The climate of Cebu City
Cebu City, situated in the central part of the
Philippines, falls under the Am category of the Köppen climate classification, which depicts a tropical monsoon climate. This equatorial weather framework elaborates on consistent high temperatures all through the year, complemented by a remarkable annual precipitation.
An intriguing aspect of the weather in Cebu City is that there is no significant temperature swing throughout the year. The average high temperature from
January to
December ranges from 85.6°F (29.8°C) to 91.4°F (33°C), while the average low temperature straddles between 74.7°F (23.7°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C). As a result, Cebu City experiences sultry tropical heat annually, with minimum fluctuation.
Rainfall, on the other hand, presents variable patterns. The year begins with 4.33" (110mm) of rainfall in January, which decreases to 0.79" (20mm) in
March, marking the driest month of the year. Post-March, the rainfall level gradually rises, peaking at 7.87" (200mm) in
October. More days experience rainfall in the latter months, indicating a shift in the weather pattern.
In regards to the unique weather phenomena, two things catch the eye. Firstly, the sea temperature, which has a significant role in influencing the local weather. It stays relatively stable and warm throughout the year, fluctuating between 80.1°F (26.7°C) to 85.3°F (29.6°C). Secondly, daylight hours exhibit minimal variation, fluctuating from 11.5 hours to 12.7 hours. Regardless of the month, visitors can expect about 6 hours of bright sunshine each day.
The best time to visit Cebu City
A careful analysis of the weather patterns suggests that the best time to visit
Cebu City is from
February to
April. During these months, the city experiences relatively lower levels of rainfall, from 2.76" (70mm) in February to a distinctive dip down to 0.79" (20mm) in
March, accompanying rising temperatures, with highs ranging from 86.4°F (30.2°C) to 90.1°F (32.3°C). The sea temperature during these months registers a comfortable warmth between 80.1°F (26.7°C) to 82.2°F (27.9°C).
The worst time to visit Cebu City
The weather data suggests that the period from
June to
October could be less appealing for visitors, primarily because of the higher levels of rainfall. Rainfall begins to increase in June with 6.69" (170mm), escalating further up to 7.87" (200mm) in October. These figures parallel an increased number of days with rainfall, where daily temperatures range from a high of 89.8°F (32.1°C) to 88.9°F (31.6°C).
Spring weather in Cebu City
Springtime in
Cebu City, extending from
March to
May, sees moderate rainfall. The driest month, March, witnesses just 0.79" (20mm) of rainfall, whereas May sees a rise in precipitation levels up to 2.76" (70mm). Average high temperatures stretch from 88.2°F (31.2°C) to 91.4°F (33°C), holding the potential to run into hot afternoons, while the average low temperatures during these months range from 75.9°F (24.4°C) to 78.6°F (25.9°C), offering somewhat milder mornings and evenings.
Summer weather in Cebu City
The summer months in
Cebu City offer an intense mix of heat and rainfall. From
June to
August, temperatures stabilize with highs around 89.6°F (32°C) and lows around 77°F (25°C). However, during these months, rainfall indexes shoot up, with 6.69" (170mm) in June, peaking at 7.09" (180mm) in
July, before reducing slightly to 4.33" (110mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Cebu City
Autumn, from
September to
November, continues with the pattern of high temperature and rainfall initiated in summer. The wettest month of the year,
October, contributes a significant 7.87" (200mm) of rainfall. Simultaneously, temperatures hover between a high of 89.1°F (31.7°C) to 88.2°F (31.2°C) and a low of 78.4°F (25.8°C) to 76.5°F (24.7°C) for most of the season.
Winter weather in Cebu City
Winter in
Cebu City tends to hold back on the rain with a steady decrease in precipitation levels from 4.33" (110mm) in
December to 4.33" (110mm) in
January. The temperature during these months remains consistent, with average highs between 86.5°F (30.3°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C) and lows between 75.6°F (24.2°C) and 74.8°F (23.8°C). Despite being winter, the city continues to experience summery warmth and generous sunshine.
Weather in January
Turning the corner into the New Year,
Cebu City in
January sees a spike into the wet season. Skies are frequently overcast and thunderstorms are not uncommon, providing an observable change from the characteristically dry
December that comes before.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February commences, the weather begins showing signs of transition. The reduced cloud cover brings forth noticeably longer daylight hours than
January had provided. On average, temperatures hover just a bit higher and rainfall decreases to 2.76" (70mm) for the month, which lessens the chance of thunderstorms compared to January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Witnessing a steady shift from the wetter start to the year,
March introduces warmer conditions. The shower tally dips considerably with an average monthly rainfall of just 0.79" (20mm), sharply contrasting the first two months. The sea warms up to 81°F (27.2°C) and the dry spell persists.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Continuing the transformation witnessed in
March,
Cebu City settles into a dry spell throughout
April. With longer, sunnier days and an average of 12.4 daylight hours, the increased sun exposure becomes quite noticeable. Temperatures soar to an average high of 90.1°F (32.3°C), making April one of the hottest months of the year.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May confirms the established pattern of high temperatures that began in
April and continues until some time in the middle of the year. Experiencing the season's highest sea temperature at 84.6°F (29.2°C), the beach becomes increasingly inviting.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June transitions into a different weather pattern altogether in
Cebu City. With an average of 6.69" (170mm) of rainfall, June marks the start of the city's wet season. The increased rainfall does usher a slight drop in temperature, but the heat remains at a consistent high.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Rolling into
July,
Cebu City meets its peak in rainfall with an average monthly total of 7.09" (180mm). This brings a surge in lush green landscapes and revitalized vegetation. Despite the high frequency of showers, the temperatures remain relatively warm and the city continues to bustle with life.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Most of the weather traits exhibited in
July continue their story into
August. The astute observer might notice a subtle decrease in temperature compared to the peak summer months. Rainfall averages fluctuate slightly, with August registering around 4.33" (110mm).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September’s climate in
Cebu City remains consistent with
August's weather pattern. With temperature highs still touching 89.1°F (31.7°C), the warm, tropical climate continues. Rainfall quantity remains steady around 6.3" (160mm), contributing to the continued nourishment of the region's fauna and flora.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October leads the city into a slightly cooler weather phase. There's a slight decrease in high temperatures, though the overall climate remains consistent with
September. It peaks as one of wettest months with an average rainfall of 7.87" (200mm), coating the city in a frequent, fine drizzle.
Weather in October » Weather in November
While
November brings with it a drop in peak day temperatures, conditions remain warm and inviting. Sea temperatures remain at an unwavering 84.7°F (29.3°C), creating a pleasant environment for water activities. Though rainfall remains steady at 4.33" (110mm) for the month, the prominent wet season of
Cebu City is well on its way out.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December sees the city of Cebu take a final turn towards the dry season. Temperatures cool down significantly when juxtaposed with the previous summer highs. Rainfall rates begin to approach those found in
January, taking a full-circle journey through the city's annual weather cycle.
Weather in December »