Best Time to Visit the Philippines 2026
The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate with two main seasons: the dry season (November-May) and the wet season (June-October). The best time to visit depends on your destination and activities, as weather varies significantly across the archipelago.
Dry Season (November - May)
Peak season: December-February (cool dry season, 25-30C). Perfect for beaches, island-hopping, and outdoor activities. This is the busiest and most expensive period.
Hot dry season: March-May. Temperatures reach 35-40C. Hot but sunny — great for diving and water activities. Holy Week (March/April) sees domestic tourism spike.
Wet Season (June - October)
Intermittent rain, typically afternoon showers rather than all-day rain. Lower prices, fewer tourists. Typhoon risk increases August-November, particularly in Northern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Surfing season in Siargao (September-November).
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Best For | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cool, dry | Beaches, diving | Sinulog (Cebu), Ati-Atihan |
| February | Cool, dry | All activities | Panagbenga (Baguio flowers) |
| March | Warm, dry | Beaches, water sports | Holy Week events |
| April | Hottest month | Beach, diving | Holy Week, Moriones |
| May | Hot, transition | Diving, fewer crowds | Pahiyas (Lucban), Flores de Mayo |
| June | Rainy starts | Budget travel | Independence Day (June 12) |
| July-August | Rainy | Budget, surfing begins | Kadayawan (Davao) |
| September | Typhoon risk | Surfing (Siargao) | — |
| October | Typhoon risk | Surfing | MassKara (Bacolod) |
| November | Transition | Palawan, Mindanao | All Saints Day |
| December | Cool, dry begins | All activities | Christmas celebrations nationwide |
Typhoon Information
The Philippines sits in the Pacific typhoon belt and experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year, with 5-7 making landfall. Most affect Northern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Palawan, Cebu, and Mindanao are less affected. Peak typhoon season is August-November.