Things to Do in Philippines in November

November Weather in Philippines

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

386 mm (15.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-typhoon season clarity - November marks the end of the wettest months, with cleaner air and dramatically improved visibility for photography and island hopping
Perfect surfing conditions on the Pacific coast - consistent swells from October storms create ideal waves at Siargao and Aurora without the dangerous typhoon winds
Cooler mountain weather for hiking - temperatures in Baguio, Sagada, and Banaue drop to comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) making rice terrace trekking and cave exploration pleasant
Shoulder season pricing with peak season weather - accommodation rates are 30-40% lower than December-February while enjoying similar weather conditions

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours - November still sees intense 1-2 hour thunderstorms that can flood streets in Manila and cancel island transfers with little warning
High humidity makes it feel hotter - 70% humidity means 30°C (86°F) feels like 35°C (95°F), particularly uncomfortable for walking tours in Manila and Cebu City
Tail end of typhoon season - while rare, late-season typhoons can still form and disrupt travel plans, especially affecting northern Luzon flights

Best Activities in November

Palawan Island Hopping and Underground River Tours

November offers the perfect balance for Palawan - seas are calmer than October but not yet crowded like December. El Nido lagoons have excellent visibility, and the Underground River in Puerto Princesa operates with minimal weather cancellations. Water temperature stays warm at 28°C (82°F) while afternoon rains provide welcome cooling.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for better boat selections. Tours typically cost ₱3,500-5,500 per person for full-day island hopping. Look for operators with covered boats for sudden rain showers. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Banaue Rice Terraces Trekking

November is ideal for the rice terraces as the harvest season creates golden landscapes and cooler mountain temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F). Rain has filled the terraces beautifully but trails aren't muddy like in peak wet season. Local Ifugao guides are most available before Christmas rush.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost ₱2,500-4,000 per day including guide and basic accommodation. Book through Banaue Tourism Office or licensed mountain guides. Allow 3-4 days minimum for proper exploration.

Siargao Surfing and Island Adventures

Post-typhoon season brings consistent swells to Cloud 9 and other breaks without dangerous winds. Water remains warm at 27°C (81°F) and crowds are lighter than peak season. November also offers great conditions for island hopping to Naked Island and Guyam Island between surf sessions.

Booking Tip: Surfboard rentals ₱500-800 per day, lessons ₱1,500-2,500. Book accommodations early as surf lodges fill up with experienced surfers seeking post-storm swells. Look for packages combining surf lessons with island tours.

Manila Food Tours and Cultural Walks

November's cooler mornings and early evenings are perfect for exploring Manila's street food scene. Binondo walking tours are comfortable before 10am or after 4pm. The brief afternoon rains actually cool the city and make evening food markets more pleasant. Local fruits like rambutan and lanzones are in season.

Booking Tip: Food tours range ₱2,000-4,000 per person for 4-6 hours. Start early morning (8am) or late afternoon (4pm) to avoid midday heat and rain. Book with guides who know covered food halls for rainy weather backup.

Boracay Beach and Water Sports

November marks Boracay's transition to dry season with calmer waters for parasailing and kitesurfing. Beach temperatures are warm but not scorching, and the famous sunset views have fewer clouds than wet season months. Afternoon rains are brief and actually provide relief from sun exposure.

Booking Tip: Water sports packages ₱2,500-4,500 per person. Book beach accommodations early as this is when high season pricing begins but availability is still good. Look for resorts with covered beach areas for rain showers.

Cebu Historical and Diving Tours

November offers excellent diving visibility around Moalboal and Malapascua as post-storm waters settle. Historical tours in Cebu City are comfortable in morning hours before heat builds. Oslob whale shark encounters have good weather windows, and southern Cebu beaches see fewer cancellations.

Booking Tip: Diving day trips cost ₱3,000-5,000 including equipment. Book certified dive operators with proper insurance. Historical city tours ₱1,500-2,500 per person. Combine with beach destinations for weather flexibility.

November Events & Festivals

Early November (extended celebrations)

MassKara Festival in Bacolod

This vibrant festival features elaborate masks, street dancing, and food celebrations. While the main festivities are in October, November still has cultural events and it's an excellent time to visit Bacolod with smaller crowds but continued festival atmosphere and special local dishes.

Throughout November

Baguio Flower Festival Preparation Season

November is when Baguio's cooler weather brings flower blooms in preparation for the February Panagbenga Festival. Local gardens and flower farms are at their most beautiful, and it's the perfect time to visit without the February crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - November thunderstorms are intense but brief (1-2 hours), and you'll need protection that packs small for island hopping

Moisture-wicking shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton stick to skin; synthetic blends dry faster between rain showers

Waterproof phone case - Essential for boat trips and sudden downpours; local replacement costs ₱800-1,500

Closed-toe water shoes - For rocky beaches and cave exploration, plus protection from flooded streets after rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 means burns in 15 minutes, and clouds don't block UV rays

Lightweight long pants - For air-conditioned spaces, mosquito protection during evening activities, and conservative dress at religious sites

Portable power bank 20,000mAh - Power outages during storms are common, and you'll need extra juice for navigation and communication

Anti-chafing balm - High humidity causes serious chafing during walking tours and hiking

Probiotics or stomach medication - November's humid weather increases food safety risks at street vendors

Insect repellent with DEET - Post-rain mosquito activity peaks in evening hours

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for early morning (6-8am) or late evening (after 7pm) - afternoon thunderstorms cause the most flight delays and cancellations in November

Carry small bills (₱20, ₱50 notes) - many vendors can't break ₱500 or ₱1,000 bills, especially during rainy weather when business is slow

Download offline maps and translation apps before traveling - cell towers often go down during storms, and you'll need navigation backup

Stay in accommodations with backup generators - power outages lasting 2-6 hours are common during November storms, especially in smaller islands

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 1-4pm when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - schedule indoor activities like museums, malls, or spa treatments during these hours

Booking non-refundable tours too far in advance - November weather can change rapidly, so book flexible tours or purchase through operators offering weather cancellation policies

Underestimating how long it takes to dry clothes - 70% humidity means laundry takes 2-3 days to dry completely, so pack more underwear and socks than usual