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Over seven thousand beautiful islands make up the Philippines archipelago in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southeast Asia. Due to the country’s unique topography, the Philippines has long white sand beaches lapped by turquoise seas.
Natural attractions such as rice terraces, underground rivers, diving places with an abundance of marine life, vibrant public transit, and delicious food attract tourists from all over the globe.
It is also home to some of the friendliest and most upbeat people in the world, as well as exciting festivals that highlight the diversity of its culture.
Because the Philippines is prone to typhoons, deciding the best time to come may be difficult. But we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you determine the best time to visit the Philippines.
Why You Should Visit the Philippines
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The friendly locals are the primary reason why you should visit the Philippines. When you arrive, expect a warm greeting since the Philippines has been ranked one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Although street food is a major part of the Filipino way of life, as it is in many other Southeast Asian nations, comparing the flavors of Filipino street foods to those of its neighbors is impossible.
An accurate depiction of local street food is of juicy meat meals on skewers or in stews with large quantities of sweet or sour sauce, served with a handful of rice. A coastline on the Pacific Ocean has provided the nation with great tropical beaches.
The Philippines has some of the world’s most popular and well-known beaches. Some of the best beaches in the Philippines include those located on Siargao, Palawan, and Boracay islands.
Since the Philippines is situated in a tropical region, warm temperatures are typical year-round. One of the draws to the nation is the pleasant year-round temperature.
So if you’re seeking a beautiful summer vacation spot, you should plan your trip to the country between March and May, when temperatures are at their highest. Despite the common belief, the weather is still pleasant in the country in January and February.
Overall Best Time to Visit the Philippines
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Since there are only two distinct seasons in the Philippines, picking the perfect time to come is easy. Schedule your trip to the Philippines during the dry season.
If you have trouble with the tropical heat, you may want to consider traveling in January or February, when temperatures are often lower. The dry season is not entirely devoid of precipitation, but showers are brief and shouldn’t derail your trip.
While the Philippines’ western islands have distinct dry and wet seasons, the southeastern islands scarcely experience any such thing. Mostly, the nation has dry weather from November through April and heavy rain from May through October.
However, tourists still visit the country even during the wet season. If you’re intent on doing this, you may want to think about going somewhere dry, like the far south. Keep an eye on the weather forecast while you’re there in case a typhoon is on its way.
Remember that monsoon showers often occur in the late afternoon, leaving the morning and early afternoon hours clear for tours and other outdoor activities.
You may also avoid the crowds and the weather by visiting during the shoulder seasons. Shoulder months, such as May and November, are the second-best time to visit the Philippines.
Cheapest Time to Visit the Philippines
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June through September is the cheapest time to visit the Philippines. There are fewer people and better hotel deals during this period.
However, the ocean may be turbulent, and there is a higher likelihood of terrible weather due to passing typhoons. Big wave surf season at Siargao’s Cloud Nine starts in August, so this type of weather shouldn’t deter seasoned riders.
The Eastern Visayas is your best bet for dry weather while the rest of the Philippines is experiencing a downpour. Nevertheless, tropical storms are common in this area, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Famous for its sunny beaches and tropical climate, Boracay has been hit hard by the early arrival of the rainy season known as Habagat.
There is a chance of rain, but many tourists still choose to go then since hotel prices are lower and fewer people are at the beach than in the summer. Bulabog Beach, located on the island’s east side, is a popular spot for wind and kite sports during the Habagat season.
Even if the weather may force you to stay inside, there are still many places to visit in Baguio City. These include museums, history centers, and bookstores.
Enjoy the cooler weather and a glimpse of the foggy scenery by spending the day in the galleries of the BenCab museum. You’ll also enjoy reading a book in the warmth of the Mt. Cloud Bookshop or relaxing in front of the fireplace in your hotel room.
Least Busy Time to Visit the Philippines
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The low season in the Philippines is June through August, when prices are lowest, and crowds are minimal.
July and August are the wettest months of the year in the country. Monsoons may bring nonstop rain and wind from June through August, keeping people inside.
Most hotels and travel operators in the Philippines will offer discounts during the rainy season since it is less busy than in summer. If you’re looking to save money, now is an excellent time to plan a vacation.
The low number of visitors during the off-season makes it possible to enjoy famous landmarks. The need to pack quick-dry and waterproof clothing should go without saying while visiting the Philippines.
Windbreakers and other wind-resistant clothing might be helpful in addition to solid umbrellas for protecting against powerful, unexpected gusts. Also, in a wet nation like the Philippines, having such tools is a huge time saver.
It will be less hassle to avoid getting wet while still seeing famous sights. Surfers visit the Philippines from all over the globe so that they may ride the waves in places like Siargao, La Union, and Baler.
Surfing is a positive aspect of the otherwise unpleasant monsoon season. However, museums and other indoor attractions are always a good choice if you’re searching for a more relaxed activity in the Philippines during the rainy season.
Filipinos traditionally warm up with delicacies like La Paz batchoy (noodle soup) and sikwate (hot chocolate) served with suman (glutinous rice cake).
Worst Time to Visit the Philippines
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The rainy season, from June to November, isn’t the best time to visit the Philippines. The Philippines’ wet season is a nuisance in many urban areas. Visitors to the Philippines need not worry about missing out on the country’s sights just because the sun isn’t out.
The rainy season is the most fantastic time to enjoy river sports and adventure tours in the Philippines, such as whitewater rafting tours, water tubing tours, and canyoneering tours. This is because the water level increases during the rainy season.
In the Philippines, there are several natural hot springs where tourists may enjoy a toasty swim on a chilly day for the kind of well-deserved relaxation they deserve.
As a result of its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is characterized by primarily hilly topography and a large number of volcanoes. This explains why different parts of the nation have various natural hot spring resorts.
The picturesque cascade of Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna, the enchanting three-level Cambughay Falls in Siquijor, and the Seven Falls in Cotabato are just some of the well-known waterfalls that tourists may discover in the Philippines during the rainy season.
Things to Consider
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If you are still on the fence about whether or not the Philippines should be on your agenda, here are a few points to consider:
- Visa extension options allow visitors from many countries to remain in the Philippines for up to three years.
- You’ll find locals very kind and welcoming in most parts of the Philippines. As a result, you may expect to be addressed as “Ma’am” or “Sir” by almost everyone you encounter. You won’t regret going out of your way to make friends with the locals.
- The majority of Filipinos should be able to communicate with you in English. Schools teach both Tagalog and English to students. There is no need to worry about not being able to read anything since everything from street signs to menus is printed in English.
- To say “thank you” in Tagalog, you may use the word “Salamat,” which is a helpful phrase to learn. If you visit the Philippines, it would be a big help to know a few words in the native tongue, Tagalog.
- In this nation, you may choose from a wide variety of airports. Perhaps you think the best action plan is to fly into one of the larger cities and take a bus or boat to your final destination. However, many smaller airports in various cities and villages provide access to low-cost flights.
- In Asia, the passion for the sport of soccer is widespread. Basketball, however, is quite popular in the Philippines. Everywhere you go in the Philippines, you’ll discover basketball courts with baskets made of innovative materials. Also, most Filipinos play barefoot, which is a feat in itself.
- In general, tricycles ( often referred to as simply “trikes”) are motorcycles with a sidecar attached. There is a variety of them, each with its quirks, but they all serve as the standard mode of transportation in most of the country’s smaller cities and villages.
- Tampons may be hard to find in the Philippines, which can concern female tourists. When you are preparing for your vacation, be sure to consider this.
- You shouldn’t drink the water straight from the faucet anyplace in the Philippines, but most of the country’s eateries provide “service” water that has been filtered and is free of charge.
- Filipinos absolutely love karaoke. They like singing with their pals in their houses but also prefer to shout it out in public when they have the chance. KTV bars are the most common settings for karaoke performances.
You will be required to pay an hourly rental fee to get your private chamber, in which you are free to sing anything and anything your heart wants. In the United States, pork belly is considered a luxury.
But in the Philippines, it is a relatively common component of everyday diet. The word for pork in Tagalog is “Lechon,” and “Lechon Kawali” refers to fried pig belly that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Philippines:
What language is spoken in the Philippines?
The standardized version of Tagalog, known as Filipino, is the country’s official language and is taught in all public and private schools in the Philippines. However, the government most often uses English, even though Filipino and English are recognized as official languages.
What currency is used in the Philippines?
The Philippine peso, also written as “Piso” in the local language, is the country’s primary unit of money. The currency’s code is PHP, and its symbol is ₱.
Can I travel to the Philippines without a visa?
If you match the qualifications and restrictions, you may visit the Philippines without a visa for a stay of 30 days or less. Occasionally, entry and exit requirements may change with little to no warning.
Those interested in the most up-to-date information are encouraged to contact the Philippine consulate or embassy closest to them.
Is tap water in the Philippines safe to drink?
Drinking tap water is not an option in the Philippines. You can find places to buy bottled water, such as supermarkets, gas stations, fast food restaurants, and vending machines. Distilled or purified water is often used for human consumption.
What is the most popular food in the Philippines?
Adobo, often made with chicken but sometimes with pork, is considered the unofficial national food of the Philippines and is prepared by slowly simmering the meat in a mixture of vinegar, black peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, and soy sauce.
Is there a dress code in the Philippines?
When in the Philippines, it is expected that you would make an effort to look your best. Although there is no official dress code in force at most hotels and restaurants, shorts are often frowned upon and will make you feel entirely out of place.
When the temperature and humidity are high, it’s best to wear light, casual clothing made from natural fabrics like linen, silk, or cotton.
Do you tip in the Philippines?
No one should be surprised or hurt if you do not leave a tip since tipping is not the norm. You would not expect to give a tip if the service was subpar. Tipping is becoming more widespread in the Philippines, although it has never been a part of the culture’s norms.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit the Philippines
If you want to visit the Philippines while the weather is mild and the chances of rain are low, December through February are ideal. And, yes, the Philippines is the place to go for a good time. In that case, why delay any longer? Explore this beautiful nation and everything it has to offer.