Things to Do in Philippines in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Philippines
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Transition month weather means you catch the tail end of rainy season in most regions while northern Philippines is already in its dry, comfortable season - temperatures in Baguio and Sagada drop to 15-18°C (59-64°F) at night, perfect for hiking without the oppressive heat
- Significantly fewer tourists than December through February peak season means better accommodation rates (typically 20-30% lower than Christmas period) and you can actually enjoy places like Coron and El Nido without fighting for boat space - tours run with half the passengers
- Rice harvest season in the Cordilleras creates stunning golden terraces in Banaue and Batad, plus you witness actual farming activity rather than just empty green fields - locals are friendlier and more relaxed post-harvest too
- Typhoon season is winding down by mid-November, with statistically only 1-2 systems affecting the country versus 3-4 in October - you still need to watch forecasts, but your chances of a disrupted trip drop considerably after November 15th
Considerations
- November sits awkwardly between seasons - southern Palawan and eastern Mindanao still get substantial rainfall (10-12 rainy days typical in Puerto Princesa), while northern Luzon can already be uncomfortably cool in the mountains, making it tricky to pack for a multi-region itinerary
- Early November typhoons remain a real possibility, particularly affecting eastern Visayas and northern Luzon - the 2026 season could extend longer than average, and one major storm can shut down island-hopping operations for 3-5 days with minimal advance notice
- Beach conditions are inconsistent - while Boracay and western Palawan generally have calm seas, eastern coasts like Siargao still experience swells and cloudy water from residual monsoon patterns, disappointing surfers expecting perfect waves and snorkelers wanting crystal visibility
Best Activities in November
Banaue and Batad Rice Terrace Trekking
November is harvest time in the Cordillera mountains, meaning the terraces turn brilliant gold and you witness actual agricultural activity rather than just photographing empty landscapes. The post-monsoon trails are still slightly muddy but manageable with proper footwear, and temperatures at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) elevation stay comfortable for hiking - typically 18-22°C (64-72°F) during the day. The crowds are minimal compared to the March-April peak, and homestay availability is excellent since locals have finished planting season and have more time for visitors.
Coron Island-Hopping and Wreck Diving
By November, the Calamian Islands transition into dry season with calmer seas and improving visibility underwater - you get 15-25 m (49-82 ft) visibility on most days versus the 8-12 m (26-39 ft) typical in September. The famous Japanese wrecks are accessible nearly every day, and surface intervals at Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon are less crowded since the December rush hasn't started. Water temperature holds steady at 27-28°C (81-82°F), comfortable for multiple dives without thick wetsuits.
Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary Exploration
November brings drier conditions to Bohol, meaning the Chocolate Hills actually turn brown (they stay green during rainy months, which defeats the whole point). The hills are most photogenic in morning light around 6-8am when mist still clings to the valleys. Tarsier viewing is excellent year-round, but November's lower humidity means you can comfortably spend time on forest trails without being drenched in sweat. The Loboc River for lunch cruises runs clear rather than muddy brown from runoff.
Siargao Surfing and Island Tours
November sits in an interesting zone for Siargao - the famous Cloud 9 break transitions from the bigger southwest swells to more consistent northeast patterns, offering 3-6 ft (0.9-1.8 m) waves suitable for intermediate surfers rather than the intimidating 8-10 ft (2.4-3 m) bombs of peak season. You might catch 3-4 rainy days, but they typically blow through quickly. The island tour circuit (Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools) operates reliably by mid-November with calmer seas on the eastern side.
Manila Food Market and Street Food Tours
November evenings in Manila cool down to almost pleasant temperatures - 24-26°C (75-79°F) after sunset - making it actually enjoyable to explore outdoor food markets like Legazpi Sunday Market or the street food scene in Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. You avoid the oppressive March-May heat where standing over a grill feels like punishment. The rainy days mean you should also explore the emerging food hall scene in BGC and Makati as backup plans, which frankly serve better food than most street stalls anyway.
Sagada Cave Connections and Hanging Coffins
November weather in Sagada is nearly perfect - cool mornings at 12-15°C (54-59°F), comfortable days around 20°C (68°F), and the post-monsoon water levels in Sumaging Cave make the underground river sections challenging but not dangerously flooded. The cave connection trek (Sumaging to Lumiang) takes 4-5 hours and involves swimming through cold water, scrambling over boulders, and squeezing through tight passages - November conditions make this achievable whereas July-September floods often close the route entirely. The hanging coffins at Echo Valley are accessible via muddy but manageable trails.
November Events & Festivals
All Saints Day and All Souls Day (Undas)
November 1-2 is the biggest family holiday in the Philippines - Filipinos visit cemeteries to clean graves, hold overnight vigils with candles, and essentially have family reunions among the tombstones. It sounds morbid but it's actually a fascinating cultural experience if you're respectful. Major cemeteries in Manila like Manila North Cemetery become temporary cities with food vendors and live music. Expect heavy traffic and fully booked transportation November 1-3 as people travel to home provinces.
Bonifacio Day
November 30 is a national holiday honoring Andres Bonifacio, a key figure in Philippine independence. Government offices and many businesses close, and you might catch parades or wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments in Manila. More importantly for travelers, this often creates a long weekend if it falls near a weekend, meaning domestic tourism spikes and beach destinations get crowded with Filipino families - book accommodations well ahead if your dates overlap.