The Philippines are a famous tourist destination consisting of more than 7,000 breathtaking islands. With so much to see and do in this diverse country, it’s a difficult decision for any traveler to decide which partto visit. From stunning mountains to forests and jaw-dropping beaches, ancient landmarks to mouth-watering cuisine, the Philippines has it all. It’s also famous for its Tarsier monkeys which arefoundon the islands of Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and Mindanao. Whether you are after historical sites, nature or wildlife, the Philippines really does have something for everyone. Now you know that there’s loads to in the Philippines, I’m sure your next question is ‘when is the best time to visit?’

The Philippines has three seasons: summer season (November to April), wet season (June to October), and dry season (December to May). Some tourists choose to avoid visiting between September and October, as this is the Philippines’ Typhoon season. Check out our month-by-month weather guide if you’re trying to decide which month to visit The Philippines. Plan your trip according to your preferences with our monthly climate guide below:

January

With beautiful weather, average temperatures of 26 °C, and little rainfall, January is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Philippines. January is the month for spending time on the beach, sightseeing, and even trekking (just make sure to go trekking on the northern side as the Southmay still be experiencing the monsoon, so the northern regions will be clearer). The watersaround Palawan and Boracay might be a bit rough, so it’s advisable to avoid these islands. But plenty of other parts of the country are on offer, with some great festivals to enjoy, including Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

February
The Cordillera region is cooler during this month and eventhe highlands see lower temperatures. The sea temperatureis moderate, so enjoy a spot of swimming or surfing.Average temperatures remain at 27 °C, with a few days of rainfall. Overall, February offers pleasant weather conditions, giving you the opportunity to fully explore the Philippines’ beauty. Head to Baguio for cooler temperatures nearby rice terraces to explore.

March
It starts getting hotter in Marchespecially in Manila, the Philippines’ capital, where the temperature rises to 32 °C. Again, rainfall in March is quite minimal. March is a great time to visit Siargao, El Nido, and Mactan, as the cool breeze lowers the temperature, giving tourists an amazing break from the heat. Overall, temperaturesstay around 28 °C andwater temperaturesare moderate, at around27 °C,making March the perfect time for those who dream of swimming in the Philippines’ crystal-clear sea.

April

April is pretty humid in the Philippines, but some areas offer dry weather as well. Temperaturescontinue to rise, reaching highs of between 33 and 35 °C. April is an opportunity to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces. But if you’re not a fan of the heat, then the northern side is a great option as the temperatures are lower there. Beaches get pretty crowded during April, as people from all over the world come here to enjoy water activities including diving and surfing,especially in the jaw-dropping islands of Boracay and Palawan. If you’re planning to visit the Philippines in April, make sure to visit the famous festivals in Dagupan City.

May

Just like April, May also offers hot and humid weather but it’s a great time for beach lovers to visit. The average temperature during May stays at 30 °C. If you want to avoid hot weather, head to the mountains, or enjoy the beaches in Boracay. Siargao’s temperature is also a bit more tolerable but,on average, the entire country is extremely hot during this month. By the end of May, rain starts pouring in and the humidity decreases a bit. The country also celebrates many of its festivals in May.If exploring different cultures interests you, and you aren’t too phased by high temperatures, May is a great time for your trip to the Philippines.

June

June sees the start of the rainfall throughout the country,especially in the northern regions. However, Cebu, Bohol, and Siargao experience relatively less rainfall. If you are someone who enjoys rain, then visit the Philippines in June. Across most of the country, you’ll see temperatures of around 28 °Cand many festivals are held during this month, including the famous Wattah Wattah Festival in Manila, and a grand three-part festival in Tacloban. Whether you want to attend one of the cultural festivals or enjoy swimming on the islands, June is a great time to visit the Philippines for all the rain loving tourists.

July

July sees the highest volume of rainfall,especially in the northern areas includingLuzon, making it difficult to plan a trip there. On the other hand,the southern islands of Cebu, Bohol and Siargao don’t have as heavy downpour as in the central and northern Philippines. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip in July, the southern areas are the best option. Temperatures stay moderate with average of 28 °C. For most people, July isn’t the ideal time to visit the country, but if mud and rain do not bother you, then go ahead and plan your trip for this month.

August
August has the same rainy weather as July with more than 20 days of rainfall, particularly in the northern areas including Luzon. Due to heavy rainfall, it’s best to avoid planning your trip for August.The southern part is not as wet as the northern side, so visitingthe southern parts is an option. Average temperaturesreach up to 27 °Cduring this month so visit parts of the Philippines that are less wet and why not try out surfing in Siargao?But plan your trip with caution as typhoons are possible by mid to late August.

September
September is the Philippines’ worst month for weather, with the country’s heaviest rainfall and strong typhoons, making planning a trip during this time difficult. Visiting beaches is also not recommended. If you are in the Philippines during September and really want to visit a beach, make sure to ask the locals about the weather conditions there. September’s available attractions include historical sights, museums, and delicious local cuisine. Temperatures remain at an average of 28 °C, with heavy rainfall across the country.

October

Typhoons and rainfall are still possible in October but not in the southern region.Actually, the climate starts to getpleasant and tolerable with temperatures of 28 °Cthroughout the country and little rainfall. Moreover, during October you’ll find festivals being celebrated across the country, allowing you to immerse yourself and learn about the Philippines’ rich traditions and customs. If you want to go surfing, then October is best time to visit Cebu, Bohol, and Siargao.

November

Welcome to the Philippines’ dry season. This month has more stable weather conditions, with a much lower chance of typhoons. The weather starts to get dry with decreased rainfall. The weather is pleasant, neithertoo warm nor too cold. The average temperature during November is around 27 °C across the country. Novemberis a great time to visitthe Philippines as there are fewer crowds on the popular Palawan island. Make sure to check out the festivals happening in the Philippines during November including the Higantes Festival in Angono.

December

December is the start of cooler temperatures in the Philippines with an average of 26 °C and little to no rainfall. The weather conditions become bearable with sunny days and cool air.It is the best time to go trekking to Banaue’s Rice Terraces. Given the improved weather conditions and easy access to famous landmarks and islands, December might get a little crowded with tourists, and prices will be increasedgiven that it’s also the Christmas season.

CONCLUSION –THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES:

November to April are the ideal months to visit the Philippines when the weather is pleasant with no risk of typhoons and heavy rainfall. Almost every part of the country is easily accessible during these months. While March and April get very hot, these months are best for beach lovers. If you are not into beaches, then plan your trip in cooler months such as December, January, and February.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your much-awaited trip to the Philippines! Now that you have a monthly weather guide, plan your trip according to your choice of weather. Have an amazing vacation in this natural paradise!

If you’re looking for more information about the Philippines or any other destination you’d like to visit, check out Backpackertrail. The German start-up knows all about backpacking and will help you to plan your adventure, have the best trip possible, and experience the world in all its glory. Find information about climates, the best beaches, activities, and so much more. Enjoy your trip!