrease. This is when diving season truly kicks in - all sites accessible, conditions improving weekly.
Best For: Mid-November travelers (weather + value combo), divers starting the season, honeymooners avoiding peak pricing, anyone comfortable with minor weather uncertainty in exchange for fewer tourists.
Challenges: October typhoon risk (monitor forecasts closely). Early November can still see occasional rain systems. Some resorts/tour operators haven't fully reopened after low season closures.
Agent Advice: Position mid-to-late November as the insider secret - weather rivals peak season, prices are 20-30% lower, crowds are minimal. Avoid October unless clients are very flexible. Build travel insurance into packages (typhoon-related cancellations happen).
Typhoons are the single biggest weather wildcard in the Philippines. The country sits in the Pacific typhoon belt and averages 20 typhoons per year - about 8-9 make landfall, causing anything from minor rain to catastrophic damage. For travelers, typhoons mean cancelled flights, closed attractions, stranded island-hopping tours, and potentially dangerous conditions. Understanding typhoon patterns is critical for responsible trip planning.
Typhoons can technically occur any month, but follow clear seasonal patterns. Peak typhoon season runs June through November, with highest activity August through October. December through May sees far fewer typhoons - still possible, but statistically unlikely.
Monthly Typhoon Probability (based on historical data):
| Month | Typhoon Risk | Historical Average | Agent Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Low | 0.5 typhoons/month | Safe to book |
| February | Very Low | 0.3 typhoons/month | Safe to book |
| March | Low | 0.5 typhoons/month | Safe to book |
| April | Low | 0.6 typhoons/month | Safe to book |
| May | Low-Moderate | 0.9 typhoons/month | Generally safe |
| June | Moderate | 1.7 typhoons/month | Monitor forecasts, insurance recommended |
| July | Moderate-High | 2.0 typhoons/month | Travel insurance mandatory |
| August | High | 2.4 typhoons/month | High risk - only for flexible travelers |
| September | High | 2.1 typhoons/month | High risk - flexible itineraries essential |
| October | Very High | 2.3 typhoons/month | Peak risk month - avoid if possible |
| November | Moderate | 1.6 typhoons/month | Early November risky, late November better |
| December | Low | 1.0 typhoons/month | Generally safe |
Not all regions face equal typhoon risk. Typhoons typically form east of the Philippines and track westward, meaning eastern regions (Eastern Visayas, Bicol, Aurora) face higher direct impact. Northern Luzon (Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes) catches many typhoons as they curve north toward Taiwan/Japan. Central Visayas and Palawan see fewer direct hits but still experience peripheral effects (rain, wind, rough seas).
Highest Risk Areas: Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Luzon, Bicol Region, Aurora
Moderate Risk Areas: Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Western Visayas
Lower Risk Areas: Palawan (more sheltered), Mindanao (south of typical typhoon tracks)
Advance Warning (3-5 Days Out): Philippine weather service (PAGASA) tracks typhoons and issues warnings. International flights start getting cancelled/rescheduled. Travelers already in-country monitor forecasts.
2-3 Days Before Landfall: Domestic flights get cancelled. Ferry services suspend operations. Island hopping tours cancel. Travelers on islands rush to get back to main cities or hunker down in resorts.
Landfall Day: Everything shuts down. Airports close. Roads flood. Hotels advise guests to stay indoors. Power outages are common. Internet/phone service becomes spotty. It's not dangerous if you're in a solid building, but it's scary and boring.
Post-Typhoon (1-3 Days After): Damage assessment begins. Airports reopen gradually. Roads clear debris. Power restoration takes hours to days depending on damage. Tourism slowly restarts - diving sites need time to settle (visibility is terrible immediately after typhoons due to stirred-up sediment).
The Philippines' 1,850km north-south span creates significant regional climate variation. What's dry in Palawan might be pouring in Manila. December might be perfect in Boracay but rainy in Siargao. Understanding these patterns prevents costly mistakes.
Manila & Surrounding: Classic two-season pattern - dry November through April, wet May through October. Southwest monsoon hits hard June-September. Typhoons affect the region but less directly than eastern coasts. December-February is perfect beach weather in Batangas (Anilao diving, Puerto Galera beaches).
Northern Luzon (Baguio, Vigan, Batanes): Cooler due to elevation/latitude. Baguio (mountain city) sees temperatures 5-8°C lower than Manila. Batanes (northernmost islands) gets hit by typhoons regularly but offers dramatic landscapes during calm periods. Best: November-April.
Bicol Region: Eastern exposure means typhoon magnet. Legaspi/Mayon Volcano area sees heavy rain June-November. Donsol (whale shark capital) season is November-June with peak March-May. Avoid August-October entirely.
Boracay & Western Visayas: November-May is dry and perfect. June-October sees southwest monsoon impact - windier seas (affects beach quality), afternoon showers. November transitions can still be rainy. Peak season: December-April, especially January-March when wind and rain are minimal.
Cebu & Bohol: December-May is ideal. Shielded somewhat from worst typhoons by geography but still affected. June-November brings rain and wind. Diving is excellent November-May, challenging June-October. Sardine run in Moalboal is year-round but visibility is best November-May.
Eastern Visayas (Samar, Leyte): Higher typhoon exposure. Not major tourist destinations partly due to weather unpredictability. If clients insist on visiting (Kalanggaman Island, Sohoton Cove), stick to dry season strictly.
El Nido & Northern Palawan: Best November-May. June-October brings southwest monsoon - rough seas, cancelled island hopping, limited visibility for snorkeling. July-August can be particularly wet. The famous lagoons and beaches shine when seas are calm (December-April).
Coron: Similar to El Nido - November-May dry, June-October wet. The Japanese wrecks are diveable year-round but visibility peaks dry season. Kayangan Lake and lagoons are stunning in sunshine, disappointing in rain.
Puerto Princesa & South Palawan: More sheltered, slightly less seasonal variation. Underground River is accessible year-round but flooding can close it briefly during heavy rains. Best still November-May.
Siargao: Unique pattern - surf season September-November, dry season December-May. Surfers accept wet season trade-offs for optimal waves. Non-surfers should visit December-May. Less affected by typhoons than northern regions, though not immune.
Camiguin: Year-round destination with less pronounced wet season. December-May is driest. June-November sees rain but not as intensely as northern islands. Waterfalls are more impressive during/after rains, creating trade-offs.
Davao & Southeastern Mindanao: Outside the typhoon belt entirely. Rainfall is more evenly distributed year-round (no true dry season, but no extreme wet season either). Mount Apo climbing season is December-May. Beach destinations work year-round with minor wet season from June-August.
Best Overall: November through May. Calm seas, excellent visibility (often 20-30+ meters), all dive sites accessible, water temperature comfortable (27-29°C). March-May sees warmest water.
Tubbataha Reef (Palawan): Mid-March through mid-June only (liveaboard season). Peak is April-May. This UNESCO site is only accessible during calm season via multi-day liveaboard boats departing Puerto Princesa.
Whale Shark Encounters: Donsol (Sorsogon): November-June, peak March-May. Oslob (Cebu): Year-round (they're fed, so seasonality doesn't apply, though visibility is better November-May).
Thresher Sharks (Malapascua): Year-round, but dry season (November-May) offers better surface conditions and visibility. Dawn dives are essential (sharks come to cleaning stations early morning).
Siargao (Cloud 9): September-November prime season. Waves are most consistent, international competitions happen. July-August sees waves but more rain. December-February has smaller waves, better for beginners. March-June is mostly flat (non-surfers prefer this period).
La Union (Northwestern Luzon): October-March. Southwest monsoon (June-September) creates onshore winds that ruin waves. Dry season brings offshore winds and clean breaks.
Best Time: November-May. Calm seas allow boats to reach all destinations. Tours run on schedule. Snorkeling visibility is excellent. Lagoons (El Nido, Coron) shimmer in sunlight rather than looking gray under clouds.
Avoid: June-October. Tours frequently get cancelled due to rough seas. When boats do run, choppy conditions make it uncomfortable and even dangerous. Snorkeling in churned-up water isn't enjoyable.
Mountain Hiking: December-May for most peaks. Trails are dry and safe. Mount Pulag (sea of clouds), Mount Apo (highest peak), Mount Pinatubo (volcanic crater lake) are all best during dry months. Wet season creates muddy, dangerous trails.
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: Year-round possible, but March-May ideal. Water levels are manageable, weather is reliable. June-October sees higher water flow (more exciting but more dangerous) and cancellations due to flash flood risk.
Waterfalls Generally: Dry season (December-May) has lower water volume but safer access and clearer pools for swimming. Wet season (June-October) has impressive flow and greener surroundings but murkier water and access restrictions when flooding occurs.
Best Time: January-April. Sunshine is reliable, seas are calm, beaches are clean (monsoon rains wash debris onto beaches in wet season). This is classic beach vacation weather.
Avoid: August-October. Rough seas erode beaches, rain reduces beach time, and typhoon risk means potential evacuation scenarios. June-July is marginal - some sunny days, some rain, gamble depending on budget priorities.
Major Filipino festivals happen year-round but dry season (January-May) hosts the biggest:
Festivals mean crowds, higher prices, booked hotels - plan well in advance or avoid if clients want quiet beach time.
Excellent weather nationwide, cool temperatures (for Philippines), dry and sunny, calm seas for diving and island hopping, Sinulog festival in Cebu
Peak crowds, highest prices (especially New Year week), beaches packed, book 3-4 months ahead
Absolute best weather month, lowest rainfall, comfortable temperatures, fantastic diving visibility, crowds thin after Chinese New Year
Still peak season pricing, Valentine's week sees honeymoon crowds, Chinese New Year (variable date) brings Asian tourists
Still dry, hot but great for beaches, prime whale shark season in Donsol, Tubbataha diving opens mid-month, fewer crowds than Jan-Feb
Heat intensifies (32-34°C), humidity climbing, prices still elevated, Easter/Holy Week (variable date) brings domestic crowds
Hottest month (great for sun lovers), still mostly dry, excellent diving, Tubbataha peak season, prices dropping post-Easter
Intense heat (35-38°C in some areas), Holy Week crowds if Easter falls in April, occasional afternoon thunderstorms start
Shoulder season value, still mostly dry (early May especially), good diving, low crowds, prices drop 20-30%
Wet season starts (late May), afternoon thunderstorms increase, heat + humidity combination oppressive, Tubbataha closes mid-June
Low season prices (40-50% off peak), empty beaches, authentic local experience, some sunny days still
Wet season begins, daily afternoon rains, typhoon season starts, rough seas affect island hopping, diving visibility drops
Cheapest month (up to 60% off peak), zero crowds, green landscapes, surfers enjoy waves, dramatic storm photography
Heavy rain, frequent typhoons, cancelled tours/flights common, poor diving visibility, rough seas, some resorts close
Rock-bottom prices, absolute solitude, Kadayawan Festival in Davao, surf season building in Siargao
Peak typhoon season, highest rainfall, multi-day rain systems, island hopping mostly impossible, flight disruptions frequent
Prime surf season starts (Siargao), extreme budget pricing, lush green scenery, waterfalls at full flow
Continuing typhoon peak, heavy monsoon rains, rough seas, cancelled activities, travel disruptions common
Surf season peak (Siargao), low prices, late October weather starts improving, fewer tourists than any time
Statistically highest typhoon month, wet and unpredictable, rough seas, limited tour operations, risky for non-surfers
Transition to dry season, mid-late November excellent, shoulder pricing, few crowds, diving season reopens, surf still good
Early November still typhoon-prone, occasional rain, seas can be rough first half of month, some resorts still closed
Dry season returns, excellent weather, Christmas festivities (Filipinos celebrate big), festive atmosphere, good diving
Peak crowds return (especially Christmas/New Year weeks), prices spike for holidays, book far ahead, beaches busy
Set Weather Expectations Early: Don't oversell. If clients book June, tell them they'll likely experience rain and possible tour cancellations. If they book December, warn about crowds and premium pricing. Surprises create complaints; transparency creates informed, satisfied clients.
Insurance is Non-Negotiable (Wet Season): Any booking June-November needs comprehensive travel insurance including weather-related cancellations and missed connections. Make it a package requirement, not an optional add-on. When typhoons hit and flights cancel, insured clients might be frustrated but they're not financially ruined.
Build Flexibility Into Itineraries: Rigid day-by-day schedules fail in the Philippines even during dry season. Allow 1-2 buffer days for 7-day trips, 2-3 days for 14-day trips. If island hopping gets cancelled due to rough seas, having a backup day means you can reschedule. Without buffers, clients lose experiences entirely.
Peak Season (Dec-Feb): Book everything 2-3 months ahead minimum. Emphasize exclusive experiences (private island tours, sunset cruises) to justify higher prices. Schedule popular attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Consider lesser-known destinations - Siquijor instead of Bohol, Camiguin instead of Siargao.
Shoulder Season (Late Nov, Apr-May): Promote value aggressively - clients get 80-90% of peak season experience at 20-30% lower cost. Book 4-6 weeks ahead (sufficient but not critical). Build in activities that work in any weather (cooking classes, cultural tours, spa days) alongside weather-dependent beach/diving plans.
Wet Season (Jun-Oct): Only sell to specific profiles - surfers, divers with wreck focus (Coron wrecks are diveable year-round, just with lower visibility), budget backpackers, or travelers with 2+ weeks who can wait out weather. Focus on Mindanao destinations (Davao, Camiguin, Siargao) which are less affected by southwest monsoon. Include extensive backup activities - Manila city tours, Baguio mountain escape, cultural heritage sites.
Use regional climate differences strategically. If clients absolutely must travel in August (school holidays, etc.), route them away from typhoon-prone areas:
Conversely, if March-April heat concerns clients (elderly travelers, families with young kids), suggest:
Diving clients care intensely about conditions. Here's what to promise and when:
Best Visibility: February-April (20-40m visibility at good sites)
Warmest Water: April-May (28-30°C, minimal wetsuit needed)
Tubbataha Liveaboards: Mid-March through mid-June only
Whale Sharks (Donsol): March-May peak season
Thresher Sharks (Malapascua): November-May optimal
Sardine Run (Moalboal): Year-round, but visibility best November-May
Never promise guaranteed marine life encounters (except Oslob whale sharks, which are fed). Even during peak seasons, nature is unpredictable. Set expectations: "highest probability" not "guaranteed."
Festivals create both opportunities and challenges:
Opportunities: Unique cultural experiences, vibrant atmosphere, photo opportunities, authentic local celebrations
Challenges: Hotels book out months ahead, prices spike 50-100%, transport gets chaotic, streets close for parades (delays), noise levels extreme
Agent Strategy: For culture-focused clients who want festivals, book 4-6 months ahead and charge premium. For beach-focused clients who want quiet relaxation, actively avoid festival dates or price accordingly to manage expectations.
Browse our seasonal Philippines packages designed for optimal weather, crowd levels, and value at every time of year.
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