Best Time to Visit Philippines 2025/2026
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. With its tropical climate, the Philippines experiences three main seasons: the dry season, the rainy season, and the shoulder season. Generally, the best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to May, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and island hopping. However, each season has its unique appeal and offers a variety of experiences for every type of traveler. In this guide, we will help you determine the best time to visit the Philippines based on your preferences and the activities you want to enjoy. We'll also share tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your trip to this beautiful tropical destination in every season.
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1. Dry Season (December - May)
2. Rainy Season (June - November)
3. Shoulder Season (April-May and September-November)
1. Dry Season (December - May)
The dry season is divided into two parts: the cool dry season (December to February) and the hot dry season (March to May).
Weather:
December to February: Temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with cooler, more comfortable weather due to the northeast monsoon.
March to May: Temperatures can reach 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), making it hot, especially in April and May. It is also the peak season for tourists.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Philippines in Dry Season
| Pros | Cons |
| Best weather for outdoor activities: The dry weather makes it ideal for beach trips, hiking, and island hopping. | Peak tourist season: Expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week (March-April). |
| Festivals: Many exciting festivals occur during this time, like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu (January) and the Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio (February). | Hot and humid in March-May: It can get quite hot, particularly in more inland or lowland areas. |
|
Clear skies and calm seas: Perfect for diving, snorkeling, and beach lovers, with good visibility underwater and calm waters. |
Best for: Travelers who enjoy sunny weather, beach activities, outdoor adventures and festivals.
Best thing to do and visit:
- Visit Boracay for its stunning white sand beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
- Explore Palawan (El Nido, Coron) for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters.
- Head to Siargao for surfing, beach relaxation, and enjoying the island's laid-back atmosphere.
- Visit Intramuros in Manila to explore historical landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
- Go hiking on Mt. Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines, or Mt. Pulag for its sea of clouds.
2. Rainy Season (June - November)
The rainy season is marked by the southwest monsoon, also known as Habagat. It’s the time when the Philippines experiences the most rainfall, though it doesn’t rain all day every day.
Weather:
June to August: The rain is frequent, but it usually comes in short, intense bursts rather than all-day showers.
September to November: This period can experience heavy rains, especially in September. Typhoons are more common in these months, especially in the northern and eastern regions.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Philippines in Rainy Season
| Pros | Cons |
| Lower prices and fewer tourists: This is the off-peak season, so you'll find cheaper flights, accommodation, and less crowded tourist spots. | Frequent rain and possible typhoons: Rain can disrupt outdoor plans and make some regions less accessible. Typhoon season (August to October) brings the risk of severe weather, especially in coastal areas. |
| Lush, green landscapes: The rain makes the countryside and beaches lush and vibrant. | Humidity: It’s hot and sticky, especially in inland areas and lowland regions. |
| Great for surfing: Certain parts of the country (like Siargao, La Union, and Baler) have excellent surf conditions during the rainy season. |
Best For: Budget travelers, surfers, and those looking to avoid crowds.
Best thing to do and visit:
- Explore the National Museum and Ayala Museum in Manila for cultural insights and Filipino history.
- Enjoy shopping in Makati or Quezon City at large malls like SM Megamall or Greenhills.
- Visit Sagada for cooler temperatures, scenic rice terraces, caves, and the famous hanging coffins.
- Head to Baguio, known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," to enjoy cooler weather, lush parks, and the vibrant market.
- Take a trip to Tagaytay to enjoy stunning views of Taal Volcano and escape the heat of the lowlands.
3. Shoulder Season (April-May and September-November)
While these months fall within the dry or rainy season, they are the shoulder periods before or after the peak seasons.
Weather:
April-May: Transitioning from dry to the hotter months. It’s already warm, but not as hot as peak summer.
September-November: The tail end of the rainy season, but still many clear days with fewer tourists around.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Philippines in Shoulder Season
| Pros | Cons |
|
Fewer crowds and better deals: Enjoy discounts on accommodation and activities, especially from September-November. |
Weather unpredictability: The weather can be inconsistent, especially during the rainy months, with occasional typhoons or heavy rainfall. |
| Good weather for most activities: April-May offers good weather for beach and outdoor activities, while September-November still has dry spells between rain. | Humidity: In April-May, the humidity can be high, making the heat feel more intense. |
| Good for eco-tourism: Many regions are lush and green, and wildlife activities like bird watching are better in these months. |
Best For: Travelers who want to avoid the peak season, with the benefit of lower prices.
Best thing to do and visit:
- Explore the lush landscapes and traditional stone houses of Batanes, a beautiful and remote province.
- Visit Bohol to see the famous Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can see the tiny primates.
- Go to Sagada for its unique hanging coffins, caves, and breathtaking rice terraces.
- Visit Dumaguete and Apo Island for great diving spots and to see sea turtles and other marine life.
- Visit Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte for quiet beaches and scenic coastal views.
Summary Table of Best Time to Visit:
| season | Best for | pros | cons |
|
Dry Season (Dec-May) |
Beach, outdoor activities, festivals |
Sunny, dry weather, great for sightseeing and outdoor fun |
Crowded, higher prices, limited space in popular areas |
|
Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Sept-Nov) |
Eco-tourism, wildlife, fewer crowds |
Lower prices, lush landscapes, fewer tourists |
High humidity (Apr-May), occasional rain |
|
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct) |
Budget travel, indoor activities, wellness | Lower prices, fewer tourists, cooler mountain areas | Rain, typhoons, limited outdoor activities |
Tips and recommendations:
- Stay hydrated and protected from the sun. The weather in the Philippines is hot and humid. Remember to drink water and apply sunscreen at all times.
- Prepare cash in advance, especially in a small town or away from a city as many places only accept cash.
- Use a local SIM card to stay connected, Globe and Smart are the major mobile network operators.
- Choose Grab (similar to Uber) instead of traditional taxis for safer and more convenient rides.
- Respect the local culture and try to be polite to your elders with a simple "po" or "opo".
- When it comes to food, try to choose fresh and hygienic street food and avoid raw food and tap water.
- Stay alert in crowded areas and avoid exposing valuables to prevent pickpocketing.
- Find out the local emergency contact numbers. The police, emergency and fire department phone numbers are 117, 911 and 115 respectively.
