Things to Do in Philippines in February

February Weather in Philippines

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

597 mm (23.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - February has the least rainfall of any month with only 10 rainy days versus 15-20+ in other months, making it ideal for island hopping and outdoor activities
Perfect temperatures for all-day exploration - consistent 23-29°C (73-84°F) without the scorching heat of April-May or the humidity spikes of monsoon season
Chinese New Year festivities in Binondo and Chinatowns nationwide create spectacular cultural celebrations with dragon dances, temple ceremonies, and special foods only available during this period
Best visibility for diving and snorkeling - calm seas and minimal rainfall mean 20-30m (65-98 ft) underwater visibility in Palawan, Bohol, and Batangas compared to 10-15m (33-49 ft) in rainy months

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, and popular destinations like Boracay and Palawan require bookings 6-8 weeks in advance
Crowds at major attractions - Banaue Rice Terraces, Chocolate Hills, and popular beaches see 2-3x normal visitor numbers, with ferry tickets to islands selling out days ahead
Occasional cool evenings in mountain regions like Baguio and Sagada drop to 15-18°C (59-64°F), requiring layers that most tropical travelers don't pack

Best Activities in February

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

February offers the calmest seas of the year with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for accessing remote lagoons and snorkeling spots that are often inaccessible during monsoon months. Water clarity reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility, and boat transfers between islands are smooth and comfortable. The dry weather means you can fully enjoy beach picnics and cave exploration without weather disruptions.

Booking Tip: Book island hopping tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators at your accommodation or town proper. Tours typically cost ₱1,200-2,000 per person for full-day trips including lunch and snorkeling gear. Avoid booking through beach vendors - legitimate operators have Department of Tourism permits and proper safety equipment.

Banaue Rice Terraces Trekking

February's dry weather provides the best trekking conditions with firm trails and clear mountain views extending 50+ km (31+ miles) on clear days. The terraces showcase their golden post-harvest beauty, and cool morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make multi-hour hikes comfortable. Local Ifugao communities are most active during this season, offering authentic cultural interactions and traditional rice wine tastings.

Booking Tip: Arrange guided treks through your accommodation in Banaue town or directly with registered local guides. Full-day treks cost ₱2,500-4,000 including guide, lunch, and cultural demonstrations. Book 3-5 days ahead during February peak season. Ensure guides are certified by the local tourism office for safety and cultural authenticity.

Palawan Underground River Tours

February's low rainfall means the underground river system has optimal water levels for the full 8.2 km (5.1 mile) navigable route, with all chambers accessible. The dry season reduces the risk of tour cancellations due to flooding, which affects 30-40% of visits during rainy months. Wildlife sightings increase as animals congregate around stable water sources.

Booking Tip: Underground River permits are mandatory and limited to 900 visitors daily. Book permits online through the official Puerto Princesa Subterranean River website at least 2 weeks ahead in February. Tours cost ₱2,000-3,500 including permits, transfers, and boat tours. Avoid unauthorized tour operators - only accredited operators can secure legitimate permits.

Bohol Chocolate Hills Countryside Tours

February showcases the Chocolate Hills in their iconic brown phase as grass dormancy creates the classic chocolate-colored landscape visible from viewing decks 200m (656 ft) above. Clear, dry weather provides unobstructed 360-degree views and perfect conditions for the complementary Loboc River cruise and tarsier sanctuary visits that comprise full countryside tours.

Booking Tip: Countryside tours combining Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, and tarsier viewing typically cost ₱1,800-2,800 per person through registered tour operators in Tagbilaran or Panglao. Book day tours through your hotel or licensed operators displaying DOT accreditation. Tours run 8-9 hours - start early to avoid midday heat and crowds.

Manila Intramuros Historical Walking Tours

February's moderate humidity and comfortable temperatures make extended walking tours through Intramuros ideal, with morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) perfect for exploring the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) perimeter of historical walls. Chinese New Year celebrations in nearby Binondo add cultural festivities and special food offerings not available other months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours are free, but guided historical tours cost ₱800-1,500 per person and provide deeper cultural context. Book through official Intramuros Administration or accredited cultural tour operators. Morning tours (8-11 AM) offer the best weather conditions and lighting for photography. Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) tours cost ₱500-800 for 1-2 hours.

Cebu Oslob Whale Shark Swimming

February offers the calmest sea conditions for whale shark encounters, with gentle currents and excellent underwater visibility of 15-20m (49-65 ft). The dry season reduces weather-related cancellations that affect 25-30% of tours during monsoon months. Early morning tours have the highest whale shark encounter rates before daily winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Whale shark swimming tours from Oslob cost ₱1,500-2,500 per person including snorkeling gear and boat fees. Book through established operators in Oslob or arrange through Cebu City hotels with transfers. Morning slots (6-9 AM) have 95% encounter success rates versus 70-80% for afternoon tours. Swimming with whale sharks requires basic swimming ability - life vests are mandatory.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Manila's Binondo district and Cebu's Colon Street transform into vibrant celebration zones with dragon parades, temple ceremonies, and special tikoy and hopia treats available only during this period. Temple visits spike during this time, offering authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Throughout February

Panagbenga Flower Festival

Baguio's month-long flower festival features elaborate float parades, street dancing competitions, and displays showcasing hundreds of local flower varieties in the cooler mountain climate. The main parade typically draws 200,000+ visitors to Session Road.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and happen unpredictably despite February being the driest month

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 means burns occur in 15-20 minutes, and many marine parks prohibit chemical sunscreens

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for island boats - sea breeze makes 29°C (84°F) feel cooler, but UV exposure intensifies over water

Waterproof phone case - essential for island hopping and underwater photography, even during dry season boat transfers create splash zones

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - wet boat decks and temple steps require non-slip soles, avoid flip-flops for safety

Light sweater for mountain destinations - Baguio and Sagada evening temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F), catching tropical travelers unprepared

Mosquito repellent with 20-30% DEET - dengue season peaks February-April, especially in urban areas and after brief rain showers

Cash in small bills - many island tours, tricycle rides, and local restaurants don't accept cards or large denominations

Dry bag for valuables - protecting electronics and documents during boat transfers and water activities is essential

Modest clothing for religious sites - churches and temples require covered shoulders and knees, lightweight cover-ups work for beach-to-temple transitions

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights between islands at least 4 weeks ahead in February - Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines increase prices 60-80% during peak season, and popular routes like Manila-Palawan sell out

Start island tours before 8 AM to beat both crowds and afternoon winds - morning seas are glass-calm while afternoon swells develop by 2 PM, affecting smaller boat comfort and snorkeling visibility

Carry exact change for entrance fees and environmental fees at tourist sites - destinations like Kawasan Falls (₱45), El Nido (₱200), and Apo Island (₱100) don't provide change for large bills

Download offline maps before traveling between islands - cellular coverage is spotty in remote areas, and data roaming becomes expensive when island-hopping across different provinces

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations only 2-3 weeks ahead - February is peak season and beach resorts in Boracay, Siargao, and Palawan fill up 6-8 weeks in advance, forcing last-minute travelers into overpriced or inconvenient locations

Packing only summer clothes for mountain destinations - Baguio, Sagada, and rice terrace regions have 10-15°C (18-27°F) temperature drops from coastal areas, leaving beach-dressed tourists shivering

Expecting consistently perfect weather - even February has 10 rainy days and afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans, so indoor backup activities and flexible scheduling are essential