Philippines in December: Weather, Festivals, and More

December in the Philippines is defined by pleasantly warm temperatures. Luzon and Visayas islands, for instance, enjoy balmy average highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). Although December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, you cannot rule out rainfall. Luzon receives a monthly average rainfall of 145 millimeters while Visayas averages 110 millimeters. The southern region of Mindanao and the East Visayan Islands tend to receive less rain. Unless there is a tropical storm or typhoon heading your way, which is rare but not uncommon, a brief rain shower or two is unlikely to put a damper on your holiday plans.

For more detailed weather information, check out our guide on the best time to visit the Philippines.

There are a whole host of compelling reasons to plan a trip to the Philippines in December. Here are a few of them.

• Excellent weather: Keen to kick back on the beach with a cocktail in hand? Pleasant weather in December means you won’t have to spend your vacation worrying about the weather turning on you. This is also an excellent time to enjoy watersports such as diving, surfing and kitesurfing in places like Siargao and Cebu.
• Outdoor adventures: Boasting comfortable temperatures and relatively low rainfall, December is a top time for island hopping tours or trekking tours through jungles and scenic rice paddies. Visitors can also climb Mount Pulag to witness the sea of clouds or hike to one of many volcanoes in Luzon.
• Festivals galore: Filipinos celebrate Christmas in style. Locally known as “Pasko,” the four-month lead-up to December 25 entails Christmas trees, lanterns, carols, and presents from a plump, jolly Filipino Santa Clause. The country also rings in the New Year with parties and fireworks in major cities like Manila. Another notable festival held in December is the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival. Held in Cotabato city, it celebrates the arrival of Islam and features boat racing and cultural shows.

Everywhere in the Philippines generally sees nice weather during December.

Sheltered from the last remnants of the monsoon, Cebu is a top spot for island-hopping tours and chasing waterfalls (don’t miss Kawasan Falls). December is also an excellent time to snorkel with whale sharks in Oslob or marvel at Moalboal’s majestic sardine run.

Over in Palawan, picture-perfect tropical scenery abounds in hotspots like El Nido and Coron. Beach bums will find a quieter slice of paradise in low-key coastal towns such as San Vicente and Port Barton.

The heavy rains have stopped falling in Luzon, making December a good month for exploring the great outdoors. Hardy hikers can scale volcanoes like Mayon, Taal, or Mt Pinatubo. Join a trekking trip to the Banaue Rice Terraces for less strenuous adventures. Of course, December is prime time to get into the Christmas spirit.

Not far from Manila, Cavite City hosts a bewildering array of bright twinkling lights and early morning feasts of traditional Filipino Christmas food. Inside the capital, the Ayala Triangle’s Festival of Lights illuminates the upscale suburb of Makati. Follow your ears to live concerts of Christmas carols and K-pop hits.

San Fernando in Pampanga is considered the Christmas capital of the Philippines for its colorful parol lanterns. Rock up during the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) to see local sub-districts competing against their neighbors with these gigantic festive beacons.

In the cool city of Baguio, the Baguio Country Club Christmas Village puts on a dazzling display of decorations and lights. Don’t miss its nativity pageant and snow show.

December is a peak travel month in the Philippines. As the dry season kicks off, the country is blessed with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. From beach holiday to hiking to sightseeing, visitors can enjoy all kinds of activities. As the country gears up towards Christmas and the New Year, expect the popular tourist sites to be a bit crowded, especially towards the end of the month.

If you are planning a trip to the Philippines in December, make sure to read our Philippines travel guide, or get in touch with our travel experts to book a customized tour to the Philippines.

More information:
Philippines in November
Philippines in January