Philippines in April: Weather, Activities and More
From attending the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival in North Cotabato to joining a whale shark sighting excursion in Donsol and beach-lounging in El Nodo, visitors can enjoy tons of coastal adventures in the Philippines in April. This is also the time of the year to have the last holiday hurrah under the clear sunny skies before the wet season kicks off in May. Furthermore, there are several festivals and events to look forward to in April. The only caveat of taking a Philippines trip in April is that popular destinations are more crowded and expensive than usual.
- Tom Walters
- From England
Philippines Weather in April
The Philippines typically sees two seasons: wet and dry. April is the last month of the dry season in the country, with the average daytime temperatures ranging between 23°C (73.4°F) and 34°C (93.2°F). At night, the mercury may sometimes plunge as low as 16°C (60.8°F).
The capital city, Manila, sees an average temperature high of 33°C (92°F) and a low of 24°C (76°F). The mountains and inland areas are typically cooler than the coastal areas. Humidity levels are also high during this time of the year. If you wish to escape the heat and humidity, head up to the mountain areas in Northern Luzon, where you can enjoy activities like hiking, village tours and sightseeing. The average amount of rain observed during April is 17 millimeters, or roughly four rainy days.
To learn more about the weather, make sure to read our guide on the best time to visit the Philippines.
Why Visit The Philippines in April
Despite the high season crowds and accommodation rates, there are many reasons to visit the Philippines in April. Here are some of our top picks:
- Last dry month: April is the last month of the dry season in the Philippines. So make the most of your time at popular beaches like Kota Beach, Alona Beach and Mahabang Buhangin Beach. Try various water-based activities like swimming, diving and snorkeling when the weather is calm and the underwater visibility is high.
- Explore outdoors: Dry weather conditions of April makes for a great time to explore non-coastal areas of the Philippines. Visitors can, for instance, head to the mountain destinations in Northern Luzon to admire the country’s many natural gems, like the Banaue Rice Terraces, Mount Pulag National Park and Echo Valley.
- Events and festivals: The Philippines celebrates several events and festivals in April. Notable among them are the Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa held in Kidapawan City, where the highland tribes gather to pay tribute to Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country; and the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival held in Boracay, where local and international teams compete. Easter, which typically falls between March and April, is another festival celebrated nationwide with gusto nationwide.
Where To Go and What To Do
April is a busy month for travel in the Philippines for both locals and tourists. As a largely Catholic country, locals travel extensively for Easter celebrations and the timing of it can affect prices and the availability of rooms throughout the country. That being said, many visit the Philippines because it is the last month of the year to enjoy the beaches and water sports that the country is famed for.
Popular beach destinations include Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and El Nido. If beach holiday is not your cup of tea, make your way to the Banaue Rice Terraces on the mountains of Ifugao, when the area takes on the greenest hues in April. It is said the Ifugao tribes carved these terraces into the mountains some 2000 years ago.
Nature lovers can visit Taal Lake, located just 50 kilometers south of Manila, for impressive sights of an active volcano and a picturesque hiking trail. Another treat for nature enthusiasts is the river park of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa City, flanked by the St. Paul Mountain Range. Popular for featuring the longest Underground River in the world and intricate cave systems, the wildlife park is a sight to behold.
The Philippines is also popular for its distinctive church architecture and April marks a splendid time for sightseeing. The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City and the Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church) in Paoay are popular cultural and architectural marvels.
What to Bring
- Carry lightweight clothes and quick-drying towels as you will be spending quite some time at the beaches, or wiping off that steady trickle of sweat building on your forehead.
- April sometimes sees light showers, so carry raincoats, umbrellas, and rain-friendly footwear along with a waterproof bag.
- Some beaches, Unesco sites and other similar places of religious and cultural interest may require you to dress modestly. Carry a sarong or shawl with you.
- Carry a travel adapter as the Philippines uses 220 volts.
Planning a trip to the Philippines in April?
The beautiful country of Philippines is a treat to the eyes and the soul for every traveler, and April is one of the best months to visit the country. With warm balmy weather conditions, pristine beaches, green, lush landscapes, a cuisine that will invite your senses to awaken, and festivals that place a spotlight on the country’s rich and diverse history, the Philippines is definitely worth a visit.
Planning a trip to the Philippines in April but don’t quite know where to start? Allow our experts to create a customized trip to the Philippines for you.
