Seasons at a Glance
Dry Season (High/Peak: November – May)
- Best weather: Clear skies, warm sea (~27–30 °C)
- Peak crowds: driven by holidays like Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Holy Week
- High costs: Flight and hotel rates at their highest; resorts often hike by 25%
- Insider note: Algae can show up in April/May, affecting water clarity
Shoulder Season (Transition: June & October)
- Weather: Occasional afternoon showers but overall good traveloka.com
- Crowds: Manageable—with fewer tourists and more space
- Costs: Lower prices on flights and accommodations
- Tip: June and October are “sweet spots”—quiet island, lush greenery, and decent weather tripsavvy.com+12richestph.com+12dailytelegraph.com.au+12
Wet Season (Low: July – September)
- Weather: Frequent rain and typhoon risk, though often short-lived
- Crowds: Very low, near-empty beaches
- Prices: Lowest—you’ll find great travel and lodging deals
- Caveat: Some hotels/activities may close for renovations; boat trips might be limited
Recommendations by Type of Traveler
- First-timers: November – May is your best bet for perfect weather and full vibes—just pack sunscreen and book early!
- On a budget or avoid crowds: June, October—lower prices, fewer tourists, still pleasant conditions.
- Flexible travelers chasing deals: July–September—rock-bottom rates and quiet beaches, but be ready for unpredictable weather.
- Festival seekers: Time your trip for:
- Ati‑Atihan (January, draws ~36,700 visitors in 2024)
- Laboracay (April/May)—huge beach parties
- Holy Week, Christmas/New Year—festive but crowded
🗣️ Real Talk from Travelers
From Reddit users visiting late 2024 and early 2025:
“November is a good month to visit. Hindi maulan, hindi rin masyado mainit, and most importantly, walang lumot kaya maganda ang beach pictures lol”
Another note on deals:
“Cheapest is usually typhoon season.”
✅ Final Tips
- Book 4–6 months ahead for peak season (especially Dec–May).
- Visit beaches early in the morning or on weekdays to dodge crowds
- Bring rain gear if traveling June–October.
- Check festival dates to either embrace or avoid busy times.
- Consider staying near Station 1 or quieter beaches like Puka or Ilig-iligan for a more relaxed vibe
Quick Summary
- Best overall: Dec–Feb/Mar – stunning weather, full island feel
- Best shoulder months: June & October – balance of weather, crowds, savings
- Cheapest & quietest: July–Sept – but risk of rain/typhoons