The islands of the Philippines archipelago are subject to a maritime tropical climate with a year-round average temperature of just under 80°F. There are three seasons, the hot summer, the wet monsoon period and the cooler dry months.
The hot season runs from March to May with temperatures averaging around 85°F at their peak. The rainy monsoon season also sees warm weather with temperatures around 83°F. It starts in May and ends in October, characterized by high humidity and frequent storms. The cooler, dry season runs from November to February. January is the coolest month with averages about 78°F, but still plenty warm for a beach visit. Highland areas tend to be a little cooler than the lowlands.
The Philippines is prone to typhoons or tropical cyclones, particularly from June to October. In the summer months drought is common and can cause frequent power outages due to a shortage of water to run the hydro-electric plants.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines
The cooler months of November through January are the best time to visit the Philippines. There is less chance of extreme weather and this is also when many of the nation’s festivals take place. Christmas in December is also the busiest time for locals to travel between the islands, which can make transportation more expensive and crowded.
Beachcombers and ocean enthusiasts can take advantage of the very hot weather in May and June and there are also a number of colorful festivals that take place during this time. The Philippines is a popular destination year round, but the months of February, July, August and September see fewer visitors and therefore the best chance for a deal.