Things to Do in Philippines in January

January Weather in Philippines

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 25mm (1 inch) of rainfall and just 4 rainy days - perfect for island hopping and outdoor activities without weather disruptions
Northeast monsoon brings cooling winds, making 30°C (86°F) highs feel comfortable rather than oppressive, ideal for hiking and city exploration
Crystal clear waters with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility for diving and snorkeling - the absolute best underwater conditions of the year
Tourist shoulder season in most regions means 20-30% lower accommodation prices compared to December peak, while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Extreme UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection and limits midday outdoor activities - locals avoid direct sun 11am-3pm
Strong northeast winds (15-25 knots) can make western coast boat trips choppy and cancel some island tours, particularly in northern Luzon
Chinese New Year period (late January 2025) brings crowds and higher prices to popular destinations like Boracay and Palawan

Best Activities in January

Palawan Island Hopping and Snorkeling

January offers the clearest waters of the year with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas perfect for exploring El Nido's lagoons and Coron's WWII wrecks. The dry season ensures tours run daily without weather cancellations. Morning trips (7am-12pm) avoid the strongest UV rays.

Booking Tip: Book El Nido tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators at the tourism office. Tours typically cost ₱1,500-2,500 ($27-45) including lunch and equipment. Avoid booking street tours - check current licensed options in the booking section below.

Banaue Rice Terraces Trekking

Cool mountain temperatures of 15-22°C (59-72°F) and minimal rainfall make January ideal for multi-day treks through the 2,000-year-old terraces. Post-harvest season means golden-brown terraces create stunning photography opportunities. Early morning starts (6am) offer the best light and mist effects.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 10-14 days ahead through local guide associations. Multi-day treks cost ₱3,000-5,000 ($54-90) per day including meals and accommodation. Guides are mandatory for remote areas - see current trekking options below.

Manila Historical Walking Tours

January's lower humidity (68%) and cooling northeast breeze make walking through Intramuros and Binondo comfortable during morning hours. The dry season ensures cobblestone streets aren't slippery, and outdoor historical sites stay accessible. Best explored 7am-10am before heat builds.

Booking Tip: Join established walking tour groups or hire certified guides through Manila Tourism. Tours typically cost ₱800-1,500 ($14-27) for 3-4 hours. Book same-day at visitor centers or check current tour options in the booking section.

Bohol Chocolate Hills Adventure Tours

Dry season transforms the hills to their famous chocolate-brown color - the iconic look that gave them their name. Clear skies offer unobstructed views from the viewing deck, and calm weather ensures ATV tours and zip-lining operate safely. January mornings provide the best panoramic visibility.

Booking Tip: Combine Chocolate Hills with Loboc River cruises for full-day packages costing ₱2,000-3,500 ($36-63). Book through Tagbilaran tourism office or resort concierges 3-5 days ahead. Check current adventure packages in the booking section below.

Siquijor Island Mystical Tours

January's excellent weather allows exploration of this mystical island's healing springs, century-old balete trees, and traditional healers without rain disrupting outdoor ceremonies. Calm seas ensure reliable ferry connections from Bohol and Negros. The dry season keeps rural dirt roads accessible.

Booking Tip: Rent motorbikes (₱500-700/$9-13 per day) for self-guided tours or hire tricycle drivers for full-day island tours (₱1,500-2,000/$27-36). Book accommodations 1-2 weeks ahead as options are limited. See current island tour options below.

Siargao Surfing and Island Tours

January brings consistent 3-5 foot swells to Cloud 9 with offshore winds creating clean wave faces. The dry season means daily boat tours to nearby islands operate without weather delays. Post-typhoon season ensures calm conditions for beginners and consistent breaks for experienced surfers.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons cost ₱1,500-2,500 ($27-45) for 2 hours including board rental. Island hopping tours run ₱2,000-3,000 ($36-54) for full day. Book surf guides through established surf schools - see current options in the booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Third Sunday of January (January 19, 2025)

Sinulog Festival

Cebu City's grandest celebration honoring Santo Niño with street dancing, parades, and cultural performances. The festival transforms the entire city into a massive outdoor party with food stalls, live music, and traditional costumes. Book accommodations 2 months ahead as the city fills completely.

Third weekend of January

Ati-Atihan Festival

Kalibo, Aklan hosts this 'Mother of All Philippine Festivals' with participants painting their faces black and dancing in the streets. The most authentic and participatory festival where tourists can join the street dancing. Combines indigenous and Catholic traditions in a week-long celebration.

January 29, 2025

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Binondo (Manila's Chinatown) and major cities with Chinese communities host lion dances, firecracker displays, and special temple ceremonies. Restaurants offer traditional New Year dishes and lucky food combinations. Expect crowds and higher prices in tourist areas during this period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen and zinc stick for lips/nose - UV index reaches 9 and reflects off white sand beaches

Lightweight long-sleeve rash guard - protects from sun during water activities and prevents coral cuts while snorkeling

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for rice terrace treks and protects legs from sharp grass during island walks

Waterproof phone case - crucial for boat tours and water activities, even in dry season due to sea spray

Insect repellent with 25% DEET - evening mosquitoes remain active in tropical climate despite dry conditions

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers still possible and useful for air-conditioned buses and boats

Comfortable walking sandals with back strap - for city walking and easy beach/boat entry, avoid flip-flops on cobblestones

Power bank 20,000mAh capacity - essential for long island-hopping days and areas with limited charging options

Electrolyte powder packets - combat dehydration from heat and sun exposure during outdoor activities

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic materials trap heat and moisture uncomfortable in 68% humidity

Insider Knowledge

Book flights to secondary destinations (Siargao, Siquijor, Bohol) through Cebu rather than Manila - often 30-40% cheaper and more flight options during January

January is harvest season for rambutan, lanzones, and pomelo - try these seasonal fruits at local markets for ₱50-100 per kilo, unavailable most of the year

Northeast winds make western-facing beaches (Boracay Station 1, some El Nido spots) choppy in afternoons - choose eastern or sheltered beaches for swimming after 2pm

Many Filipinos travel domestically after New Year holidays until mid-January - book domestic flights and accommodations by early December for better prices and availability

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity due to comfortable temperature - many tourists get severe burns snorkeling or hiking without adequate protection in high UV conditions

Booking western Palawan island tours after 2pm when northeast winds create choppy seas - morning tours (7am-12pm) offer calmer waters and better visibility

Not bringing warm clothes for mountain destinations like Baguio or Sagada where January temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at night despite hot weather elsewhere