The Best Time to Go to the Philippines
The Philippines by Seasons
The Philippine year has just two seasons: wet and dry. Unsurprisingly, the dry season is the most popular time to visit. Having said that, the wet season is fine time to visit too, as long as you come prepared. Showers rarely last long and there’s still plenty of sunshine about. To help you choose the best time to travel, we’ve broken the year into its two seasons:
December to May
As the dry season commences, temperatures stay manageable, hovering around the high 20s, making this the ideal time to hit the beaches. Although the whole season remains dry, for the bluest skies and the clearest seas, April and May are best, especially around Cebu, although this is also the hottest time, with temperatures pushing 40°C. To escape the heat head for the highlands around Luzon or Mount Apo.
Go for:
Kite Surfing: the Philippines kite surfing season runs from November to April. Try it in Boracay, one of the best kite surfing spots in the world, crammed with kite surfing schools and suitable for beginners too.
Ati-Atihan: in the second week of January, head to Kalibo for this festival celebrating the baby Jesus. Events include dancing, singing and music, all performed while wearing colourful indigenous costumes.
June to November
The wet season brings rain showers and lush jungle, but the sun still makes plenty of appearances too. Hotels are emptier in the wet season, with lower prices, and as the rain rarely lasts longer than an hour or two each day, it makes a good time to grab a bargain or two. Plus you’re more likely to have to beach to yourself. Do watch out for possible typhoons in August and September.
Go for:
Kadayawan sa Davao: held in Davao in the third week of August, this festival celebrates life, nature and culture with a vibrant river parade and plenty of dancing and music.
MassKara: held in Bacolod in October, MassKara is a huge event, famous for its masked performers and street carnival. The masks are always smiling, as the aim of the festival is to cheer everyone up, and show triumph in the face of adversity.
