Things to Do in Philippines in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Philippines
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- August sits right in the middle of the dry season in many parts of the Philippines, particularly in Palawan and the western regions. You're looking at some of the best diving and island-hopping conditions of the year, with visibility underwater often reaching 20-30 m (65-100 ft) and calm seas making boat transfers actually pleasant rather than stomach-churning.
- Tourist numbers drop significantly compared to the December-February peak season, meaning you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer crowds at major sites. Hotels in El Nido and Coron typically run 30-40% cheaper than high season, and you can actually get a decent photo at the Chocolate Hills without 50 people in the frame.
- The whale shark season in Donsol is in full swing during August, with sighting rates hovering around 70-80% on good days. Unlike Oslob where they're fed, these are wild interactions, and August's calmer waters make the snorkeling experience far more enjoyable than the choppier months.
- Mango season is winding down but you'll still catch the tail end, while rambutan and lanzones are coming into peak season. The fruit markets in August are genuinely spectacular, and locals tend to offer better prices as they're clearing out stock before the next harvest cycle.
Considerations
- August is technically within typhoon season, which runs June through November. While the Philippines gets an average of 20 typhoons per year, August typically sees 2-3 systems, and even if they don't make direct landfall near you, they can disrupt domestic flights and ferry schedules with little warning. The eastern seaboard, particularly areas facing the Pacific like Siargao and northern Luzon, tends to catch more weather than the western regions.
- The humidity at 70% combined with temperatures around 32°C (89°F) creates that sticky, oppressive feeling that makes even short walks feel exhausting. Air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for most travelers, which limits budget accommodation options and increases electricity costs if you're staying somewhere that charges separately for AC use.
- School holidays in the Philippines don't align with August, but it's peak summer vacation season for many Asian countries, particularly South Korea and China. This means popular spots like Boracay and Palawan can still feel crowded on weekends, and domestic tourists from Manila flood beach destinations, driving up prices for weekend boat tours and island-hopping trips by 20-30%.
Best Activities in August
Tubbataha Reefs diving expeditions
August marks the final month of the Tubbataha diving season, which only runs mid-March through mid-June, actually scratch that, it closes in June. But for world-class diving in August, head to Apo Reef or the sites around Coron instead. August offers some of the calmest seas and clearest visibility of the year, typically 25-30 m (82-98 ft), making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers. The water temperature sits comfortably at 27-29°C (81-84°F), so you'll only need a 3mm wetsuit. Currents tend to be gentler in August compared to the windier months, and you'll encounter fewer divers than the December-February rush.
Rice terrace trekking in Banaue and Batad
August sits between the planting season and harvest, so the terraces are lush and green rather than the golden brown of harvest time or the muddy chaos of planting. The rice is typically knee to waist-high, creating that postcard-perfect layered effect. Temperatures in the Cordillera mountains are notably cooler than the lowlands, usually 18-24°C (64-75°F), making it actually pleasant to hike during midday. You'll get occasional afternoon rain, but it tends to be brief and the trails drain well. The trek from Banaue to Batad takes about 3-4 hours and involves some steep sections with an elevation change of roughly 400 m (1,312 ft).
Island-hopping tours in El Nido and Coron
August offers some of the best sea conditions for island-hopping, with calmer waters and less wind than the transition months. The famous lagoons of El Nido, particularly Big and Small Lagoon, are swimmable without the choppy conditions that can make kayaking miserable in other months. Visibility for snorkeling typically reaches 15-20 m (49-65 ft), and you'll spot sea turtles, reef sharks, and massive schools of fish. Tours usually run 9am-4pm, and while you'll share boats with other travelers, August's medium crowd levels mean you're not fighting for space like in peak season.
Firefly watching tours along rivers
August's warm, humid evenings create ideal conditions for firefly activity, particularly along the rivers in Bohol and around Puerto Princesa in Palawan. The displays tend to peak between 7pm-9pm when it's fully dark but not yet too late. You'll glide along the river in a small boat, and on good nights the mangrove trees light up like Christmas decorations. It's genuinely magical and works well as an evening activity after a day of beach or sightseeing. Tours last about 45-60 minutes on the water, plus travel time to the river sites.
Street food tours in Manila and Cebu
August evenings are perfect for street food exploration once the sun goes down and temperatures drop to a more tolerable 26-28°C (79-82°F). The night markets and food streets come alive around 6pm and run until midnight or later. You'll find everything from balut to sisig to fresh grilled seafood, and August is actually a great time because the vendors are in full swing without the oppressive heat of April-May. The food scenes in Poblacion, Manila, and around Larsian in Cebu offer dozens of stalls within walking distance. Budget ₱300-600 for a full evening of eating your way through multiple stalls.
Canyoneering adventures in Cebu
The famous Kawasan Falls canyoneering route is at its best in August when water levels are high enough to make the jumps exciting but not dangerously flooded. You'll spend 3-4 hours rappelling down waterfalls, cliff jumping from heights of 3-15 m (10-49 ft), swimming through canyons, and scrambling over rocks before reaching the stunning turquoise pools of Kawasan Falls. The water temperature stays refreshingly cool year-round at around 22-24°C (72-75°F), which feels amazing after hiking in August's heat. This is genuinely one of the Philippines' best adventure activities, though you need reasonable fitness and comfort in water.
August Events & Festivals
Kadayawan Festival
Davao City's biggest festival celebrating the harvest season and indigenous culture. You'll see street dancing competitions, floral floats parade, tribal performances, and massive fruit displays showcasing Davao's agricultural wealth. The festival has been running since the 1980s and draws crowds from across Mindanao. The street dancing competition on the final weekend is the main event, with tribes in full traditional costume performing choreographed routines. Hotels in Davao book up fast, so arrange accommodation well ahead if you're planning to attend.
Pamulinawen Festival
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte celebrates its founding anniversary with week-long festivities including street dancing, trade fairs, and cultural shows. The festival honors Pamulinawen, a legendary Ilocano beauty, and features performances showcasing Ilocano traditions and music. It's less touristy than some of the bigger Philippine festivals, giving you a more authentic local experience. The highlight is the street dancing competition where groups perform traditional Ilocano dances in vibrant costumes.