Best Time to Visit the Philippines 2026
The Philippines has two main seasons: dry (November to May) and wet (June to October). The best time to visit for most travellers is the cool dry season from December to February, with comfortable temperatures of 25-30°C, low humidity and calm seas ideal for island hopping, diving and beach activities. But the Philippines is a large archipelago spanning 1,850 km, so weather varies significantly by region — and even the wet season has its advantages.
Season Overview
| Season | Months | Temperature | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool Dry (Amihan) | Nov-Feb | 25-30°C | Dry, cool NE monsoon, low humidity | Best overall. Beaches, diving, sightseeing. |
| Hot Dry | Mar-May | 32-38°C | Very hot, dry, Easter holidays | Diving (best visibility), festivals. |
| Wet (Habagat) | Jun-Oct | 27-33°C | SW monsoon, rain, typhoons | Surfing, lower prices, green scenery. |
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Events | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, 25-30°C. Best weather. | Sinulog (Cebu, 3rd Sun), Ati-Atihan (Aklan) | High (post-Christmas) |
| February | Dry, 25-31°C. Excellent. | Panagbenga (Baguio flower festival), Chinese New Year | Moderate-High |
| March | Dry, getting hot (30-35°C). | Tubbataha opens. Easter rush. | High (Holy Week) |
| April | Very hot (33-38°C). | Holy Week holidays. Moriones (Marinduque). | High (peak domestic) |
| May | Hottest month. Rain starting. | Pahiyas (Quezon), Flores de Mayo | Moderate |
| June | Wet season begins. Afternoon rain. | Independence Day (12 June) | Low (good deals) |
| July | Wet, possible typhoons. | Kadayawan (Davao) | Low |
| August | Peak rain. Typhoon risk. | Siargao surf season starts. | Very Low |
| September | Wettest month. Typhoon peak. | Siargao Surfing Cup | Very Low |
| October | Still wet. Typhoons possible. | MassKara (Bacolod) | Low |
| November | Transition. Rain easing. | All Saints' Day, dry season begins | Moderate |
| December | Dry, cool, excellent. | Christmas (huge in PH), Simbang Gabi | High (Christmas) |
Regional Variations
- Palawan: Drier than most of the Philippines. Best November-May. Less typhoon risk due to western location. Even June-October is manageable.
- Siargao: Best surf August-November (Pacific swells). Best weather for non-surfing March-May. Typhoon risk September-November.
- Boracay: Best November-May (Amihan). West coast gets rough June-October (Habagat). East coast (Bulabog) is calmer for kitesurfing in wet season.
- Cebu/Bohol: Dry November-May. Less typhoon-prone than Luzon. Year-round diving possible.
- Manila: Hot year-round. Best December-February for sightseeing comfort. Avoid June-August (heavy rain, flooding).
- Mindanao: Less seasonal than Luzon/Visayas. Fewer typhoons. Davao is pleasant year-round.
Typhoon Season
The Philippines averages 20 typhoons per year, with 8-9 making landfall. Typhoon season runs June to November, peaking August-October. Most typhoons enter from the east (Pacific) and track northwest through Luzon and the Visayas. Palawan and Mindanao are least affected.
If visiting during typhoon season: monitor weather forecasts (PAGASA is the Philippine weather agency), have travel insurance with cancellation cover, and be flexible with plans. Flights and ferries are cancelled during typhoon approach. The rain between typhoons is usually afternoon thunderstorms, not all-day downpours.
FAQ
Weather Snapshot
- Avg temp: 25-33°C
- Best months: Dec-Feb
- Wet season: Jun-Oct
- Typhoons: ~20/year