By: Leonard Estores Dalugdog

Traveling to the Philippines? If you are, then, here are some suggestions on the best time to explore the 7,107 islands of the archipelago.

Camiguin Island Philippines, By: Allan Donque

Best Time to Travel the Philippines for Beach Bums & Nature Lovers

If you are planning to have a blast by the beach, the best time for a beach bum to travel is during the summer season when the weather is a bit humid and perfect for water fun. The summer season in the Philippines would be around March to May. Various summer sports activities, like kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing, are readily available. The most popular destinations are Boracay Island, Puerto Gallera, Manila, Banaue Rice Terraces, Bohol, Cebu City, Siargao Island, Palawan, and Davao City, to name a few.

Happao rice terraces, By: Miguel Castaneda

On the other hand, if you dig highland experience, you can travel from Manila to Baguio City—the summer capital of the Philippines. It generally takes about 5-7 hours to get to Baguio by bus. You can enjoy both scenic and adventurous experiences with its high altitude and challenging terrain. Tourist destinations in Baguio include Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Mines View, Botanical Garden, and other enjoyable, and not to mention, romantic spots.

Best time to Travel to the Philippines for Party Lovers

It is not only during the summer that you get to maximize your stay in the Philippines but also during the peak of the ‘festival’ season. The festival season, when Filipinos celebrate various festivities in line with their culture, happens all year round, with peak months from August to December.

With the variety of festivals from Panagbenga (floral festival in Baguio City), to Cebu’s Sinulog Festival and Ilo-Ilo City’s Dinagyang  , down to the Kadayawan (festival of abundance in Davao City) where one can truly jive with the locals’ tropical rejoicing syndrome. As they say, “Every day, a fiesta is being celebrated in the Philippines.”

Be sure to book yout hotel in advance during any festival, as prices may double ot even triple and rooms get booked out quickly. This is especially the case for the Holy Week (during Easter) and New year.

Sinulog devotee, By: Roy Chan

Best Time to Travel to the Philippines: Weather, Seasons & Cyclones

Weather patterns in the Philippines are dictated by the prevailing winds – the habagat (southwest monsoon), which runs from May to October, and the amihan (northeast monsoon), which prevails from November to early May. Be aware though that each island and region has their own weather characteristics. The Philippines’ weather has, as in many other places in the world, become more unpredictable in recent years, but January to May usually brings the best weather to most of the country. However, this is also the high tourist season. Typhoons, known as bagyo, are common from June to November. Striking mainly in Luzon and the Visayas,they cause a lot of damage, but, as all natural disasters are hard to predict.

The whole year round, traveling to the Philippines guarantees a lot of fun. Make sure you plan your itinerary very well because the Philippines offer unlimited possibilities for travel experiences that you will never forget.