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There is no such things as the “worst” time to visit a stunning destination like the Philippines. There are certain times of year and weather conditions that are better than others, but overall, this beautiful archipelago is open for travelers at any time of the year, rain or shine.
Each season has its benefits, and its low points, and it is up to you to decide what those are for you.
Weather in the Philippines
The Philippines is a tropical country that has two general seasons, though many locals would argue there are three.
The dry season runs from late November to the end of May in the Philippines, and is actually split into the cool dry season from December to February and the hot dry season from March to mid-June. In the cooler season, temperatures hover at around 25°C, while in the hotter season, it ranges from 32°C to 38°C is normal.
The wet season, from June to November, is not just the rainy season; it’s also the typhoon season, and tropical storms hit the country regularly throughout the period of the southwest monsoon. And with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 37°C, the season is hot and humid.
But even then, with defined seasons, the weather can be a little unpredictable. Torrential rains in the middle of the dry season are not unheard of, nor are typhoons in April. And there are sometimes weeks that go by in the rainy season without any actual rain falling.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines for Good Weather
The best time is the dry season
Obviously, for anyone that wants to be able to go out and about all day and not get either soaking wet or sunburned, the cool dry season is the ideal time to visit. And what a time it is?
The tourist destinations are all open at full throttle, and the beaches of Boracay, Puerto Princessa, Palawan, and Cebu are all welcoming and enticing. And Bohol is looking very “chocolatey” with the dry season turning the famed Chocolate Hills a nice rich brown color.
And with plenty of water activities to keep you busy and amused, it is the perfect time of year to go diving around El Nido, there is no reason not to travel at this time of year. And the beginning of the year is the ideal time to partake in some of the best festivals in the country, such as the Ati-atihan in Kalibo in the Western Visayas.
The dry season is the ideal time to go diving around El Nido.
The dry season is also the high season in the Philippines
In contrast to it being the best time of year to travel, it is also the most expensive, as the dry season is the peak time for tourism in the Philippines. Hotels are more expensive, and flight prices go up as well.
So it is important to try and get information on these costs in advance, and try to book at the most preferential rates possible. You will even find that the prices of attractions often go up in the peak season, as do all those things you need most while on holiday.
Is Rainy Season a Bad Time to Visit the Philippines?
The rainy season can also be a good time
Contrary to popular opinion, the rainy season is not always a bad time to travel. It may be the rainy season, but it does not rain 24/7. Mostly, as with many tropical countries affected by the Southwest Monsoon, the rains come in the afternoon, though in the Philippines it is normally early afternoon rather than late, they don’t last for long. This means you have plenty of time to spend exploring, and there are also things to do while it is raining.
There are also added advantages in that the attractions are less crowded, costs are lower, and the country is lush and green with well-watered vegetation. And while some areas in the east of the country are not recommended, such as the eastern Visayas, and the eastern coast of Luzon, since that is the main area for typhoons, places like Palawan, Mindoro, and Cebu can be extra beautiful at this time of year.
Avoid visiting during the Typhoon months
Typhoons are best avoided for all travelers, as they can be deadly in some circumstances. The typhoon season generally runs from June to November, with the highest probability and number coming from August to October.
August and September are also the highest rainfall months for the southwest monsoon, so you are more likely to see longer periods of rain, sometimes all day. These two months should really be avoided, as there are few days when rain or a storm are not affecting the country.
Best Time to Travel to Manila Philippines
Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, and is one of the most popular places to visit. Its amazing old walled city of Intramuros is a historical wonder, and the city also includes the oldest Chinatown in the world in Binondo. But there is much more to see, as Metro Manila is made up of 16 cities and one municipality, and incorporates a veritable plethora of places to visit.
Manila is a city that is best visited from January to the end of March, when it is not yet too hot, and there are no rains. And after the rush of Christmas and the New Year, the first few months are still relatively quiet in the capital.
November and December can also be good for a trip to Manila, as the Christmas lights go up in early November, in the true Filipino tradition of the “ber” months, making it a very Christmassy time of year.
The best time to visit Manila is from January to March.
Best Time to Travel to Boracay
The best time for a trip to Boracay is from November to May, as the dry season is always best for beach trips. It can be a little hot from March to May, but beaches were made for hot weather, sun hats, and lotion.
Boracay is not just a beach destination too. While it is renowned for its white beaches and tropical waters, not to mention the stunning resorts, there are plenty of natural areas in the north of the island where the jungle still thrives and where ancient Spanish buildings lie decaying in the sun.
Best Time to Visit Cebu and Bohol
Cebu is another popular beach destination, and has some of the country’s best beaches, which makes it popular with foreign tourists. The province is also well known for the fact that it is where Lapu Lapu defeated and killed Magellan, who “discovered” the Philippines for the Spaniards, and where there is a monument to the great Cebuano Datu, as well as the original holy cross from Magellan’s first attempt to convert the locals to Christianity.
Bohol is another great destination in the archipelago, and is home to a number of amazing attractions. The Chocolate Hills are a stunning example of limestone karst formations on land, while the famous Philippine tarsier is actually the smallest primate in the world, as well as being the only completely carnivorous one.
Both of these stunning destinations are best visited from December to March, when it is cool and dry, as they are both within the most common areas for typhoons in the rainy season.
Conclusion
As has been shown, there is no real “worst” time to travel to the Philippines, as the country can be toured at any time of the year. And with the ability to travel anytime, it opens up tourism opportunities for travelers to new possibilities. So no matter what your preference is, there is a time of year for you to take your trip to the Philippines.
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