Best time to visit · Cebu · Philippines
The best time to visit Cebu
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best time to visit Cebu is February to May, the driest period, with calm seas for island hopping, diving and Kawasan Falls. January is also good but very busy during the Sinulog Festival. June to December is wetter, with typhoon risk highest from October to December, though diving continues year-round and prices are lower.
Key facts
- Best months
- February–May
- Shoulder season
- June and December–January
- Warmest month
- May (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~17 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–November
Seasons
Cebu is warm and humid all year, with sea temperatures around 27–29°C. Rain is spread through the year but heaviest from about June to December; the driest months are February to May. Typhoons are less frequent than in northern Luzon but can strike, especially from October to December.
February–May
Dry season
Sunny days, calm seas and the best conditions for beaches, island hopping and canyoneering; Holy Week is very busy.
June–August
Early rains
Afternoon showers with plenty of sun between them, warm seas and lower prices.
September–December
Typhoon season
The wettest months, with storms that can cancel ferries and boat trips, especially from October to December.
January
Festival season
Warm with passing showers, dominated by the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City; book well ahead.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 24°C | 12 | 27°C | 11.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 30°C | 24°C | 9 | 27°C | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 31°C | 24°C | 8 | 27°C | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 6 | 28°C | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 33°C | 26°C | 9 | 29°C | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 32°C | 26°C | 15 | 29°C | 12.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 17 | 29°C | 12.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | 29°C | 12.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 16 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 25°C | 17 | 29°C | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 25°C | 15 | 28°C | 11.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 14 | 28°C | 11.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Sinulog Festival — street dancing and processions honouring the Santo Niño (third Sunday of January) |
| February | Chinese New Year — celebrations at the Taoist Temple and in the city (late January or February) |
| March | Holy Week (some years fall in March) |
| April | Holy Week — busy beaches and religious processions (March or April); Kadaugan sa Mactan — re-enactment of the 1521 Battle of Mactan (27 April) |
| June | Independence Day (12 June) |
| November | All Saints' Day (Undas) — family visits to cemeteries (1 November) |
| December | Simbang Gabi — dawn masses before Christmas (16–24 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–November, and the sights are quietest in June–November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early rains | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Typhoon season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Festival season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Cebu?
The best time to visit Cebu is February to May, the driest period, with calm seas for island hopping, diving and Kawasan Falls. January is also good but very busy during the Sinulog Festival. June to December is wetter, with typhoon risk highest from October to December, though diving continues year-round and prices are lower.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Cebu?
Usually in June–November. Rainy season starts with afternoon storms; diving remains good.
+What is the rainiest month in Cebu?
July, with about 17 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Cebu get?
The warmest month, May, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F).