The Philippines is a tropical maritime archipelago where the weather is governed by its proximity to the equator and two major seasonal wind systems: the Amihan and the Habagat. Understanding these patterns is essential for navigating the country's diverse landscapes, from the mountain peaks of Luzon to the white-sand beaches of the Visayas.
The Two Main Monsoons
The Filipino climate is defined by the reversal of prevailing winds, which dictates the rain and sunshine patterns across the 7,641 islands.
- Amihan (Northeast Monsoon): Typically prevailing from November to April, these cool, dry winds originate from Siberia. This season is characterized by clear blue skies, lower humidity, and cooler nights. It is generally the driest time for the western part of the country, though it can bring rain to the eastern seaboard.
- Habagat (Southwest Monsoon): Generally occurring from June to October, this system brings warm, moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean. It results in heavy rainfall, high humidity, and increased cloud cover, particularly on the western side of the archipelago.
Seasonal Trends
While many simplify the climate into "Wet" and "Dry," locals often recognize three distinct phases:
- Cool Dry Season (December – February): The most temperate time of year. Temperatures are balmy during the day (around 25°C to 30°C) and can drop significantly at night, especially in Northern Luzon.
- Hot Dry Season (March – May): Often referred to locally as "summer," this is the peak of heat and humidity. Temperatures frequently exceed 34°C (93°F). The air feels heavy and "sticky" as the humidity climbs.
- Rainy Season (June – November): This period coincides with the Habagat and the peak of the typhoon season. Rain often comes in short, torrential afternoon bursts, though typhoons can cause multi-day downpours.
Regional Climate Variations
Because the country is so geographically fragmented, the weather in Manila rarely represents the weather in the entire country. The Philippines follows the Modified Coronas’ Classification, which identifies four climate types based on rainfall distribution:
- Type I (Western): Two pronounced seasons—dry from November to April and wet the rest of the year (e.g., Manila, Palawan).
- Type II (Eastern): No dry season. These areas experience maximum rainfall from November to January when the rest of the country is drying out (e.g., Catanduanes, Samar).
- Type III (Central/Intermediate): Seasons are not very pronounced; it is relatively dry from November to April and wet for the remainder (e.g., Cebu).
- Type IV (Eastern/Southern): Rainfall is distributed more or less evenly throughout the year (e.g., Davao, Bohol).
The "Bagyo" (Typhoon) Phenomenon
Located in the Pacific “Typhoon Belt,” the Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones per year, locally known as Bagyo. While they can occur at any time, they are most frequent from July to October. Northern and Eastern Luzon are the most frequently hit, while the southernmost island of Mindanao is historically more sheltered from these storms.
The Feel: Sensible Temperature
The weather in the Philippines is frequently described as "oppressive" due to the high relative humidity, which averages between 71% and 85%. This moisture prevents sweat from evaporating quickly, making a 32°C (90°F) day feel like 40°C (104°F) or more. This is known as the "Heat Index," which locals monitor closely during the summer months to avoid heat exhaustion.
Local Adaptations & Rhythms
- The Midday Lull: During the hot months, urban and rural life often slows down between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to avoid the most intense heat.
- Evening Thunderstorms: In the transition months between monsoons, locals expect "isolated thunderstorms" in the late afternoon. These are quick but intense electrical storms that provide a welcome, albeit brief, drop in temperature.
- Baguio’s Escape: High-altitude locations like Baguio City serve as the “Summer Capital” because temperatures there are consistently 8°C to 10°C cooler than the lowlands, providing a temperate microclimate amidst the tropical heat.