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The Philippines are subject to a tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year round. There are many regional variations, however for most of the country the year can be divided into two seasons:
Wet Season - May to October
Dry Season - November to April
North - annual temperatures tend to be pleasant and relatively cool, particularly during the dry months. Warm clothes are a necessity at this time, especially in the mountainous areas.
Central - remains hot and humid all year round. Light cotton clothes are best and a lightweight jumper may also be useful during the evenings.
South - temperature and rainfall both remain high throughout the year. Lightweight clothing and an umbrella are required at any time.
There is a possibility of typhoons in the central and northern areas from June to November.
Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during hot weather.
The Northern Area
| Baguio
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Wet
Season
May - October |
16 - 32oC |
630mm |
Dry
Season
November - April |
13 - 23oC |
57mm |
|
The climate in the north provides a pleasant relief from the dust and heat of the lowland areas to the south.
Dry Season - can be very mild throughout the day, therefore light clothing is best - although some items of warm clothing are useful all year round as temperatures can drop away in the evening. Warm clothes are an absolute necessity from December to February.
Wet Season - July and August are the wettest months. Rainfall is both heavy and prolonged making waterproofs and an umbrella essential.
Typhoons may also strike this area between June and December.
Best time to visit: The Dry Season experiences clear, bright days and minimal rainfall - although warm clothes are definitely required.
The Central
Area
|
Masbate
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Wet
Season
May - October |
24 - 32oC |
297mm |
Dry
Season
November - April |
22 - 32oC |
47mm |
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The climate in this area is tropical and remains reasonably hot and humid throughout the year.
Dry Season - the east coast tends to experience slightly milder temperatures but receives more rainfall than the west during December and January.
January is the coolest month of the year, although temperatures rarely fall below 20oC and May is usually the hottest - the heat and humidity can get quite oppressive at this time.
Wet Season - this period is characterised by heavy rainfall and can also suffer from typhoons that rage in from the east. However, the weather pattern is normally one of occasional rainfall followed by extended dry periods. An umbrella is a necessity and light cotton clothes are still required, as temperatures can be very high.
Best time to visit: From January to April during the Dry Season when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is low.
The South
|
Davao
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Yearly Average
January - December
|
23 - 32oC |
159mm |
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The weather in the southern Philippines remains fairly constant all year round with no distinct wet or dry seasons.
This area lies below the typhoon belt and is unlikely to suffer from the damaging storms that hit the central area.
Light cotton
clothes are best with a few extra layers in case temperatures
drop at night - an umbrella is also a good idea as rainfall is
commonplace at any time of the year.
Best time to visit: Rainfall can be slightly less during the early months of the year but in general, the weather is similar all year round.
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