Things to Do in Philippines in May

May Weather in Philippines

32°C (89°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

249 mm (9.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-monsoon shoulder season means 40% fewer tourists at major attractions like Boracay and Palawan, with accommodation rates 25-30% lower than peak December-February prices
Mango season peaks in May - you'll find the sweetest Philippine mangoes (Carabao variety) at local markets for ั50-80 per kilo, plus seasonal fruits like lanzones and rambutan
Flores de Mayo festivals occur throughout the month across the country, offering authentic cultural experiences with flower parades, traditional music, and local food stalls
Optimal diving conditions in Bohol and Siquijor with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility, calm seas, and water temperatures at comfortable 28°C (82°F) before typhoon season begins

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days, typically lasting 45-90 minutes between 2-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor island-hopping tours and beach activities
Humidity peaks at 85% during midday making walking tours in Manila and Cebu feel exhausting - locals take siestas from 1-3pm for good reason
End of dry season means some waterfalls like Kawasan Falls run lower, and hiking trails in places like Mount Pulag can be dusty and less scenic before rains refresh the landscape

Best Activities in May

Underground River Cave Tours

May offers perfect timing for Palawan's Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - cool 24°C (75°F) cave temperatures provide relief from outside heat, and pre-monsoon calm seas make the 45-minute boat ride to Sabang comfortable. Tourist numbers are 40% lower than peak season, meaning easier permit acquisition and less crowded cave experiences.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits 2-3 weeks ahead through authorized operators - only 900 visitors allowed daily. Tours typically cost ั2,500-3,500 including transfers from Puerto Princesa. Book morning departures (8-10am) to avoid afternoon rain disruptions.

Chocolate Hills Sunrise Tours

May's clear early mornings offer spectacular sunrise views over Bohol's 1,268 limestone hills before daily cloud buildup. The hills turn golden-brown as dry season ends, creating the signature 'chocolate' appearance. Cooler pre-dawn temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make the 30-minute climb to viewpoints comfortable.

Booking Tip: Depart Tagbilaran by 4:30am for best sunrise views. Motorcycle tours cost ั1,200-2,000 per person including guide and breakfast. Combine with Tarsier Sanctuary visits as afternoon backup if rain starts early.

Volcano Hiking Adventures

Pre-monsoon May provides ideal conditions for climbing Mount Mayon in Bicol or Mount Taal in Batangas. Clear morning visibility extends 15-20km (9-12 miles) before afternoon cloud cover, and trails are dry but not yet muddy from coming rains. Temperatures at elevation drop to comfortable 18-20°C (64-68°F).

Booking Tip: Start climbs by 4am to reach summits before 10am cloud buildup. Licensed guides mandatory - costs range ั3,000-5,000 for Mayon, ั1,500-2,500 for Taal including permits and safety gear. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during shoulder season.

Traditional Market Food Tours

May brings peak harvest season for tropical fruits - markets overflow with mangoes, durian, lanzones, and jackfruit at lowest prices. Morning market tours from 6-9am avoid afternoon heat and offer freshest selections. Local specialties like halo-halo become essential cooling treats as temperatures rise.

Booking Tip: Join walking food tours starting at major markets like Divisoria in Manila or Carbon Market in Cebu. Costs typically ั1,800-2,800 including tastings and market guide. Bring empty stomach and small denominations for individual purchases.

Island Hopping Expeditions

May offers the last month of consistently calm seas before typhoon season, perfect for multi-island tours in El Nido or Siargao. Water visibility peaks at 25-30m (82-98 ft) for snorkeling, and daily afternoon rains actually cool things down during beach stops. Fewer boats mean better photo opportunities at popular lagoons.

Booking Tip: Book traditional bancas for ั2,000-3,500 per boat (6-8 people) for full-day tours. Morning departures essential - return by 3pm before afternoon storms. Operators provide snorkel gear but bring reef-safe sunscreen.

Cultural Heritage Walking Tours

Explore Vigan's Spanish colonial streets or Intramuros in Manila during May's Flores de Mayo celebrations when buildings are decorated with sampaguita garlands. Early morning walks (6-8am) and late afternoon strolls (4-6pm) avoid peak heat while catching golden hour photography light on historic architecture.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well with printed maps from tourism offices. Guided heritage walks cost ั800-1,500 per person for 2-3 hour tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water - cobblestone streets get hot by midday.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Flores de Mayo Festival

Month-long celebration honoring the Virgin Mary with flower festivals, parades, and evening processions across the Philippines. Each town adds local traditions - expect live music, street food vendors, and elaborate flower decorations on historic buildings.

Mid May

Pahiyas Festival

Celebrated in Lucban, Quezon on May 15th, houses are decorated with colorful rice wafers, fruits, and vegetables in thanksgiving for good harvest. Streets transform into edible art galleries with competitions for most creative displays.

Mid to Late May

Carabao Festival

Various provinces celebrate their working carabao (water buffalo) with parades, races, and traditional farming demonstrations. Particularly vibrant in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan with colorfully decorated animals and rural food specialties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain poncho or lightweight jacket - afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes and can be heavy, but temperatures stay warm at 26°C (79°F)

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and you'll spend lots of time on boats with reflected sun exposure

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 85% humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for island hopping and sudden downpours

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - streets get slippery during rain and you'll be in/out of water frequently

Electrolyte supplements or packets - dehydration happens quickly in humid conditions during active sightseeing

Light layers for air-conditioned spaces - malls, restaurants, and transport can be 10°C (18°F) cooler than outside

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are more active during pre-monsoon humidity

Power bank and waterproof charging cables - humidity can affect electronics and you'll use GPS/translation apps frequently

Cash in small bills (฿20, ั50, ั100 notes) - many local vendors, tricycle drivers, and market stalls don't accept cards or large denominations

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on islands like Boracay and Palawan 2-3 weeks ahead for May - it's the sweet spot between peak season rates and monsoon closures, but availability tightens as locals prefer these months too

Time outdoor activities for 6-11am golden hours - locals call midday 'dead time' when even street food vendors close. Restaurants offer discounted lunch specials from 11am-2pm to attract customers during hot hours

Carry a small towel everywhere - not just for rain but for wiping seats, drying hands at local eateries, and managing humidity sweat during transitions between air-conditioned spaces

Learn basic Tagalog weather phrases: 'Uulan ba?' (Will it rain?) and 'Kailan titigil ang ulan?' (When will the rain stop?) - locals appreciate the effort and give better timing advice than weather apps

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days from 12-4pm when locals know afternoon storms hit - schedule beach time for early morning (6-11am) or late afternoon (4-7pm) instead

Overpacking formal clothes for hot, humid weather - even upscale restaurants in May accept smart casual due to climate conditions

Booking only indoor activities as rain backup - afternoon showers actually make outdoor sightseeing more comfortable, and many tours continue with provided rain gear