Climate and monthly weather forecast
Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, lies within the tropical zone just above the equator. Its geographical composition, which includes over 7,000 islands, creates a diverse range of microclimates. Although the Philippines is primarily tropical, it comprises of several subtypes including tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, and tropical savanna climates depending on the region.

The weather in the Philippines is characterized by high temperatures and significant levels of humidity throughout the year, with a mean temperature ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). The country has two principal seasons: the dry season from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October. The wet season is further categorized into the southwest monsoon (from May to October) and the northeast monsoon (from November to April). However, the degree of rainfall varies significantly across different regions.

The ideal time to visit the Philippines typically aligns with the dry season, from November to April. During this period, temperatures are moderate, averaging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), and rainfall is relatively low. This season is particularly suitable for outdoor activities such as beach outings and mountain hiking. Additionally, it coincides with a host of vibrant cultural festivals such as Sinulog, Panagbenga, and Pahiyas that tourists might find intriguing.

The least favorable time to visit the Philippines corresponds with the height of the wet season, particularly from July to September. During these months, the country experiences heavy rainfall, often leading to floods and typhoons. The southwest monsoon at this time leads to high humidity and temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). The weather conditions during this period can potentially disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.

As a tropical country, the Philippines does not have a spring season in the traditional sense. Rather, its climate transitions from the northeast monsoon, locally known as 'Amihan', to the hotter part of the dry season around March to May. During this period, temperatures begin to rise significantly, ranging from 27°C (80.6°F) to 35°C (95°F). This period is marked by clear skies and low rainfall, making it an excellent time for beach and other outdoor activities.

In the Philippines, the term 'summer' usually refers to the dry and hot period from March to May. During this time, temperatures can soar, reaching up to 38°C (100.4°F) in some areas. This is the hottest period of the year with minimal rainfall and a high level of humidity. Despite the heat, it is a popular time for domestic tourism, with locals flocking to the many beaches and tourist destinations around the country.

The concept of autumn is not applicable to the tropical climate of the Philippines. The country instead transitions from the hot dry season to the rainy season around June. The southwest monsoon, known locally as 'Habagat', begins to bring more substantial rainfall, and temperatures cool slightly, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). While the early part of this transition period can still be suitable for travel, the increasing rainfall towards the end may disrupt plans.

Similarly, the Philippines does not experience a winter season. However, the period from November to February could be considered the 'coolest' months of the year. During these months, the northeast monsoon brings cooler and drier air from the mainland Asia, reducing humidity levels and lowering temperatures slightly, from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Despite the occasional rainfall, this period offers comfortable conditions for tourists and locals alike.

January typically marks the height of the 'cool' season in the Philippines, characterized by the northeast monsoon, locally known as 'Amihan'. This month sees moderate temperatures and dry conditions, with temperature averages from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), making it one of the cooler months of the year. Weather in January »

February in the Philippines continues to experience the influence of the northeast monsoon or 'Amihan'. However, the transition towards the hot dry season begins, resulting in slightly warmer temperatures compared to January. Weather in February »

March signifies the onset of the dry season in the Philippines, often referred to as 'summer'. With the departure of the northeast monsoon or 'Amihan', temperatures begin to increase considerably. The countrywide averages for this month range from 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), marking a significant increase compared to February. Despite the tropical location of the Philippines, rainfall in March is scarce. Weather in March »

April marks the height of the dry season, or 'summer', in the Philippines. This month is characterized by high temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. The average temperatures across the country usually range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 36°C (96.8°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year. Rainfall is exceptionally low during April, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. Weather in April »

May signals the transition from the hot dry season to the rainy season in the Philippines. The southwest monsoon or 'Habagat' begins to influence the weather conditions, although rainfall is still relatively low at the beginning of the month. Weather in May »

June marks the full onset of the rainy season in the Philippines as the southwest monsoon or 'Habagat' intensifies. While temperatures slightly drop from the peak heat of the summer, they remain relatively high, with averages ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) across the country. Rainfall dramatically increases during June, and this month can often be one of the wettest of the year. Weather in June »

July in the Philippines is characterized by the continuous presence of the southwest monsoon or 'Habagat', resulting in frequent rainfall and occasional typhoons. Despite the rain, temperatures remain fairly warm, with averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). This month is one of the wettest in the Philippines, with heavy rainfall occurring throughout the country. Weather in July »

August continues the rainy season in the Philippines under the influence of the southwest monsoon, locally known as 'Habagat'. The weather conditions during this month are characterized by heavy rainfall and relatively high temperatures, averaging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). August is generally considered the peak of the wet season, and some of the highest rainfall amounts are recorded during this month. Weather in August »

September in the Philippines marks the tail end of the southwest monsoon or 'Habagat', bringing substantial rainfall across the country. Despite the rainy weather, temperatures remain moderately high, with averages ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Rainfall remains significant during September, although it generally starts to decrease towards the end of the month. Weather in September »

October in the Philippines sees the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. The influence of the southwest monsoon or 'Habagat' starts to wane, leading to a gradual decrease in rainfall throughout the month. Weather in October »

November signals the end of the rainy season in the Philippines and the onset of the northeast monsoon or 'Amihan', which brings cooler, drier conditions to the country. Average temperatures start to decrease and range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), providing a mild respite from the previous months' heat. November experiences significantly less rainfall compared to October, marking the beginning of the dry season. Weather in November »

December marks the full onset of the northeast monsoon, known locally as 'Amihan', in the Philippines. This monsoon brings cooler and drier weather across the country, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), making December one of the coolest months of the year. The dry conditions associated with 'Amihan' mean that December experiences considerably less rainfall compared to the previous months. Weather in December »