Things to Do in Philippines in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Philippines
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect diving and snorkeling visibility - December brings the clearest waters of the year with 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility in Palawan and Bohol due to calm northeast monsoon winds
- Ideal hiking temperatures - Morning temperatures of 23°C (73°F) make it perfect for volcano treks and mountain hikes before afternoon heat peaks, with minimal risk of dangerous storms
- Peak whale shark season in Donsol - December through May offers 90% encounter rates compared to 40% in other months, with calmer seas making boat trips more comfortable
- Dry season festival celebrations - Local fiestas like Masskara in Bacolod and various Christmas festivals happen during the most reliable weather window of the year
Considerations
- Peak tourist season pricing - Accommodation rates increase 40-60% compared to rainy season, and domestic flights can cost double due to Filipino overseas workers returning for holidays
- Heavy crowds at major attractions - Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol see visitor numbers triple, with island-hopping tours booking out 2-3 weeks in advance
- Afternoon thunderstorms still possible - Despite dry season label, expect sudden 20-30 minute downpours on 10 days throughout the month, particularly in mountainous regions
Best Activities in December
Palawan Island Hopping and Underground River Tours
December offers the calmest seas for El Nido and Coron boat tours, with visibility perfect for snorkeling and minimal seasickness risk. The famous Puerto Princesa Underground River experiences its driest conditions, meaning clearer cave views and no tour cancellations due to flooding.
Bohol Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary Visits
December's dry conditions make the Chocolate Hills appear at their most dramatic brown color, while cooler morning temperatures (23°C/73°F) are ideal for spotting active tarsiers during feeding times. Road conditions to viewpoints are at their best with minimal mud or flooding.
Volcanic Hiking in Batangas and Laguna
Taal Volcano and Mount Makiling offer perfect hiking conditions with clear summit views and minimal rain risk. December's lower humidity makes the climbs more comfortable, and clear skies provide Instagram-worthy crater lake photos that aren't possible during cloudy months.
Manila Food Tours and Cultural Experiences
December brings the best street food season with vendors offering special Christmas delicacies like bibingka and puto bumbong only available this month. Pleasant evening temperatures (25°C/77°F) make walking food tours comfortable, and reduced rain means outdoor markets stay open consistently.
Whale Shark Swimming in Donsol
December marks the beginning of peak whale shark season with 90% encounter rates and calmer waters making snorkeling easier for beginners. Unlike the feeding operations elsewhere, Donsol offers ethical wildlife encounters with naturally occurring whale sharks in their feeding grounds.
Siargao Surfing and Island Adventures
December brings consistent 4-6 foot waves at Cloud 9 with offshore winds creating perfect barrels, while beginners can learn on mellower breaks like Jacking Horse. The northeast monsoon also creates ideal conditions for island hopping to Naked Island and Daku Island with minimal chop.
December Events & Festivals
Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses)
Nine consecutive dawn masses from December 16-24 creating a uniquely Filipino Christmas tradition. Experience local community spirit with traditional kakanin (rice cakes) sold outside churches and special Christmas carols sung in local dialects.
Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga
The most spectacular Christmas light display in Southeast Asia featuring 20-foot illuminated parols (star lanterns) competing in San Fernando. Each barangay creates increasingly elaborate displays with synchronized music and thousands of LED lights.