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Best time to visit Cebu: month by month
Short answer
January to May is the best period: it is the dry season, with the calmest seas for boats and diving. Temperatures are warm all year, with average highs of 26–28°C and lows of 21–22°C in the data. June to December is wetter, with the highest typhoon risk from about August to November.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 21°C | 26 | very high |
| Feb | 26°C | 21°C | 22 | high |
| Mar | 27°C | 21°C | 24 | high |
| Apr | 28°C | 22°C | 23 | very high |
| May | 28°C | 22°C | 28 | high |
| Jun | 28°C | 22°C | 28 | medium |
| Jul | 28°C | 22°C | 27 | medium |
| Aug | 28°C | 22°C | 26 | low |
| Sep | 28°C | 22°C | 26 | low |
| Oct | 28°C | 22°C | 30 | low |
| Nov | 27°C | 22°C | 27 | low |
| Dec | 27°C | 21°C | 26 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Dry season, highs of about 27–28°C; April and May are the hottest months and the seas are generally calm for island hopping and diving.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The rainy season begins, with highs of about 28°C and frequent showers; trips still run on many days, but storms can cancel boats.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs of 27–28°C and the wettest stretch of the year, with October showing the most rainy days; this is the main typhoon period.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Slightly cooler, with highs of about 26–27°C and lows of 21°C; January and February are dry-season months and Sinulog fills Cebu City in January.
Events worth planning around
- Sinulog festival in Cebu City — third Sunday of January, with events in the days before
- Kadaugan sa Mactan, re-enacting the 1521 Battle of Mactan — late April
- Holy Week (Easter) — busy travel period across the Philippines, March or April
When to avoid
If you want calm seas and reliable boat trips, avoid roughly August to November, the peak typhoon period. If you dislike crowds and high prices, avoid Cebu City on Sinulog weekend unless you are coming for the festival.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Cebu?
February to April, in the dry season, when seas are usually calm and boat trips run reliably.
When is typhoon season in Cebu?
The risk is highest from about August to November, though storms can occur at other times. Check forecasts before boat trips.
When is Sinulog?
On the third Sunday of January in Cebu City. Book hotels months ahead.