Best Time to Visit Philippines

The Philippines has a dry season and a wetter season, and the weather differs across the archipelago. The right timing depends on your region, your dates and how much rain you can accept. This guide follows our research month by month, then explains what the season means for prices and planning.

When is the dry season?

The dry season runs from December to May. December to February is the most recommended window, while November to April or May is a broader option. November often marks the start of the dry season in many guides. June to October is the wetter period.

Month by month

• January: cool, dry and one of the most comfortable months for travel.
• February: dry and pleasant, and often highlighted as a standout month.
• March: warm and generally dry, good for beaches and diving.
• April: hotter and still mostly dry, and popular for beach trips.
• May: hot and increasingly humid, with a shift towards wetter conditions in many areas.
• June: the start of the wetter season in much of the country, though some trips remain possible.
• July: rainier and more variable, with typhoons a greater consideration in some regions.
• August: wet and humid, with more risk of weather disruption.
• September: often among the wetter months, so flexible planning matters.
• October: transitional, with rain still frequent early on and conditions improving later in the month.
• November: the start of the dry season in many guides, with more favourable weather.
• December: the dry season begins or is fully underway, and it is one of the most recommended months to visit.

Which months need the most flexibility?

June to October need the most flexibility. Rain is more frequent, and typhoons are a greater consideration in some regions from July. If you travel then, keep buffer days for ferry and flight changes, and check weather alerts before any island transfer.

Does the weather differ by region?

Yes. Our research notes that regional weather can differ across the archipelago. Timing may need adjusting depending on whether your trip focuses on Palawan, the Visayas or Luzon. Check the forecast for your regions before you fix your dates.

Prices by month

Prices are lowest outside peak season and highest from December to February, especially around holidays. Ask your planner to check your exact dates, because a holiday period can change the price of hotels and transfers.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Where our research does not give a figure, such as temperatures or rainfall by month, we do not give one.

Where to go next

Read the Philippines travel guide for the full overview, then see places to visit, things to do and trip cost. When your dates are set, compare our Palawan El Nido 5N and Philippines Islands 6N packages.