Things to Do in Philippines in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Philippines
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Tail end of monsoon means fewer tourists at major sites like Boracay and Palawan - accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to December peak season, and you'll actually get decent photos at El Nido without crowds blocking your shot
- Rice terraces in Banaue and Batad are brilliantly green after rainy season - the paddies are at their most photogenic before harvest, and hiking trails are manageable since the heavy rains have mostly passed
- October marks the start of diving season in many areas - visibility improves to 15-25 m (50-82 ft) in places like Moalboal and Malapascua as seas calm down, and whale shark sightings in Oslob are more consistent
- Festival season kicks in with several regional celebrations - you'll catch authentic local events without the international tourist crowds that descend in December and January, plus domestic travel is still relatively quiet before Filipino Christmas season
Considerations
- Weather remains genuinely unpredictable - October sits in that awkward transition between wet and dry seasons, so you might get three sunny days followed by two days of steady rain, making rigid itineraries risky
- Some island routes still have reduced ferry schedules - operators in places like Coron and Siargao are ramping back up but haven't hit full dry-season frequency yet, so you'll need buffer days for travel disruptions
- Humidity stays high at 70% even when it's not raining - that sticky feeling persists throughout the day, and air-conditioned spaces become necessary breaks rather than optional luxuries, which affects your daily rhythm and energy levels
Best Activities in October
Chocolate Hills and Bohol countryside tours
October hits the sweet spot for Bohol - the iconic Chocolate Hills are still green from rainy season but trails are drying out, making the viewpoints accessible without the mud. Tarsier sanctuaries have fewer tour groups, so you'll actually get quiet time observing these tiny primates. The Loboc River for boat tours runs full and scenic. Temperature sits around 28-30°C (82-86°F) in the mornings, perfect for cycling through rural barangays before midday heat kicks in. Afternoon showers happen maybe 3-4 days out of 10, but they're brief.
Manila food walks and market tours
October is actually ideal for Manila's street food scene - the oppressive heat of summer has backed off, and evening temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) make walking through Binondo or Quiapo comfortable. The rainy season means tropical fruits are at peak season - mangosteen, rambutan, and lanzones flood the markets. Binondo's Chinese-Filipino restaurants are less crowded than December holiday season. Evening food tours work well since afternoon showers typically clear by 5-6pm. The UV index of 8 means daytime market walks need sun protection, but morning tours starting at 7-8am catch cooler temperatures.
Sagada cave exploration and hiking
October weather in the Cordillera mountains is cooler - daytime temps around 18-22°C (64-72°F) make the cave treks and hanging coffin hikes genuinely pleasant. The famous sea of clouds at Kiltepan viewpoint appears more consistently after rainy season. Sumaguing Cave tours involve wading through underground rivers, and water levels in October are manageable but still flowing, giving you the full experience without dangerous flash flood risks. The rice terraces around Sagada are vibrant green. Afternoon fog rolls in frequently, creating atmospheric conditions but sometimes limiting mountain views after 3pm.
Siargao surfing and island hopping
October marks the transition in Siargao - the big swells that attract advanced surfers to Cloud 9 start tapering off, making conditions more forgiving for intermediate learners. Water temperature stays warm at 27-28°C (81-82°F). Island hopping to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island becomes more reliable as seas calm down, though you'll still want to check weather daily. The tourist crowds are noticeably thinner than peak season December-February, so getting surf lessons and renting boards is easier. Occasional rain squalls pass through but rarely last more than an hour.
Vigan heritage walking tours
October brings manageable weather to Vigan's cobblestone streets - you can actually walk Calle Crisologo during late afternoon around 4-5pm when the temperature drops to 26-28°C (79-82°F) and the golden hour light hits those Spanish colonial buildings perfectly. The calesa horse-drawn carriage rides are more comfortable without summer's brutal heat. Pottery villages in nearby Pagburnayan and weaving workshops stay open with fewer tour groups. October occasionally sees light drizzle, but the covered arcades along heritage streets provide natural shelter. The Vigan Town Fiesta happens mid-January, so October gives you the authentic town experience without festival chaos.
Palawan lagoon kayaking and snorkeling
October sits right at the edge of Palawan's weather shift - El Nido and Coron start seeing more sunny days than rainy ones, though you'll still get the occasional afternoon shower. The big advantage is water clarity improving to 10-15 m (33-49 ft) visibility for snorkeling, and the lagoons like Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in El Nido have calmer waters. Tourist numbers are maybe 40% of what you'll see in January-February, meaning kayaking through the lagoons feels genuinely peaceful. Water temperature stays at 28-29°C (82-84°F). Island hopping tours run more reliably than August-September but still check weather morning-of.
October Events & Festivals
MassKara Festival
Bacolod City's MassKara Festival runs the third weekend of October, typically October 17-19 in 2026. This is one of the Philippines' most vibrant festivals - elaborate masks, street dancing competitions, and the electric masskara parade through the main streets. The festival celebrates resilience with smiling masks and colorful costumes. Book Bacolod accommodation 4-6 weeks ahead as hotels fill up. The main parade happens Sunday afternoon, but street parties and competitions run throughout the weekend. Expect crowds, noise, and genuine energy - this is a major regional event, not a tourist show.
Lanzones Festival
Camiguin Island celebrates Lanzones Festival in late October, usually the last weekend, honoring the sweet lanzones fruit harvest. Street dancing, beauty pageants, and agricultural displays fill the small island. The festival is more low-key than MassKara but offers authentic provincial celebration atmosphere. Camiguin's seven volcanoes and hot springs make it worth visiting regardless, and the festival adds cultural context. Ferries from Bohol run regularly, and October weather in Camiguin is improving with more sunny days than wet season months.