December and January are some of the best months to visit the Philippines, and also the busiest. While Europe is cold and dark, most of the islands are in their dry season, the sea is warm and the whole country is celebrating. Here is what to expect, where to go and how to plan it well.
The weather in December and January
From December the northeast monsoon, called amihan, brings drier and slightly cooler air to much of the country. On the western side, including Palawan, Boracay, Bohol and Cebu, this usually means sunny days, lower humidity and calm water for island hopping. Daytime temperatures at sea level are typically around 26 to 31°C, and the sea stays warm.
The exception is the Pacific-facing east coast. Siargao and the east of Mindanao and Samar get more rain from December to February, so we usually suggest Siargao from March. Typhoons are much less common at this time of year than between June and November, but an early-December storm is not impossible, so we keep an eye on the forecast and plan flexible routes.
In the mountains of the north, around Sagada and Banaue, nights can be cool. Bring a warm layer if your trip includes the rice terraces.
Christmas in the Philippines
The Philippines has one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. Star-shaped lanterns called parol light up streets and homes for weeks, and from 16 to 24 December many Filipinos attend Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses followed by rice cakes and hot drinks outside the church. On Christmas Eve families gather for Noche Buena, a midnight feast.
For travellers this means a warm, festive atmosphere almost everywhere. It also means that many Filipinos travel home for the holidays, so domestic flights and ferries fill up fast.
New Year
New Year's Eve is loud and joyful, with fireworks, family dinners and a table of round fruits for good luck in the year ahead. Beach destinations such as Boracay and El Nido are especially lively. If you prefer a quiet New Year, we can choose a smaller island or a resort away from the main beach.
January festivals
January is festival month in the Visayas. Sinulog in Cebu takes place around the third Sunday of January, with a huge street parade and dancing in honour of the Santo Niño. Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, on the same island as Boracay, is held around the same weekend, and Dinagyang in Iloilo usually follows a week later. All three are colourful, crowded and unforgettable. Hotels nearby book up early.
Where to go
- Palawan: El Nido and Coron are at their best, with calm seas for lagoons and island hopping.
- Boracay: dry, breezy and perfect for sunset sailing.
- Bohol: the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and quiet beaches on Panglao.
- Cebu: Sinulog in January, then Moalboal for turtles and the sardine run.
- Siargao: possible, but expect more rain. March to October is better.
How to plan it well
The busiest period runs from roughly 20 December to the first days of January. If you want to travel then, start planning as early as you can: the best hotels, flight times and boats go first. Traveling in the second half of January or in February gives you the same dry weather with fewer crowds.
Ten to fourteen days is ideal from Europe. Two or three islands is enough: for example Palawan and Bohol, or Palawan, Bohol and Boracay. Every journey we design includes travel insurance with €2,000 cancellation cover, which is reassuring when you book far ahead.
