Things to Do in Philippines in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Philippines
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- September marks the tail end of the wet season in most regions, which means you'll catch lush, intensely green landscapes and waterfalls at their most dramatic - Pagsanjan Falls and the rice terraces around Banaue are genuinely stunning this time of year, and the vegetation is as thick as it gets
- Tourist crowds thin out significantly after the summer rush ends in late August, so you'll find better availability at accommodations and fewer people competing for that perfect beach photo or restaurant table - particularly noticeable in Palawan and Boracay where high season crowds can be overwhelming
- Hotel and tour prices drop by 20-30% compared to the December-April peak season, and you'll have actual negotiating power with local operators - a private island-hopping boat that costs ₱4,500-5,500 in January might run ₱3,200-4,000 now
- September sits right before the typhoon season peaks in October-November, so while you'll get some rain, it's typically the manageable afternoon-shower variety rather than multi-day storms that cancel flights - weather windows are usually predictable enough for island hopping and diving
Considerations
- Rain showers hit about 60% of days, usually in the afternoon between 2pm-5pm, lasting 20-40 minutes - this won't ruin your trip but it does mean you'll want to front-load outdoor activities in the morning and keep indoor backup plans ready
- Some island routes and diving operations run reduced schedules or close entirely if seas get choppy - the Batanes Islands are particularly affected, and bangka boats to remote spots like Caramoan might cancel on shorter notice than you'd like
- The 70% humidity combined with warm temperatures creates that sticky, clothes-never-quite-dry feeling that some travelers find exhausting - air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for comfortable sleep, which limits budget accommodation options
Best Activities in September
Rice Terrace Hiking in Banaue and Batad
September is actually the ideal month to see the Ifugao rice terraces because the paddies are bright green and fully planted after the wet season rains. The trails can be muddy but manageable with proper footwear, and the cooler mountain temperatures at 1,500 m (4,920 ft) elevation make for comfortable hiking conditions. You'll see farmers working the terraces in traditional methods that haven't changed in 2,000 years. Morning hikes from 7am-11am give you the best light and driest conditions.
Underground River Tours in Puerto Princesa
The Puerto Princesa Underground River stays dry inside regardless of outside weather, making it a perfect rainy-season activity. September's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually get same-day or next-day permits, which is nearly impossible during peak season when bookings fill up weeks ahead. The surrounding rainforest is incredibly lush right now, and wildlife spotting on the approach boat ride tends to be better when fewer vessels are running.
Manila Food Market and Street Food Tours
September's variable weather makes Manila's covered markets and food halls particularly appealing - you can eat your way through Binondo's Chinese-Filipino cuisine or the Salcedo Saturday Market without worrying about rain. This is mango season's tail end, so you'll catch the last of the exceptional Manila Super mangoes, plus September brings the start of calamansi season which transforms every dish. Evening food tours work well because afternoon rains usually clear by 6pm.
Whale Shark Watching in Donsol
September falls right in the middle of Donsol's whale shark season which runs May-November, and you'll encounter far fewer tourists than during the peak February-April period in Oslob. The whale sharks here interact naturally rather than being fed, which means sightings aren't guaranteed but the experience feels more authentic. Morning trips from 6am-10am offer the calmest seas and best visibility, typically 8-12 m (26-39 ft) in September.
Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary Visits in Bohol
The Chocolate Hills are actually green in September rather than brown, which changes the famous view but creates a different kind of beauty - rolling hills covered in vibrant vegetation. More importantly, the Tarsier Sanctuary is less crowded this month, giving you better chances for quiet observation of these tiny primates. The cooler morning temperatures before 10am make the viewing platforms more comfortable, and afternoon rains rarely affect the covered walkways.
Island Hopping in El Nido and Coron
September sits in that sweet spot where seas are usually calm enough for island hopping but tourist numbers have dropped significantly - you might have lagoons and beaches nearly to yourself on weekdays. The rain typically holds off until mid-afternoon, giving you 6-7 hours of good weather for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. Water visibility for snorkeling ranges 10-15 m (33-49 ft), which is decent though not peak-season perfect.
September Events & Festivals
Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City
This is one of the Philippines' largest Marian festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Naga City in the Bicol region. The highlight is the fluvial procession where the centuries-old image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is carried down the Naga River on a massive barge surrounded by hundreds of smaller boats. The atmosphere is intensely devotional but also celebratory, with street food vendors, carnival rides, and cultural performances throughout the nine-day celebration. If you're interested in Filipino Catholic culture, this is as authentic as it gets.