When to Visit Philippines
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Dry Season (Mar-May)
Transition Period (Jun & Nov)
Unexpectedly Dry Monsoon (Jul-Oct)
Wet Season (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings surprisingly heavy rainfall at 30.3 inches, making it one of the wettest months of the year despite being winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures remain warm and consistent, though you'll want to plan for frequent rain showers. Tourist crowds are moderate as many visitors avoid the wetter conditions, which means better deals on accommodation.
February
February continues the rainy pattern with 23.5 inches of precipitation, though it's slightly drier than January. The temperatures tick up a bit, with lows reaching 23°C (73°F), making evenings more comfortable. This is still considered off-season for tourism, so you'll find good value and fewer crowds at popular destinations.
March
March marks the dramatic shift to dry season, with rainfall plummeting to just 2 inches for the month. Temperatures climb slightly to 30°C (86°F), and the combination of dry weather and warm temperatures makes this the start of peak beach season. Tourist numbers begin picking up significantly as word spreads about the ideal conditions.
April
April is one of the hottest and driest months, with temperatures reaching 31°C (87°F) and minimal rainfall. This is prime time for beach vacations and outdoor activities, though the heat can be intense during midday hours. Expect peak tourist crowds and higher prices across accommodations and tours.
May
May sees temperatures peak at 32°C (89°F), making it the hottest month of the year. Rainfall increases to 9.8 inches as the wet season begins to transition in, though it's still relatively dry compared to winter months. The heat and humidity combination can be challenging, but beaches remain popular despite the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
June
June maintains the heat at 32°C (89°F) with 8.1 inches of rainfall, marking the traditional start of monsoon season. That said, the rainfall is actually quite manageable compared to the winter months. Tourist numbers start to drop off, making this a decent shoulder season option if you don't mind the occasional rain shower.
July
Interestingly, July is quite dry with only 2 inches of rainfall despite being mid-monsoon season. Temperatures moderate slightly to 31°C (87°F), and the lower tourist numbers mean better deals and less crowded attractions. This represents surprisingly good value for those willing to take a chance on weather that's actually quite favorable.
August
August continues the unexpectedly dry pattern with just 2 inches of rain and temperatures at 32°C (89°F). This is technically peak monsoon season, but the data suggests conditions are actually quite favorable. Crowd levels remain low, making it an underrated time to visit for budget-conscious travelers.
September
September maintains warm temperatures at 32°C (89°F) with minimal rainfall at 2 inches. The pattern of dry weather during traditional monsoon months continues, offering excellent conditions for those who've done their research. Tourist infrastructure operates at full capacity but without the crowds, creating an ideal scenario.
October
October sees temperatures moderate to 31°C (87°F) with just 2 inches of rainfall, continuing the surprisingly dry autumn pattern. This is one of the best-kept secrets for visiting the Philippines—good weather, low crowds, and reasonable prices. The humidity remains consistent at 70%, so it still feels tropical.
November
November marks the return of significant rainfall at 15.2 inches, signaling the transition to the wetter winter months. Temperatures remain steady at 30°C (86°F), and tourist numbers stay relatively low due to the increased precipitation. This is when you'll start seeing those hotel deals if you're flexible about weather.
December
December brings 19.2 inches of rainfall with temperatures at 30°C (86°F) and warmer lows of 23°C (73°F). Despite being the holiday season, the wet conditions keep tourist numbers moderate. You'll find a mix of bargain hunters willing to brave the rain and holiday travelers looking for warm-weather escapes, creating an interesting dynamic.