Things to Do in Philippines in April

April Weather in Philippines

31°C (87°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season tailwinds create perfect conditions for island hopping in Palawan and Visayas - seas are calmest from March through May with visibility reaching 30m (98 ft) underwater
Pre-peak season pricing means 30-40% lower accommodation costs compared to December-February, with luxury resorts offering shoulder season rates
Mangoes reach peak ripeness in April - locals call it 'mango season' and roadside stalls sell premium Carabao mangoes for ₱40-60 per kilo (2.2 lbs)
Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities, especially in mountain regions like Baguio and Tagaytay where mornings start at 15°C (59°F)

Considerations

Holy Week (March 29 - April 5, 2025) creates massive domestic travel surge - flights can cost triple normal rates and island ferries book solid for locals' beach holidays
Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days, typically 2-4pm, and can be intense with heavy downpours lasting 30-90 minutes
Building heat and humidity toward rainy season makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable in lowland areas - feels like 35-38°C (95-100°F)

Best Activities in April

Palawan Island Hopping and Lagoon Tours

April offers the calmest seas and clearest skies before typhoon season begins in June. Nacpan Beach and El Nido's lagoons are accessible daily with minimal wave action. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon storms that roll in around 2pm. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F) with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility for snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Book island tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators with DENR permits. Full-day tours typically cost ₱1,800-2,500 including lunch and snorkel gear. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon weather. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Banaue Rice Terraces Trekking

April marks the end of harvest season when terraces show golden stubble patterns before June replanting. Morning temperatures start at 12°C (54°F) with clear mountain air, warming to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by noon. Minimal rainfall means dry trails and excellent photography conditions. Local Ifugao villages celebrate post-harvest with traditional rice wine ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Arrange guided treks through Banaue Tourism Office or licensed local guides for ₱2,000-3,500 per day. Include overnight homestays for ₱800-1,200 per person. Book 10-14 days ahead during April. Check current trekking packages in the booking section.

Bohol Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Spotting

Dry season keeps Chocolate Hills accessible via motorcycle or ATV without muddy conditions. Hills appear golden-brown as grass dormancy peaks in April heat. Tarsiers are most active during cooler morning hours 6-9am before temperature climbs. Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary limits visitors to 100 per day, easier to secure slots in April than peak months.

Booking Tip: Combine Chocolate Hills viewpoint, tarsier sanctuary, and Loboc River cruise in full-day packages costing ₱2,200-3,200. Book sanctuary visits 3-5 days ahead. Half-day options available for ₱1,500-2,000. Find current Bohol tour combinations in booking section below.

Siargao Surfing and Island Adventures

April delivers consistent 3-6 foot swells from northeast trade winds without monsoon interference. Cloud 9 breaks work best during incoming tide, typically 7-10am and 4-6pm. Water stays warm at 27°C (81°F) requiring only boardshorts. Fewer international surfers compared to dry season peak, meaning less crowded lineups.

Booking Tip: Surfboard rentals cost ₱500-800 per day, lessons ₱1,500-2,500 for 2-3 hours. Island hopping tours to Naked Island and Daku Island run ₱1,800-2,400 including boat and lunch. Book 2-3 days ahead through licensed boat operators. Current Siargao packages available in booking section.

Manila Food Market Tours and Cooking Classes

April heat intensifies flavors of tropical fruits hitting peak season - lanzones, rambutan, and mangosteen flood markets. Night markets stay active until 2am as locals avoid midday heat. Binondo Chinatown morning tours capture fresh dim sum preparation starting 6am. Cooking classes focus on summer cooling dishes like halo-halo and fresh lumpia.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run ₱2,500-4,000 for 4-5 hours including tastings and transportation. Cooking classes cost ₱3,500-5,500 with market visit and meal. Book 5-7 days ahead as local food experiences fill quickly. Browse current Manila food experiences in booking section below.

Vigan Heritage Walking and Kalesa Rides

April's dry conditions preserve cobblestone streets without flooding that affects rainy months. Colonial architecture photography benefits from consistent lighting without heavy cloud cover. Early morning kalesa rides at 7am capture golden light on Spanish houses before tourist buses arrive. Longganisa vendors set up breakfast stalls serving Vigan's famous garlic sausage.

Booking Tip: Heritage walking tours cost ₱800-1,500 for 2-3 hours with local historian guides. Kalesa rides run ₱200-400 for 30-45 minutes around Calle Crisologo. Combine with pottery making in Pagburnayan for ₱1,200-1,800 full experience. Check current Vigan cultural tours in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

Holy Week (March 29 - April 5, 2025)

Moriones Festival

Marinduque island transforms as locals dress as Roman centurions reenacting Christ's crucifixion during Holy Week. Participants wear elaborate masks and costumes parading through town streets. Most authentic cultural experience combining Catholic faith with Filipino artistry.

Mid April

Aliwan Fiesta

Manila hosts the Philippines' largest cultural festival bringing regional dances, costumes, and food from across the archipelago to CCP Complex. Over 50 participating festivals compete in street dancing and float competitions. Free admission with food stalls representing every province.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - afternoon showers create 70% humidity that keeps cotton damp for hours

Lightweight packable rain jacket - sudden downpours last 30-90 minutes with limited shelter on islands and mountain trails

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours during water activities

Breathable anti-chafe underwear - high humidity and walking create friction issues, synthetic moisture-wicking materials essential

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - protect electronics during sudden storms and water activities

Closed-toe water shoes - rocky beach entries and coral protection, especially in Palawan and Bohol waters

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - mosquitoes peak during humid conditions, dengue prevention crucial

Portable phone charger/power bank - frequent power outages during afternoon storms in provincial areas

Electrolyte packets or tablets - replace minerals lost through constant sweating in 70% humidity

Light cotton long sleeves - sun protection during island hopping and evening mosquito defense

Insider Knowledge

Filipino families travel extensively during Holy Week creating domestic tourist surge - book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead or face 200-300% price increases in beach destinations

Afternoon storms follow predictable patterns: clouds build around 1pm, rain hits 2-4pm, clears by 5pm - plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon

Mango season means every province claims the 'sweetest' variety - Guimaras produces export quality, Zambales offers roadside bargains at ₱30-50 per kilo (2.2 lbs), taste before buying

Local tricycle and jeepney fares increase 20-30% during Holy Week and summer school vacation - agree on prices before boarding, especially in tourist areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling connecting flights during Holy Week weekend without considering massive domestic travel delays - domestic flights can be delayed 2-4 hours

Wearing white or light cotton clothing that becomes transparent when wet from sudden rain showers - choose darker quick-dry fabrics

Planning full-day outdoor activities from 11am-3pm when heat index reaches 38°C (100°F) - locals rest indoors during these hours