If you’re looking for the safest bet, this is it. The dry season is when the Philippines is at its most predictable – and its most popular!

This is definitely my favourite time to visit the Philippines. The heat is more manageable, the evenings feel pleasant rather than sticky, and you can explore all day without constantly seeking out air conditioning. I wandered through Manila in January and actually enjoyed the walk, rather than melting into the pavement. 

It’s also peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year. Filipinos generally love to travel during the holidays, so ferries, flights and accommodation books up fast. 

The best time to visit the Philippines for: 

• Island hopping (Palawan, Siargao, Cebu).

• Sightseeing without extreme heat.

• Festivals and holiday atmosphere.

If you’re chasing turquoise waters and long beach days, then this is the best time to visit the Philippines. April, in particular, gave me some of the clearest seas I’ve ever seen, so it’s the perfect time to visit for snorkelling and diving. 

That said, it gets really hot. I once made the mistake of going for a hike at around midday, and soon learned that early mornings and late afternoons are your friend, when the heat isn’t so intense. Locals know this and tend to slow down during the hottest hours. 

The best time to visit the Philippines for: 

• Beach holidays and diving. 

• Water clarity and calm seas.

• Summer festivals and island life.

The rainy season often gets a bad reputation, but it’s not quite as simple as just ‘non-stop rain’. I’ve visited the Philippines during these months and had entire weeks of sunshine – just with dramatic afternoon downpours thrown in!

These months can be surprisingly enjoyable if you’re flexible. Rain usually comes in short bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening. I loved how green everything looked in certain parts of the country at this time of the year; glowing rice fields, waterfalls at full force, and quieter beaches. 

The best time to visit the Philippines for: 

• Budget travellers.

• Fewer crowds.

• Lush scenery and waterfalls.

If I was to avoid any period in the Philippines, this would be it. September and October are peak typhoon season – the weather is stormy and unpredictable, and travel disruptions are likely. I would not recommend travelling to the Philippines during these months.

November is one of those in-between months in the Philippines – the weather is improving, there are fewer tourists, and the prices haven’t yet jumped up for the peak season. 

Rain is still possible, but it’s usually less intense than September and October. 

The best time to visit the Philippines for:

• Shoulder season deals. 

• Improving weather.

• Quieter beaches before the peak rush.