Best Time To Visit Philippines

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What is the best time to visit Philippines?

The best time to visit the Philippines is during its dry season that lasts from November to April. The dry season is also the most popular time to visit this tropical archipelago because rainfall is at its lowest, even the most remote regions and islands are easily accessible. The weather conditions are also ideal for sightseeing and trekking activities. Even within the dry season, the temperatures in March and April are higher in comparison to December and January. So you can opt for a month depending on your choice of suitable temperatures. The climate is a major factor in deciding when to travel to the Philippines. The period from June to October is the wet season and is best avoided owing to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons are most destructive, and most tours and activities remain cancelled under such circumstances.

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Seasons in Philippines

Peak Season in the Philippines
It is not surprising that the peak season for tourism in the Philippines corresponds with the dry season. The period from December to April sees the most number of tourists. The rainfall is minimal, and the weather conditions are delightful during these months. All the remote islands and regions are also fully accessible. It is recommended to make your bookings well in advance if travelling during this period.

Shoulder Season in the Philippines
May and November constitute the shoulder season for tourism in the Philippines. These months offer good value for money. The weather conditions are incredibly pleasant, and the fights are much cheaper. You can expect to find much lesser crowds during these two months.

Low Season in the Philippines
The period from June to October coincides with the wet season for the Philippines. The rise in temperatures, as well as rainfall, makes the whole country hot and humid. These months also face an increased possibility of typhoons. It is recommended to check the weather forecast to avoid any typhoon activity during your stay. Most tours and activities remain cancelled under such circumstances.

Philippines Weather in January

In January, the temperatures are pleasant and cool, but not too cold. Hence, this month is an excellent time to visit the Philippines. The average temperatures in this month are around 26 degrees Celsius. The rain is also minimal as January is the peak of the dry season. Even the most remote areas and islands are fully accessible. The weather conditions remain comfortable for sightseeing, for hitting the beach or for trekking. As January is a popular time of the year for a Philippine holiday, travelers are advised to make their bookings well in advance.

Events and Festivals in the Philippines in January
  • Sinulog is celebrated on the third Sunday of January. It is the biggest annual event in Cebu City. The event hosts a huge street parade, plenty of drinks and food and live music.
  • Ati-Atihan is one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines. It takes place in the Aklan province, Kalibo, and is usually celebrated in the second week of January. The festival celebrations include street dancing and wild, eccentric costumes.
  • Dinagyang is a relatively modern festival that is based on the Ati-Atihan festival. It is usually celebrated in the fourth week of January and includes a parade along the Iloilo River.
  • The Feast of the Black Nazarene is held on 9th January. A life-size statue of Jesus Christ is paraded around the streets by a bare-footed procession.

Philippines Weather in February

The weather conditions in February are similar to that in January. A slight increase in the overall temperatures can be expected. Apart from that, the rainfall is still at a minimum, and you get to experience dry, sunny days throughout the month. The sea temperatures are on the rise, and hence, February is an ideal month to take up water activities such as snorkelling and diving.
 
Events and Festivals in the Philippines in February
  • Pamulinawen is a city-wide fiesta that takes place over the first two weeks of February. It is held in Laoag City and honours St William the Hermit. The festivities include concerts, religious parades, street parties and beauty pageants.
  • The Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival also takes place in February. Pilots from all over the world gather at Clark, Pampanga, to take part in this four-day event. They put up elaborate displays of balloon rides, skydiving and microlight flying among others.
  • Kaamulan Festival is an ethnic festival that takes place in the Malaybalay City of Bukidnon. This festival aims to honour and celebrate the traditions of the original seven ethnic tribal inhabitants of this region.
  • The Baguio Flower Festival is the largest annual event of the capital city. Several flower related lectures and exhibitions are held as a part of this festival. A huge parade with beautifully decorated flowers also takes place.
  • The Suman Festival takes place in Baler during the third week of February. This extravaganza includes street parades and lots of dancing. Suman is the name of a native delicacy.

Philippines Weather in March

March sees an increase in temperatures in the Philippines. Some days even record an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. The coastal regions experience a pleasant breeze that helps to beat the heat. However, the conditions are still suitable for travellers.
 
Events and Festivals in the Philippines in March
  • The Bangkero Festival is a five-day festival that is held near the Pagsanjan River. Bangkero translates to ‘boatmen’. It has parades and boat racing events.
  • Moriones is a religious festival that takes place during the Easter weekend. The locals wear masks to re-enact the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion, who pierced Christ’s side with a spear. The spurting blood is said to have cured his eye.
  • The Pasayaw Festival is celebrated during the third week of March. It is a thanksgiving festival to honour God and St. Joseph. There is an outdoor dance competition held as a part of the celebrations.

Philippines Weather in April

April is the last month of the dry season in the Philippines. The temperatures are seen to rise significantly this month. Some days even record an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius. There is also an increase in humidity levels. The hot, sunny days and clear, blue skies make April a popular time to visit the coastal areas. It is also a peak time for the diving season. This month is also an ideal time to explore the rice terraces of Banaue.  

Events and Festivals in the Philippines in April
  • Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival is held in April. Local, as well as international, teams participate in the dragon boat races near the White Beach. 
  • The Turumba Festival is celebrated to commemorate the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The festival is held during the weekends in Pakil, Laguna and extends into May as well. 
  • Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa takes place in the second week of April. Highland tribes gather in Kidapawan City to offer their respects and prayers to the sacred Mount Apo.

Philippines Weather in May

The lowland areas of the Philippines are extremely hot during this time of the year. May is also the hottest month in the Philippines. The average temperatures often reach 34 degrees Celsius. However, May is a good month to travel to the mountain and coastal areas.

Events and Festivals in the Philippines in May
  • Flores de Mayo is a countrywide religious procession that celebrates the start of rainfall. The candlelight processions are popular for their wonderful vibe.
  • The Obanda Fertility Rites is a Catholic festival that is celebrated in the honour of the three patron saints of Obanda. The locals and pilgrims take part in singing and dancing events.
  • Carabao Carroza takes place on 3rd and 4th May. There are races held in Iloilo to celebrate the Carabao or water buffalo.
  • Pahiyas is a colourful harvest festival celebrated on 15th May. Locals decorate their houses with fruits and vegetables to honour the patron Saint of the farmers, San Isidro Labrador.

Philippines Weather in June

June is monsoon season in the Philippines. The rains start from the North and gradually make their way South over this month. However, areas in and around Cebu usually stay dry for most days of June. The rainfall is known to bring about attractive changes to the Philippine landscape. The rice terraces of Banaue are usually at their greenest during June. Independence Day takes place on 12th June. An elaborate ceremony is held at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, the spot where the first Philippine flag was unveiled. The Pintagos-Kasadyaan is a festival that celebrates the art of tattooing.

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