Asia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sights and the friendliest cultures, so when is the best time to travel to the Philippines?
The Philippines is one of these spectacular countries—a tourist’s dream with azure snorkeling paradise astride white sandy beaches. In fact, it is one of the world’s most visited countries thanks to its fascinating history, natural resources, and spectacular attractions.
The weather is so pleasant it’s almost medicinal. There are so many beautiful beaches in the Philippines making it a popular destination for summer visitors. It offers loads of adventurous activities that create happy memories for visitors.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines, especially when you are on a tight budget? You must first consider 3 things:
- Travel – This one is pretty easy, because unless you live on one of the neighboring islands you will travel by plane. What you want to consider here is timing .
- Lodging – You may want to consider renting a condominium, which will include offerings not included in a hotel.
- Activities – Are you planning to go shopping, visit relatives or just getting some rest and relaxation.
In this article, we explore the right time to find cheap flights to the Philippines and other information you may need to visit the South East Asian country without breaking the bank.
The Cheapest Time To Travel To The Philippines
Flights from the United States to the Philippines are normally expensive as the trip between the two countries is a long one. You can normally expect to find cheap flights to the Philippines in June. This month has the lowest number of flight bookings, too.
The tickets are usually much cheaper than if you were traveling during January or February. In fact, most tourists avoid visiting the Philippines between June and September, because it’s the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.
Consequently, airfare and hotel rates are normally at the lowest levels during this period. You can save up to 40% on accommodation if you travel to the Philippines between June and September—but there’s a catch.
You’ll have to contend with heavy rains, sometimes for days at a time. This period is also characterized by tropical storms or typhoons. Finding cheap flights to the Philippines also means avoiding travel between March and April, especially around Holy Week.
The Philippines is largely a Catholic nation. Hence, the celebrations during Holy Week create excessive demand for flights, hotels, and other means of transport. You can expect local prices to triple around the Easter Holiday, making your trip extra expensive.
Best Time to Visit Popular Destinations in the Philippines
The best time to travel to the Philippines may also depend on the destination you plan to visit. Below are the ideal times to visit some of the country’s top destinations:
Manila – Avoid this metropolis, the capital of the Philippines, during the Christmas holidays. The hotels and shopping malls are normally packed to the brim during this time. The city is best enjoyed between October and April.
- Boracay – This blissful island is a popular tourist destination, especially during Christmas. It’s best to visit the island during shoulder months, like May and September, for great weather and fewer crowds.
- Northern Luzon – Located in the foothills of Mt. Pinatubo, this region is normally very cold during the dry season compared to the other parts of the country. Visit in March or November for dry but temperate weather.
- Palawan – The cheapest time to travel to Palawan is during the months of June, July, and August. It is normally quite hot during this period and tourists generally avoid the beaches.
- Bohol and Cebu – No region in the Philippines experiences heavy rains more than these central islands. Bohol and Cebu are affected by two different monsoons. To avoid the rains, consider visiting between May and June, but you’ll have to brave the scorching sun.
With this information in mind, you’ll have an easy time planning your trip if you want to have a cheap stay in the Philippines.
The Philippines National Holidays and Festivals
Finding the cheapest time to travel to the Philippines also requires that you consider the country’s holidays and other festivities as these tend to affect the local prices. There’s a wide range of festivities held in the country, which is evidence of how much fun you can have here at any given time.
Different regions hold different festivals throughout the year. Below are some of the country’s most popular national holidays and festivals:
- Ati-Atihan – Celebrated in January in the city of Kalibo, Ati-Atihan is one of the most magnificent festivals in the Philippines. It is a commemoration of Santo Nino, a Catholic church’s holy representation. You can expect some of the most amazing floats during the street parades, lots of dancing, painted bodies, and plenty of food during the festival.
- The Black Nazarene Festival – Commemorated on the 9th of January every year, the Black Nazarene is a statue of Jesus, which many believe turned from light to dark skin after He survived a ship fire as it docked in the Philippines from Mexico.
During the festival, the statue is taken from its resting place in Black Nazarene Mino Basilica in Quiapo, for a procession. Several million believers participate in the festival and this creates a risk of injury, heat-related issues, and crowding. - Sinulog – This is another colorful festival that takes place in January. Sinulog festival is characterized by a spectacular blend of culture and religion. It commemorates the country’s past paganism and the beginning of Christianity in the region.
Held in Cebu City on the third Sunday of January every year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors who yearn for a taste of the captivating, splendorous, and colorful celebrations. - Araw ng Kagitingan – This is a celebration of the Bataan conquest by the Japanese in World War II. The Battle of Bataan lasted from 7th January to 9th April. It is commemorated every year on the 9th of April when the battle once ended.
This is also when the ill-fated 87-mile Bataan Death March began, which affected at least 76,000 American and Filipino war prisoners. - National Heroes’ Day – Celebrated on the last Monday of August, National Heroes’ Day is the occasion to remember historic individuals, whose acts of bravery contributed to the prosperity of the Philippines as a nation. This day commemorates the Cry of Pugad Lawin, who facilitated the country’s revolution against the Spanish colonization in 1896. People don’t work on this day as it is dedicated to memorial services and parades.
- Panagbenga Flower Festival – Held in the city of Baguio in February, Panagbenga Flower Festival is a celebration of the growing season. The festivities run for three consecutive days and are characterized by parades, native dancing, and participants dressed in colorful costumes that signify the highland flowers and tribes.
- Pahiyas Festival – Held in Lucban during the month of May, this festival celebrates the agricultural harvest. It is characterized by houses across the region being decorated in vibrant colors. The houses are also embellished in vegetables.
Consider bringing your basket as participants are allowed to help themselves to some of the harvests from the decorated houses. This adds to the sense of gratitude for what the Earth offers its inhabitants. Besides the vivid display of color, there is also lots of food during the Pahiyas. - Bonifacio Day – Commemorated on the 30th November every year, Bonifacio Day is a day to honor Andres Bonifacio. Born on this day, Bonifacio is one of the most celebrated public figures in the Philippines. He is remembered for leading the Philippine Revolution that combated the Spanish colonial rule.
- MassKara – Also known as the festival of smiles, MassKara takes place in Bacolod, the City of Smiles, in October every year. MassKara celebration was originally meant to uplift the spirits of the locals during an exceptionally tough harvest. Nowadays, the festival is characterized by smiling masked faces, music, dance, and excitement.
How Long Is The Flight From The USA To The Philippines
An average nonstop flight from the U.S.A. to the Philippines takes 21 hours and 35 minutes. This assumes a 500-mph average flight speed for a commercial airliner, covering about 8,000 miles (or 13,000 kilometers). The exact flight time varies according to factors such as wind speed and weather events.
The Los Angeles – Manila route is the most popular flight for American tourists, with an average flight time of 13 hours and 30 minutes. Philippine Airlines flies this route most often. If you’re planning to travel from the U.S.A. to the Philippines, take into consideration the airport wait times, possible delays, as well as the plane’s ample taxiing time.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines is not only one of the most visited countries in the world, but also one of the easiest and most accommodating travel destinations. Most of the country’s citizens and residents speak English, making it simple to communicate, get around, and find what you need.
For such a spectacular, culture-rich destination, it is a great feeling to be able to get all the comforts of home while escaping reality.
If you want to have a cheap stay in this country, choose the period is characterized by heavy rains and few tourists (which makes nice and quiet around the resorts). Hotel prices and airfares are normally at their lowest then. If your stay will extend beyond a few days, you may want to consider leasing a condo, which offers many of the comforts of home. Check out our 2020 Guide to Renting a Condo in the Philippines for more information. If you happen to decide on leasing a condo you can visit www.myproperty.ph for more information.
You should also factor in the various holidays and festivals in the country as they affect travel and accommodation costs, and other local prices. Don’t miss out on the fun between June and September. That’s the cheapest time to travel to the Philippines.
