Best Time to Visit the Philippines
from the UK
Planning a trip to the Philippines this year, but not sure about the best time to visit the Philippines from the UK? Well, this stunning archipelago has over 7,000 islands, each shining at different times of year and perfect for different types of holidays. Keep reading to find out the best month to visit the Philippines.
Filipino Climate: An Overview
To pick the best time of the year to go to the Philippines, one must understand its climate year-round. The Philippines has two main seasons, namely the dry season and the wet season.
Dry Season (November to May)
The dry season is considered the best time to visit the Philippines, offering sunny skies, minimal rainfall and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, island hopping, beach holidays and more.
The dry season is further divided into two seasons:
Cool Dry Season
This season runs from December to February, offering pleasant temperatures, sunny skies and calm seas. The temperature usually ranges from 24°C to 31°C.
Hot Dry Season
This season prevails between March and May, and is characterised by hot, sunny, and dry weather, with temperatures often exceeding 34°C.
Wet Season (June to October)
The wet season is driven by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), which brings heavy showers, high humidity, and a risk of typhoons. The temperature usually ranges between 25°C and 31°C, and the rainy season offers its own unique charm.
Best Months to Visit the Philippines for UK Tourists
Weather varies significantly throughout the year; however, the dry season is widely considered the best time to visit the Philippines.
Peak Months to Visit the Philippines (December to May)
Peak season in the Philippines is a proper hit with UK holidaymakers, serving cracking weather, festive buzz, and spot-on for outdoor adventures. The tropical climate delivers sunnier days and a right faff-free getaway.
| Advantages of Visiting During Peak Season | Disadvantages of Visiting During Peak Season |
|---|---|
|
|
Shoulder Months to Visit the Philippines (November and June)
Shoulder months strike a perfect balance between decent weather and the absence of massive crowds. November kicks off the dry season with proper budget-friendly deals, while June starts the wetter bit but still works a treat, especially around Palawan and Mindanao.
| Advantages of Visiting During Shoulder Season | Disadvantages of Visiting During Shoulder Season |
|---|---|
|
|
Best Time to Visit the Philippines Based on Activities
Each activity in the Philippines has a specific time, so the UK tourist can enjoy it to the fullest.
| Activities | Best Months | Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and island Hopping | December to May | Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, etc. |
| Diving and Water Sports | December to May | Cebu, Apo Island, Tubbataha, etc. |
| Cultural and Heritage Exploration | December to May | Vigan, Manila, Intramuros, etc. |
| Trekking and Adventure | November to May | Sagada, Banaue, Mt. Mayon, etc. |
Months to Avoid Visiting the Philippines by UK Tourists
The wet season, which runs from July to October, brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and the risk of typhoons in certain areas, such as the eastern regions and Luzon. Again, August and September are considered the off-season due to severe weather, which affects the travel itineraries of UK tourists.
Travel Tips for UK Travellers Visiting the Philippines
Here are some travel tips that will come in handy for UK travellers visiting the Philippines.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
- Book flights at least 3 to 6 months ahead of your planned travel date.
- Carry Philippine Peso to purchase goods and services, especially in rural areas.
- Get travel insurance to protect yourself against any incidents.
- Stay hydrated in the tropical heat and ensure you travel with a water bottle.
- Travel between December and March to enjoy a winter sun break.
- New Year's, Easter and Christmas can increase flight costs.
- Book domestic travel in advance if travelling in the dry season.
Read Also: Travel Tips to Philippines
Important Applications to Rely on Your Philippines Trip
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Grab | Safe and convenient transport in taxis and private cars |
| Angkas | Affordable motorcycle taxis to beat traffic |
| Klook | Book tickets to attractions, tour and ferries in advance |
| Waze | Real-time traffic update |
| eTravel | Arrival card registration |
| XE Currency | Convert GBP to PHP in real-time |
| Foodpanda | Discover nearby restaurants and grocery stores |
Conclusion
The best time of year for UK travellers to head to the Philippines is from December to May, when it's spot-on for a sunny tropical escape. So, if you're trying to time your visit just right, why not line up your plans with the best season? You can book your flights with the Filipino Travel Center for an easy, fuss-free booking experience and some great-value deals depending on when you book.
So if the Philippines is on your radar this year, get in touch and secure your seats before they're snapped up!
FAQs
December to February has the least rainfall in the Philippines.
Yes, the weather varies across regions in the Philippines.
Yes, in certain areas of the Philippines, you can enjoy the beaches during the wet season.
November and June are considered the best months to visit the Philippines for a budget trip.
Yes, UK passport holders get a 30-day visa-free entry to the Philippines.
Yes, travel insurance is essential for UK tourists visiting the Philippines.
July to October is considered the typhoon season in the Philippines.
Yes, it is safe to travel in public transport in the Philippines, however you must practice normal travel caution and avoid travelling at night alone.
Read Also: Travel Guide to Philippines | Things to Do in Philippines | Festivals in Philippines