May to October is the monsoon season in the Philippines when it is hot and wet, though the rain is by no means constant, certainly not enough to affect travel plans. Northern areas are usually worse affected, and it gets progressively drier as you head further south. In the capital Manila, the most rain falls in September (about 330 mm), but it varies as the Philippines is spread over a large geographical area of 7,000 islands and islets. Temperatures at this time regularly top over 32 °C (89.5 °F). Cebu is the driest and coolest area at this time, and many travel here to take advantage of the more temperate weather. Typhoon season is at its height between August and October, and those that make landfall can be severe, so it is worth checking ahead to see where is worst affected.
Beginning in the bustling capital of Manila and finishing in the relaxing paradise of El Nido, this 11-day itinerary takes you through the Philippines' most popular destinations. Taste Manila's Chinese-Filipino heritage, witness centuries-old rice terraces, explore caves and see the hanging coffins, and lounge on white sand beach on this balanced getaway.
Begin your Philippines adventure by “shooting the rapids” in dugout canoes. Then relax with island time touring around Batanes before returning to adventure by trekking to the 20th century’s most powerful volcano. Balancing your adventure and relaxation experiences, you’ll finish your 13-day holiday by lounging on El Nido’s lush white-sand beaches.
ATV rides, swimming alongside the world’s largest fish, and relaxing on lush gold-sand beaches are all in store on this 15-day luxurious adventure through the Caramoan Peninsula in the tropical Philippines chain. Enjoy helicopter rides and a full day’s pampering at an exclusive spa on this one-of-a-kind holiday.
An incredible fusion of Latin and Asian culture, the Negros is home to a fascinating atmosphere in the Philippines. This 13-day itinerary takes you to an authentic Filipino festival, inside old-world churches, into the vibrant barrier reefs and inside a culture unique the world over found only in the Negros-chain.
Divers and snorkelers alike will delight in this 17-day two-part luxurious holiday in the Philippines. The first half is spent exploring the Filipino culture, natural features and history. The second half is spent exploring the active corals, several dive sites and lush white-sand beaches from a lush cruise charter.
Embark on an exciting 12-day adventure through the Philippines, starting in Manila, where you’ll visit Intramuros city, and continue on to the cobblestone streets of historic Vigan and Bohol’s chocolate hills. Round off the trip with a luxurious stay in Hong Kong, capturing the iconic skyline from Victoria Peak.
Island hop through the idyllic Philippines on this 16-day luxury tour. Visit several of the country’s historical heritage sites, relax on serene beaches and experience Latin-Asian fusion cultures. Gorge on fresh local food in the popular markets. Search for lively fish as you snorkel Palawan's active coral reefs.
There’s no need to narrow down which heavenly island you will visit in on this 12-day trip through the Central Philippines island chain. Revel in luxury as you stay in the best hotels throughout your journey. Stroll along white-sand islets and snorkel alongside beautiful sea turtles on this exciting adventure.
Explore natural limestone caves and cliffs in Puerto Princesa, take a river cruise inside a subterranean cave and snorkel lively coral reefs. Stay in the finest hotels in the Philippines for complete relaxation as you enter the perfect gateway for discovering the country’s historical past on your 12-day luxury trip.
This National Geographic Traveler award-winning trip provides an insightful glimpse of the capital, Manila, as well as rice terrace treks in Banuae and excursions to the cliffs of Sagada and tropical forests of Baguio, across 7 adventurous days.
April-May
A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is enshrined in Pakil in Laguna and every year between the Friday before Palm Sunday and Pentecost Sunday, the women of Pakil carry the image into the city and commemorate the ‘Seven Sorrows of Our Lady’ by performing seven ‘Turumbas,’ which are wild dances performed in homage to her.
Location Laguna, Philippines
May
Throughout the Philippines, devotees of Roman Catholicism celebrate Flores de Mayo for the full month of May. It is held to honor the Virgin Mary and every afternoon, children dressed in white attend church and sprinkle flower petals along the aisle and lay a bouquet at the alter. The final nine days are devoted to prayer.
Location Countrywide, Philippines
May
This two-day festival honors the carabao, the animal without whom the farmers of Pulilan could not plough their fields. On the first day, the carabaos are groomed and decorated with flowers and parade through the streets to the church square where they kneel to be blessed. The second day brings an informal race in the town.
Location Pulilan, Philippines
May
Visitors from all over come to Bulacan for this three-day festival, primarily men and women who want to bear children. There is a parade each day for San Pascual, Santa Clara and Senora de Salambao and the people follow the images of the saints, dancing in the street to bamboo instruments, hoping to be blessed with fertility.
Location Bulacan, Philippines
May 15th
Every year on May 15th, the residents of Lucban pay respect to St Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, with this colorful celebration. The houses in one street are decorated with fruits, vegetables and adornments made of rice, which can be eaten later. The house owners compete to be named best-decorated.
Location Lucban, Philippines
May 31st
This festival on the last day of May is the culmination of Flores de Mayo. In cities and towns all over the country, people celebrate Reyna Elena (or Saint Helena) finding the true cross and returning it to Rome. There are huge pageants in the streets with people dressed as biblical characters or former queens.
Location Countrywide, Philippines
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