January is one of the best months of the year to visit the Philippines, as long as you know where to go. The northeast monsoon, the amihan, brings cooler air and dry skies to most of the west of the country. It also brings wind, swell and rain to the east coast. Choosing the right side of the archipelago makes all the difference.
The weather
Across most of the country, January is dry, warm and comfortable, with daytime temperatures of around 28 to 30°C and cooler nights. It is the coolest month in Manila and the mountains, and the humidity is lower than at any other time of year.
The exceptions are the islands facing the Pacific. Siargao, eastern Samar and the east coast of Luzon often get heavy showers and rough seas in January. Batanes, far to the north, is cool and windy, with sea crossings frequently cancelled.
Where to go
- Palawan: El Nido, Coron and Port Barton are at their best, with calm seas and clear skies. It is high season, so book early.
- Boracay: the wind blows from the northeast, so White Beach on the west side is sheltered and calm. Bulabog Beach on the other side is perfect for kitesurfing.
- Bohol and Siquijor: dry, gentle and much quieter than Palawan.
- Cebu: whale sharks, sardines and turtles around Moalboal, and the island is easy to combine with Bohol.
- Banaue and Sagada: cool and clear, the most comfortable month for walking the rice terraces, although the fields are not at their greenest.
Where to avoid, or plan carefully
- Siargao: it is still lovely, but expect rain on some days and a choppy sea. Surfers will find waves, beginners less so. From March, it is a different island.
- Batanes: wait until March to May.
The festivals
January is festival month in the Visayas, and they are spectacular.
- Sinulog, in Cebu City, on the third Sunday of January: a huge street parade of dancers in bright costumes honouring the Santo Niño, with music and celebrations all weekend.
- Ati-Atihan, in Kalibo, Aklan, in the same week: one of the oldest festivals in the country, with painted faces, drums and dancing in the streets. Kalibo is the gateway to Boracay, so the two combine easily.
- Dinagyang, in Iloilo City, usually on the fourth weekend of January: tribal dance competitions and drumming.
Festival weekends fill hotels and flights in those cities months ahead. If you want to see one, tell us early.
Crowds and prices
January is high season. The first week, after New Year, is very busy and expensive, especially in El Nido and Boracay. From the second week, things quieten down noticeably. Chinese New Year, which falls in late January or February, brings another busy period.
Our tips:
- Book the most popular hotels and island boats three to six months ahead.
- Travel from the second week of January for lower prices and fewer people.
- Take private boats and start early to avoid the crowds at the famous lagoons.
A two-week January route
Manila, then four nights in El Nido, three in Coron, a night in Cebu for Sinulog weekend, then four nights in Bohol or Siquijor, and back to Manila. Dry skies all the way, and a festival in the middle.
