Philippines Weather Guide! Essential Basics to Know Before Traveling or Studying Abroad

About the Climate in the Philippines｜The Charm and Cautions of an Eternal Summer Country

When you think of the Philippines, many people probably picture "a southern country that's hot all year round." In fact, the Philippines has a tropical monsoon climate, and warm weather year-round is one of its defining features. However, the climate varies by region, and there are "dry" and "rainy" seasons — many characteristics that differ from Japan.

This article explains the climate of the Philippines in detail, and introduces points worth knowing before traveling, studying abroad, or relocating.

The Basic Climate of the Philippines

The Philippines is an island nation located in Southeast Asia, with an average annual temperature of around 27°C. There is little major seasonal change, and it's warm enough to wear short sleeves all year round. (Ministry of the Environment)

Also, rather than the four seasons like Japan's "spring, summer, autumn, winter," it is mainly divided into the following two seasons.

• Dry Season

• Rainy Season

The dry season is further divided into the relatively cool "cool dry season" and the very hot "hot dry season." (Ministry of the Environment)

Dry Season (November to May)

The dry season is the most comfortable time of year in the Philippines. Especially from December to February, temperatures settle down and humidity is relatively low, making it a popular season for tourism and studying abroad.

Cool Dry Season (November to February)

This period feels close to a Philippine "winter."

• Temperature: about 24–30°C

• Humidity: relatively low

• Weather: many sunny days

It's not as cold as winter in Japan, but mornings and evenings can feel a little cool. Air conditioning can be strong in shopping malls and classrooms, so a light jacket comes in handy.

Some Filipinos even feel "cold" during this season and wear hoodies.

Hot Dry Season (March to May)

March to May is the hottest time of year in the Philippines.

• Temperature: 30–35°C or higher

• UV rays: very strong

• Humidity: high

April and May in particular are quite hot, and you'll sweat just from walking outside during the day. It's also the time schools go on summer break, and many people travel to beaches and resort areas.

During this period,

• sun protection

• staying hydrated

• heatstroke prevention

are all very important.

Rainy Season (June to October)

The Philippines enters the rainy season from around June. Even so, this doesn't mean it rains all day long like Japan's rainy season.

What's characteristic are short, intense downpours called "squalls." It's not unusual for heavy rain to suddenly pour down and then clear up 30 minutes later. (FUJIYAMA International)

Features of the Rainy Season

• Very high humidity

• Hot and humid

• Some areas experience flooding

• Overlaps with typhoon season

In Manila especially, heavy rain can flood the roads. Traffic congestion also tends to worsen, and travel times can take longer.

Typhoons in the Philippines

The Philippines is affected by many typhoons every year. In particular, August to October is considered typhoon season, and damage can occur mainly in the northern part of Luzon Island. (Immigranavi, an information portal for living in and visiting the Philippines)

That said, the extent of impact varies by region.

Regions Prone to Typhoon Impact

• Manila

• Northern Luzon

• Bicol Region

Regions with Relatively Little Impact

• Cebu

• Davao

• Southern Mindanao

This is one reason why Cebu and Davao are popular destinations for studying abroad.

Climate Differences by Region

The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, so the climate also varies by region.

Manila

The capital, Manila, has a typical tropical monsoon climate.

• Dry season: mostly sunny

• Rainy season: watch out for flooding and typhoons

Since it's an urban area, humidity and heat tend to build up, and it can feel considerably hotter than the actual temperature.

Cebu City

Cebu, popular for studying abroad in the Philippines, has relatively stable weather throughout the year.

• Popular beach resorts

• Many sunny days even in the rainy season

• Relatively few direct typhoon hits

It's a popular area for both tourism and studying abroad. (FUJIYAMA International)

Davao City

Davao is located in the southern Philippines and is known as a region with little typhoon impact.

• Stable climate

• Relatively safe

• Comfortable year-round

It's also drawing attention as a place to relocate to.

Baguio

Known as "the summer capital of the Philippines," this is a highland city.

• Lower temperatures

• Cool mornings and evenings

• Some days don't even need air conditioning

The climate is so comfortable it hardly feels like the Philippines, drawing many tourists.

Things to Watch Out for When Living in the Philippines

1. Strong Air Conditioning

In the Philippines, air conditioning in shopping malls, classrooms, and buses tends to be set quite strong.

Even when it's 35°C outside, indoors can be cold enough to chill you. A thin hoodie or cardigan comes in handy.

2. Strong UV Rays

Since it's closer to the equator than Japan, UV rays are extremely strong.

• Sunscreen

• A hat

• Sunglasses

We recommend taking these kinds of precautions.

3. A Folding Umbrella Is Essential in the Rainy Season

Since squalls can suddenly pour down, many people carry a folding umbrella with them.

Many locals wear sandals, and get around fairly casually even on rainy days.

Is the Philippine Climate Appealing?

Opinions on the Philippine climate vary from person to person.

Pros

• Warm all year round

• You can enjoy the ocean and nature

• Winter clothes are almost unnecessary

• You can enjoy a resort-like feeling

Cons

• Intense heat and humidity

• Typhoons and heavy rain

• Lots of insects

• Higher air conditioning costs

That said, once you get used to it, many people come to enjoy the comfort of "a life without cold winters."

Summary

The Philippines is a country with a warm tropical climate all year round, and lifestyles change significantly between the dry and rainy seasons.

In particular,

• the dry season is best for tourism and studying abroad

• watch out for squalls and typhoons during the rainy season

• climate differences between regions can be significant

are some of its key characteristics.

If you're considering traveling, studying abroad, or relocating, it's important to prepare according to the region and timing of your trip.

Why not try enjoying a comfortable life while savoring the Philippines' unique eternal-summer climate?