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El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Best time to visit the Philippines

Month-by-month guide of when to visit the Philippines

Best time to go to the Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical paradise with plenty to offer year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after. The country has two main seasons: dry and wet, each with its own vibe.

The dry season runs from December to May and is the most popular time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny—ideal for beaches, island hopping, and outdoor adventures. December to February is especially busy, with festive Christmas celebrations and perfect weather. Holy Week (March or April) is a meaningful time here, featuring traditional religious processions. Plus, from January to April, many colourful festivals light up the islands, like Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Panagbenga in Baguio, and Sinulog in Cebu.

The wet season lasts from June to early November, bringing rain and occasional typhoons. It’s the low season for tourists, so places are quieter and often more affordable. July to September is a great chance to explore without crowds—just be ready for some showers, which usually don’t last all day.

Some standout events worth timing your trip for include the lively Sinulog Festival in January, the vibrant Ati-Atihan also in January, the flower-filled Panagbenga in February, the colourful Pahiyas harvest festival in May, and the cultural Kadayawan Festival in August.

Overall, the dry season is the safest bet for great weather and festivals, but the wet season offers a more relaxed pace and fewer tourists. Either way, the Philippines promises unforgettable experiences, whether you’re chasing sunshine or don’t mind a little rain to discover its hidden gems.

Sinulog festival Cebu Philippines min

January in the Philippines

January in the Philippines boasts pleasant weather with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. It's an ideal time for beach vacations, island hopping, and water activities in destinations like Boracay and Palawan. Embrace Filipino culture at lively festivals such as the Ati-Atihan and Sinulog. Explore historical sites, trek picturesque landscapes, and try local cuisine. With mostly sunny days, January provides an excellent opportunity for a well-rounded travel experience, combining cultural immersion and outdoor adventures in the Philippines."

Sailboats and sunset Boracay Philippines min

February in the Philippines

February in the Philippines ushers in a delightful climate with warm temperatures and low humidity. This is the perfect time for coastal escapades, island explorations, and immersing in the Philippines' natural beauty. Iconic destinations like Palawan and Cebu beckon with their serene charm. February also hosts vibrant festivals, including the lively Panagbenga Festival in Baguio. Expect predominantly dry, sun-kissed days.

White beach Boracay Philippines

March in the Philippines

March in the Philippines is still the dry season with warm and comfortable weather. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities such as beach vacations, snorkelling, and hiking. Popular destinations like Boracay and Palawan are less crowded. Get your does of Filipino culture and enjoy outdoor adventures. Expect predominantly sunny days with minimal rainfall.

Mountain landscape in Bataan Philippines

April in the Philippines

April in the Philippines continues the dry season with warm and pleasant weather. April also marks Holy Week, with religious processions and traditions across the country. It's an ideal month to immerse yourself in Filipino culture and enjoy outdoor adventures. The weather is mostly dry, with sunny days and little rainfall, making it a top choice for those seeking both cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Bohol forest Philippines

May in the Philippines

May in the Philippines ushers in the transition from dry to wet season. The weather is warm and increasingly humid, with occasional rain showers. May is perfect for experiencing local festivals and cultural events, such as the Flores de Mayo. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities like beach trips, and jungle treks, with popular destinations like Palawan and Cebu providing a mix of adventure and relaxation. While rain becomes more frequent, May still offers a balance between sunny days and brief showers, making it a good month for visitors looking for diverse experiences.

Waterfall in Antipolo Philippines

June in the Philippines

June in the Philippines brings warm and humid weather with sporadic rain, marking the start of the wet season. Enjoy local festivals, indulge in Filipino cuisine, and partake in water activities. June provides a balance of brief sunshine and brief rain, making it a good time if you are seeking cultural experiences.

Green turtle in the philippines

July in the Philippines

In July, the Philippines experiences its rainy season, making it a unique time to visit. While the weather can be unpredictable with occasional downpours, it's a great opportunity to explore lush landscapes and enjoy fewer crowds. You might want to consider destinations like Palawan, where the rainforest comes alive, or Bohol, famous for its Chocolate Hills. Water enthusiasts can still indulge in activities like diving and snorkeling, as the underwater visibility remains decent.

Manila city skyline sunset Philippines min

August in the Philippines

August in the Philippines is warm and humid, part of the wet season with occasional heavy rainfall and possible typhoons. It's a time for vibrant festivals like the Kadayawan Festival, offering cultural experiences. Despite rain, beach destinations remain popular for water activities. Explore indoor attractions, try Filipino cuisine, and shop for unique souvenirs in Manila. Travellers should be prepared for rain and potential disruptions due to typhoons, so staying updated on weather forecasts is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Horse and carriage Las Casas Bagac Philippines

September in the Philippines

In September, the Philippines enjoys warm, humid weather with occasional rainfall, typically not disruptive. It falls within the typhoon season, so monitoring weather forecasts is essential. This month offers cultural festivals, beach activities, historical site exploration, and culinary adventures. Discover the country's rich cultural heritage at local festivals, indulge in water sports and scenic hikes, and explore historical sites. If rain occurs, enjoy indoor activities like art galleries and traditional performances.

Tarsier Philippines min

October in the Philippines

October in the Philippines brings pleasant weather, making it an excellent time for outdoor exploration and cultural celebrations. While there might be some rainfall, it's usually not enough to disrupt your plans.

One of the highlights of October is the opportunity to attend cultural events and festivals. From Manila to the provinces, various towns and cities celebrate their unique traditions. It's an ideal time to witness local customs, parades, and festivities that showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines. Additionally, October is perfect for exploring cultural scenes, and historical sites, and enjoying a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.

Colourful festival Philippines

November in the Philippines

November is a transitional month in the Philippines, marking the beginning of the dry season in many regions. As the weather becomes more pleasant, it's an excellent time for outdoor adventures and cultural exploration.

With the start of the dry season, it's a great time for beach activities and island hopping in places like Palawan and Boracay. However, the highlight of November is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Philippines. From experiencing unique festivals and parades to exploring historical sites and diverse cultures, November offers a delightful blend of pleasant weather and cultural richness that makes it an ideal time to visit this beautiful country.

Sleeping dinosaur Island Mati Savao City Philippines

December in the Philippines

December is a much-anticipated month in the Philippines. While it marks the beginning of the dry season in most regions, it's a time of celebration and festivities. The weather is typically cooler and more comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities and travel.

Christmas traditions in the Philippines are vibrant, with elaborate decorations, colorful parades, and nightly Simbang Gabi masses. The country comes alive with a sense of joy and togetherness. From beach getaways to exploring historical sites, December offers a blend of cultural richness and pleasant weather, making it a wonderful time to experience the Philippines.

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George W

This was our 2nd trip organised via Far & Wild from Australia - previously Africa and now Sri Lanka. Nia and the rest of the team were great - excellent itinerary, happy to modify the trip based on my suggestions and research, and they handled some last minute changes caused by a health issue without any problems at all. They were very quick to reply to all messages - and the trip went really smoothly. If you want an up-market holiday, this is a great organisation to organise that sort of trip!

December, 2025
Nick and Carly

Thank you to Nia and Far & Wild. My wife and I wanted to go to Vietnam and capture a real taste of the country from top to bottom but didn't have a clue where to start. We weren’t even sure if it was possible. Through speaking to Nia, sharing ideas and asking questions we were able to book what looked to be an extremely exciting trip - we could not wait to go. The reality of the trip more than matched our expectations. We had unforgettable experiences that we would never have been able to organise ourselves. The true value in this trip was that someone who knew what they were doing could give us the experience we truly craved. Well done Nia, it was a holiday we will never forget and we can’t wait for the next one. Thank you!

November, 2026
Kamal

Had an absolutely amazing 3 weeks in Chile and Argentina! We were a group of 8 friends - 4 couples. The vans used for our private excursions were very good and spacious. All the ground arrangements were as planned … the guides were very good - their English and knowledge was amazing. They made sure we had a good time. The picnic lunches were served in great locations with fabulous views and setup with tables and table cloths! Highly recommend Far & Wild! Looking to book another trip with them next year!

December, 2025
Lucinda F

Seamlessly organised! Brilliant suggestions of where to go which really gave us a 360 view of Kenya and hit our families need for adventure and mine for a bit of luxury.

November, 2025
Richard S

Alistair took time to understand what we were after and came up with an unforgettable Kenyan safari and beach holiday which we will all remember for a very long time. Real memory making trip with our 10 and 12 year old boys. Exactly what we hoped for and more!

November, 2025
Sue S

Otti organised a superb holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for my husband and I and our 2 adult daughters. It was our first safari and we only had a vague idea about where to start. Otti made the process so simple for us, suggesting an itinerary which she tweaked following discussions about the camps and hotels, and was really quick responding to my many queries; she was friendly, helpful and gave me complete confidence we were in excellent hands throughout. Far and Wild clearly have knowledge about the places they are recommending and work as team to provide the best service - definitely a 10 out of 10 for customer service and organising an amazing holiday for us.

September, 2025
Anonymous client

We can't thank the Far and Wild team enough for the most incredible trip we just had in Kenya. Otti really took into account what we were after and delivered an experience that exceeded all expectations. It was the trip of a lifetime! We had the most beautiful and unique time while on safari at the Instinct of the Mara. We really wanted to visit a camp that took ethical and sustainable practices seriously without compromising on the experience... and wow, it was truly wonderful and special! We'll definitely be returning. Our time at Diani beach was also lovely and very relaxing. Every step of the trip was seamless and we didn't have to worry about a thing. We had 4 domestic flights and a handful of car rides to take and everything was extremely organized and ran smoothly. We can't wait to book our next big trip!! Very grateful.

September, 2025
Claire L

Ben and Tamara at Far & Wild were exceptional in every respect. They offered thoughtful advice, excellent recommendations, and meticulous planning, weaving together their personal connections to help our family transform a collection of ideas into a magnificent six-week adventure. Every detail was handled with care - no transaction overlooked - which is all the more impressive given the complexity of moving three people across four regions of the country by every mode of transport imaginable. Their expertise gave us complete peace of mind and allowed us to simply enjoy the journey. I have already recommended Far & Wild to friends and would not hesitate to do so again.

August, 2025
Steven V

So great to be able to leave the details to the professionals at Far & Wild. Our two-week tour of Buenos Aires and southern Uruguay was pitch-perfect to our requests and goals. Amanda understood clearly what we were after, and crafted an idyllic itinerary with our style of hotels, guided tours, and transfers. Complementing Far & Wild's first-person knowledge of the territory were the excellent resources "on the ground" in Argentina and Uruguay to handle last-minute changes and requests. We've found our travel partner!

November, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024

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