The BEST Time To Visit Philippines + Worst Time To Go

After visiting the Philippines several times between February and April, we can confidently say that March is the absolute best time to go.

The weather is perfectly sunny and hot – ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving! Plus the crowds aren’t as crazy as peak season, and there’s very little risk of rain.

December-February comes in as a close second, but it has its drawbacks – higher prices, bigger crowds, and a need to book way in advance.

And if you’re thinking about visiting in August… don’t. It’s peak typhoon season. That said, we’ll give you a few recommendations if you’re dead set on visiting during the wet months.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best and worst months to visit the Philippines, plus the peak and low travel seasons so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Let’s get started!

3 reasons why March-April are the BEST time to visit the Philippines

If you want perfect weather, fewer crowds, and a taste of local culture, March-April is the sweet spot! Here are 3 reasons why:

1) Warm, dry weather with no rain

March and April are right in the middle of the dry season, which means you’re in for plenty of sunshine, and clear skies! Rain is rare so book that island-hopping tour with confidence.

We did an island-hopping tour from Coron to El Nido in March and it was amazing! It’s the best time for a tour like that, hands down.

Daytime temperatures sit around 27-35°C (80-95°F). It’s hot, but nothing a dip in the ocean can’t fix.

The sea is also very calm, which is perfect for snorkelling and diving. The visibility is excellent, so don’t miss destinations like El Nido, Coron, Cebu, or Siargao.

2) Fewer tourists compared to December-February

March-April is shoulder season, so you’ll have the same incredible weather of December-February but with fewer tourists!

Hotels and flights might be slightly cheaper compared to the Christmas-New Year rush, so you might have more wiggle room in your budget for tours and other activities.

The only exception is Holy Week (usually in April). It’s a massive holiday in the Philippines, and popular destinations can get packed with local travellers.

So if you’re visiting during Holy Week, book your accommodation well in advance.

3) Great festivals to check out

There are heaps of epic festivals in the Philippines, and some of the best ones are in April! Some of the best ones to check out:

• Aliwan Festival (Manila, April) – A major annual event that brings together the country’s best cultural festivals in a grand competition. There are street dances, elaborate float parades, and traditional Filipino music to showcase the unique heritage and traditions of each region.

• Moriones Festival (Marinduque, Holy Week) – One of the most famous Holy Week celebrations in the country, featuring locals dressed as Roman soldiers in elaborate masks and costumes.

• Panaad Festival (Bacolod, April) – Known as the “Mother of Festivals” in Negros Occidental, this event showcases the traditions, food, and performances from different cities and towns across the region.

December-February is also good but it’s peak tourist season

These months have perfect weather too, but you’ll be sharing with LOTS of people.

Hotels book out months in advance, flights get pricey, and popular spots like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu are packed.

Locals also take their holidays during Christmas and New Year, so expect higher prices across the board. If you’re visiting during this time, book everything early to avoid missing out.

That said, it’s also festival season, with some of the country’s most spectacular events happening:

• Ati-Atihan Festival (January, Kalibo) – Often called the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals,” it celebrates an ancient land pact between settlers and the indigenous Atis. Expect drumming, street dancing, and tribal costumes!

• Sinulog Festival (third Sunday in January, Cebu City) – A massive street parade in honour of Santo Niño (the Child Jesus). There’s live music, extravagant costumes, and a party atmosphere like no other. This one’s on our bucket list!

• Panagbenga (February, Baguio) – Baguio’s most famous event, featuring flower-covered floats, street parades, and exhibitions showcasing the blooms of the Cordillera region.

If you don’t mind the higher costs and bigger crowds, this is an incredible time to visit the Philippines. But we prefer a more relaxed trip with fewer tourists, which is why March-April is the best time to visit for us.

May to November is monsoon season, go with caution

The heat and humidity increase from May up to November, signalling the start of the wet season, so the weather gets a bit unpredictable.

There’s a risk of sudden rain showers which can last anywhere from 1 hour to several days. There are also the dreaded typhoons.

Typhoon season begins around July and the worst of it is in August, dwindling down in September-October. The regions that are hit the most include:

• Eastern Visayas, this includes Tacloban, Maasin, Leyte…

• The Bicol Region, where the Mayon Volcano is.

• Northern Luzon, which includes the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, and the Cagayan Valley.

Manila and Cebu (which have the most popular airports) are very close to these regions, so they can get hit by storms.

This means flights and ferries can be delayed by hours or even days. Also, outdoor activities like island-hopping tours, often get cancelled. There’s also a risk of blackouts or flooding.

So if you book a trip during this time, here are some tips:

• Stick to Palawan and Mindanao, as these areas are least affected by typhoons.

• Be VERY flexible! Have backup plans and don’t pack too much in your itinerary.

• Double-check if the things you want to do are actually available. Some tourist spots, ferry services, and even small resorts shut down during this time.

• Consider paying for travel insurance that covers travel delays. This is the one we use!

The WORST time to visit is July – September, here’s why

We don’t recommend visiting during these months, as it’s peak typhoon season. No region is completely safe from the effects of the monsoon.

Even areas that don’t experience direct typhoon impact can still get heavy rain, flooding, and travel disruptions.

Yes, you’ll probably find cheaper flights and accommodation, but honestly, we don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Typhoons in the Philippines can be truly disastrous. If you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could end up stranded or stuck indoors for most of your trip.

The Philippines is already an affordable destination during the dry months! Saving a few pennies in exchange for unpredictable weather just isn’t a great trade-off.

If you’re craving a tropical getaway between July and September, you’re much better off heading to Broome, Cairns, or Darwin instead.

Peak and low seasons in the Philippines

The Philippines is best visited during the dry months (December-April), but the crowd levels and costs shift depending on the season.

The peak travel season in the Philippines runs from December to January.

The weather is excellent, but there are heaps of tourists (both local and international) driving up prices, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Another peak period is Holy Week (usually in April). It’s a massive festivity in the country so flights and hotels book out fast, as locals take time off to travel.

If you want to visit during peak season, book your stay early! The accommodation prices will increase the closer you get to the dates, if you find accommodation at all.

Our favourite time to visit is March. The weather is incredible, plus it’s shoulder season so prices are not as high, and there are fewer tourists.

The low season runs from May to November. Flights and hotels might be cheaper, but rain will be more frequent, and typhoons can disrupt travel plans.

You might still be able to enjoy the country in either May or November, but do this knowing there’s a risk of flight and tour cancellations.

We don’t think it’s worth the risk. There are other places in Australia with incredible beaches worth checking out instead!

Top Tips

December is one of the best months to visit weather-wise, but it’s also the worst for city traffic!

A trip that normally takes 30 minutes can stretch to 3 hours in places like EDSA (Manila’s main highway). So if you’re flying in or out of Manila in December, allow an extra 2-3 hours for airport transfers.

Did you know?

The Philippines is heavily affected by El Niño and La Niña, two weather phenomena seen in countries in the tropics (Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America).

El Niño causes extreme droughts and heat waves, reducing rainfall and sometimes leading to water shortages. It usually lasts 9-12 months.

La Niña, on the other hand, brings more intense typhoons and heavier rains, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. It might last 1-3 years.

If either of these weather patterns is predicted for the year, it’s important to check forecasts before planning a trip.

FAQs

What month is best to go to the Philippines?

The best month to visit the Philippines is March or April, as it falls in the dry season with lots of sun, pleasant weather, calm seas, and fewer tourists compared to the Christmas and New Year rush.

What month is the rainy season in the Philippines?

The month of August is the peak rainy season in the Philippines, but the monsoon period often lasts from May to November.

The bottom line

The Philippines is the definition of a tropical paradise! If you want the best mix of sunny, warm weather, and fewer crowds, March-April is hands-down the best time to visit.

You’ll get perfect conditions for island hopping, diving, and exploring, without the peak season chaos or sky-high prices.

December-February is still great but there are heaps of crowds and higher costs, while May-November is a gamble with unpredictable rain and typhoons.

The worst time to go is between July and September, it’s peak typhoon season. We don’t think it’s worth the risk, other beautiful places in Australia are in season – Broome, Cairns, Darwin…

Plan your trip right, and you’ll fall in love with the Philippines just like we did!