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Visit Coron, Palawan for the stunning beaches, shallow reefs, and stellar diving
The Philippines in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January is one of the best months to travel to the Philippines: the weather is warm but not too hot and humid, there's little rain, and everything is open and accessible. Crowds and costs will be higher, though, especially around New Year. Whether you want to party with the locals during one of the country's famous festivals, try a new water sport, or relax on a beach in the sun, January is a great time to do so. Read on to find out more about traveling to the Philippines in January.

Swim with whale sharks off in Donsol Bay
The Philippines in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is the peak season for travel to the Philippines, with warm and dry weather that's not too hot. It's a great time to participate in all outdoor activities, from hiking to scuba diving. With over 7,000 islands making up the country, you'll find somewhere to suit your needs and interests this month. Read on to find out where to go and what to do in the Philippines in February.

Terraced rice fields in northern Luzon (photo courtesy of AR)
The Philippines in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is the high season for travel to the Philippines, as it's at the tail end of the dry season. But as temperatures and humidity increase, many travelers prefer to stick to beach areas this month. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from in a country of thousands of islands. Alternatively, head to higher altitudes in the hills for land-based activities.

Hike to waterfalls on Siquijor Island, Philippines
The Philippines in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is a popular time of year for travel to the Philippines as it is at the end of the dry season before the rains arrive. Temperatures are generally hot in April, so many travelers will prefer beach vacations. A country of more than 7,000 islands, you're never too far from the coastline and a gorgeous beach in the Philippines. Read on for more information on traveling to the Philippines in April.

Volcanic Mount Mayon on the outskirts of Legazpi
The Philippines in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is shoulder season for travel to the Philippines and is a great time to visit if you want lower prices, thinner crowds, and generally good weather. Temperatures are hot, and while there's a chance of rain, if you tailor your activities to the conditions, this can be a great month to visit. Here's where to go and what to do in the Philippines in May, plus information on an exciting month-long festival.

Quietly seek out the delicate tarsier in the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary on Bohol
The Philippines in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is the start of the rainy season in the Philippines, but the rains don't affect all parts of the country equally. Some places, particularly Cebu and Mindanao, stay relatively dry. If you're looking for a chilled-out beach vacation and don't mind a little rain, you can have a great time in the Philippines in June. Find out more about where to go and what to do below.

Sunrise over a beach in Cebu (photo courtesy of Mike L.)
The Philippines in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines and the low season for travel. It's one of the wettest months of the year, but the rains don't affect all parts of the country equally. It's still possible to have a great beach vacation if you head to drier destinations, such as Cebu, Samar, or Leyte. Find out more about traveling to the Philippines in July.

Wooden walkway off of Siargao Island allows surfers to cross the reef to popular Cloud 9 surfing break
The Philippines in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines, and it's the wettest month of the year in most places⁠—although it also happens to be the driest time of the year in others. If you choose your destination wisely, you can have a great time in the Philippines in August, particularly if you're a surfer. Find out more about traveling to the Philippines in August below.

Intrepid travelers might favor Samar Island, part of the Visayan Islands archipelago
The Philippines in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Most of the Philippines is wet in September, as this is the rainy and low season for tourism. However, a handful of locales remain drier than the rest of the country, so make a beeline for Palawan, the Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao if you want a relatively dry beach vacation. Here's some more information on where to go and what to do in the Philippines in September.

Colonial-era building, "the Ruins" in Bacolod (photo courtesy of Brian Kairuz)
The Philippines in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is the end of the rainy season in the Philippines, and although travelers should expect some showers, there's less rain than in the previous few months. This is the shoulder season for travel and is an excellent time to visit if you want to take advantage of lower prices, thinner crowds, and fair weather. There are also many great festivals you can take part in during October. Read on to learn more about travel to the Philippines in October.

Book accommodation early and lie out on the beaches of Entalula Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido
The Philippines in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the start of the dry season in the Philippines, and with that comes an uptick in tourism. Although you may still encounter showers, the weather is mostly good, and all areas of the country are likely accessible. Swim with whale sharks, hike in the mountains, or relax on a beautiful beach: it's all possible in the Philippines in November. Read on to find out more.

Diving buddies scope out the coral gardens of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
The Philippines in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the peak season for travel to the Philippines: the weather is fine and clear, and so are the seas. Swimming and diving are excellent this month, as are island-hopping itineraries—there are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, after all! Read on to find out more about travel to the Philippines in December.