Philippines in January: Weather, Crowds and More
The picture-postcard beauty of the Philippines truly comes alive in January. The weather is pleasant and there is a low chance of rainfall—perfect setup for sightseeing, beach visits and outdoor activities. The only downside (if you can call it that) is that popular destinations and activities are crowded, as January is part of the peak tourist season. So if you are planning a tour to the Philippines in January, book your trip and accommodations in advance.
- Tom Walters
- From England
Philippines weather in January
Overall, the Philippines in January is comfortable in the majority of locations. Temperatures range between 25°C (75°F) to 33°C (88°F) and the conditions are dry in most places, but expect some regional variations. Though some touristy areas like Bohol province can experience sporadic rainfall, other island destinations like Boracay and Palawan tend to stay dry. But since the Philippines is a coastal country, it is advisable to check the weather update for the places you intend to visit.
For a deeper read on the weather in the Philippines, make sure to go through our best time to visit the Philippines guide.
Why visit the Philippines in January
- Dry and balmy weather: The Philippines is popular for its secluded islands, rich culture, and abundance of beautiful beaches, which can all be conveniently explored in January when clouds have receded giving you an ample amount of sunshine and low humidity.
- Lush landscapes: The wet season in the Philippines (May to October) has just passed so the country’s vegetation comes to life in January. Popular destinations like Palawan Island, Cebu City, Boracay, and the mountain town of Baguio are beaming with verdant, deep greenery, clear skies and azure waters around this time.
- Hiking and city tours: With negligible chances of rain, you can delve into the country’s rich history and gorgeous attractions on a Philippines hiking tour. Some popular trips and hikes are Manila walled city tours, Cebu outdoor hikes and the Underground River day trip from Puerto Princesa City.
- Vibrant festivals: Philippines hosts several events and festivals in January. The Sinulog Festival, held in Cebu City, is one of them. The festival sees a grand parade with participants performing traditional dance in colorful costumes and rhythmic beats of the drums. Another festival to look forward to is the Ati-Atihan festival held in Aklan, Panay Island. Also known as the Filipino Mardi Gras, it is a week-long event, showcasing the rich heritage and culture of Filipino people.
Where to go and what to do
When you’re visiting the Philippines in January, opportunities to explore are endless. You can start your holiday with a tour of Manila. The capital city is abuzz with many tourist attractions such as Fort Santiago, Manila Ocean Park and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Head to the mountain town of Baguio next. The balmy weather in January makes Baguio a great destination to spend a few days. Take a stroll through Burnham Park and admire the beautifully preserved gardens and lagoons. Next, pick some souvenirs and household goods from the vibrant array of local goods at the Baguio City Market. History buffs will also enjoy visiting Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral.
An unmissable city in the Philippines is Vigan. It’s one of the few cities that has managed to retain its original 16th-century charm and is a declared UNESCO World Heritage City. Explore the city on foot and marvel at the well-preserved Spanish architecture with wide cobblestone streets and historic urban layout.
The agreeable weather in the Philippines in January also makes it the perfect month to tour the Boracay Islands. Popular beaches are brimming with watersports like snorkeling, surfing and parasailing. Some of the prettiest must-visit beaches are Puka Shell Beach, Iligan, Diniwid and White Beach.
Planning a trip to the Philippines in January?
All in all, most places in the Philippines in January are cool and comfortably windy with less chance of rain. If you’re still confused, our travel experts are more than happy to help you with the best time to visit the Philippines and devise a customized trip to the Philippines as per your preferences.
