In a country with a climate that’s either rain or shine, coming here is always a perfect time! The Philippines is a country that has a very diverse culture, giving lots of options on where to go and when to come.
Whether you want to experience the food culture, festivals, or the beautiful scenery of the country, the Philippines is always a good choice to satisfy your inner traveler. Here, we will help you choose the best month and when to book that ticket to have the best experience!
If it’s your first time in the Philippines, then it is best to visit the country during the months of December to March. You will be able to witness the transition from the cold weather of the holidays to the warm and sunny summers of the country. These are the prime months where foreigners fly over to the country. Hence, it’s guaranteed that most hotels, restaurants, and other places of interest will be booked. So, plan ahead of time while the prices are still low.
In the months of December and January, the temperature is relatively cooler. That’s why this is the best time to come to the Philippines. If you want to do a lot of sightseeing, these months are highly recommended since it’s not too hot and the chances of rain are low. Here are the following activities you don’t want to miss out on!
Holiday Hopping in December
The Philippines is popular for having the longest Christmas celebration known to man. From houses to malls, people will start decorating these places with Christmas ornaments as early as the month of September.
Coming to the country in December would easily mean traveling during the peak season, so you better make yourself ready! You can easily experience the simplest Filipino way of celebrating by staying in Manila. Also, try the holiday delicacies such as Putobumbong and Bibingka, the crowd favorites. You’ll never go wrong going to the flamboyant decorations staged at SM Mall of Asia.
Feeling a little extra? One thing you don’t want to miss out on is going to Imus, Cavite. It showcase the month-long festival with the quintessential Filipino Christmas tradition. There are also trade fairs, beauty contests, and music concerts. Of course, we won’t forget the festivals such as their lantern making contest and lantern festival. Oh, and the Maytinis Festival, staged during Christmas eve.
Hiking in January
The Philippines has a lot of notable mountains that are dubbed as hiking spots. The country has Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag, Mt. Daritan, Mt. Halcon, and, of course, Mt. Mayon—to name a few.
Climbing up to reach the top of the mountains without the hassle of the humidity (and worrying if you applied enough sunscreen) is one of the best reasons for flying to the country during this season. You can check out our article about the 10 Best Mountains to Hike in the Philippines! Here, you’ll see how these mountains vary from one another. It will give you the best insights and tips to beginners and advanced hikers. What’s great about these places is that they’re located in different areas across the country. You’ll have a chance to experience the diverse culture wherever you are!
The months of February and March are a transition from the country’s cold weather to its summer season. Hence, making its way to one of the best months to visit the Philippines. It’s best to book a flight and make plans if you want to hit two birds with one stone! From going to outdoor activities and sightseeing, to island hopping and having sand on your clothes.
Visiting Tourist Spots in February
Hiking isn’t your cup of tea? No worries, because the Philippines still has a lot to offer! When you visit the Philippines in February, it’s best to travel to North and South Luzon as the climate is relaxing. Most of the time, you’ll be welcomed with either a partly sunny or cloudy day.
We recommend going to places such as Sagada, Pagudpud, Tagaytay, and, of course, Manila. While on the road, you will be able to encounter numerous stops that are worth your time. If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, going to Pagudpud and Sagada is worth the travel time.
Sagada is located above Baguio, where you can visit the Samaguing Cave, and the infamous Hanging Coffins. If you have spare time, travel to Kalinga and get the chance to get tattooed by the one and only Apo Whang Od. You can read more about the Mambabatok tattoo master here.
A few stretches further will take you to Pagudpud, located in Ilocos Norte. It’s dubbed as the “Boracay of the North”—giving away hints of what to expect! There’s a lot of scenery to visit in this place. But we highly recommend going to Kabigan Falls, the Bangui Windmills, and the Blue Lagoon! Along the way, you will also be able to take a stopover at the well-known Patapat Viaduct. It is 1.3-kilometer long, linking the rest of the Ilocos Region to the Cagayan Valley.
Tropical Summers in March
Blessed with a bounty of beaches, the Philippines takes pride in the islands scattered around the country—yes! From north to south, every traveler embarking on the Philippine Islands will have a wide array of places to choose from! And this is why the months of March and April are the best months to visit the Philippines if you want to experience the beaches and scenery. The temperature is just the right amount of warmth for you to enjoy your travels.
What you can do on the beaches is more than just swimming there and enjoying the sand. You can also do surfing and snorkeling sessions with professionals to maximize the experience! Yes, Boracay is on top of our list, but here’s a tip! We recommend booking a stay at Station 0, the island’s hidden gem. Admittedly, it’s a ‘little’ pricey, but definitely worth the penny. You can find out more about it through our vlog. Just click this link.
If you want to go out of the norm, then we highly recommend going to Siargao Island! Other than island hopping, this place is well-known for its waves and crystal blue tides. It’s living up to its name as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines”. Foreigners can take their surfing lessons at Cloud 9. They could also head over to Blue Cathedral for some scuba diving. The place is definitely a site to die for! Have the most content-worthy spots and cafes that you can post as you share your experience with the world. Read more about what to do on the stunning island here!
And of course, last but definitely not the least, is the beautiful island of Palawan. Here you can travel to the wonderful cities of Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido. These cities can cater to anyone’s budget. You know what their bottom line is? The remarkable landmarks and various islands that foreigners can visit—and we’re just not talking about simple landmarks! Puerto Princesa holds pride in being the home of the Subterranean River National Park. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The island is also home to salty and fresh waters, making it extra enjoyable for island hoppers.
So what are you waiting for? We hope this article helped you choose a flight to visit the Philippines. Salud!
