If we had to pick one month for a first trip to the Philippines, it would be February. The weather is at its most reliable, the sea is calm on most coasts, and the crowds of the holidays and New Year have gone home.
The weather
February is one of the driest months across most of the country. Daytime temperatures are around 29 to 31°C, it is less humid than later in the year, and the heat of April and May has not yet arrived. The northeast winds start to ease, and seas on the west of the archipelago are generally calm.
The east coast still gets some showers. Siargao is improving through the month but can still be wet, and its best season starts in March.
Where to go
- Palawan: El Nido, Coron and Port Barton in perfect conditions. The fast ferry between Coron and El Nido runs reliably.
- Bohol, Panglao and Anda: dry and calm, ideal for families.
- Siquijor: quiet, green and at its most relaxed.
- Boracay: still the calm season on White Beach, and less crowded than in January.
- Donsol, in Sorsogon: whale shark season is usually from about December to May, and February to April is often the best time for sightings in the wild. Sightings are never guaranteed.
- Cebu: Moalboal for turtles and the sardine run, and Malapascua for thresher sharks at dawn.
Festivals and dates
- Panagbenga, the flower festival in Baguio, runs throughout February, with parades of flower floats at the end of the month. Baguio is up in the mountains, so it combines well with the rice terraces of Banaue and Sagada.
- Chinese New Year often falls in February. Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, celebrates with dragon dances, fireworks and food stalls. Expect flights and hotels to be busier around that week.
- Valentine's Day is big in the Philippines. Restaurants and the most romantic hotels fill up, so book ahead if you are travelling as a couple.
What to book early
February is still high season, especially for travellers from Europe escaping the winter. We recommend booking:
- Island resorts in El Nido and Coron, and private islands, three to six months ahead.
- The fast ferry between Coron and El Nido once your dates are set.
- Domestic flights, which rise in price as they fill.
February for couples
February is our favourite month for honeymoons and anniversaries. The weather is good almost everywhere, the light is soft and the sunsets are long. A classic route: three nights on a private island in northern Palawan, four nights in El Nido with a private boat, and four nights in Siquijor or on a quiet beach in Bohol to finish slowly.
Our advice
February rewards people who plan. If you book early, take private boats and leave early in the morning, you will see the Philippines at its very best, with almost nothing to worry about except which beach to choose.
