Cebu is warm all year, around 26–32°C. What changes is rain, sea conditions and crowds. Here is how we advise our guests.
The seasons in short
- Dry season (about January to May): sunny days, calmer seas, best for island hopping and diving.
- Rainy season (about June to December): afternoon showers and some stormy days. Typhoons can happen, most often in the second half of the year.
- Peak crowds: Sinulog (January), Chinese New Year, Holy Week (March or April), Christmas and New Year.
Month by month
- January: pleasant and mostly dry. Sinulog festival in Cebu City around the third Sunday: amazing, but hotels fill up and prices rise.
- February: one of the best months: dry, breezy, calm seas.
- March: hot and dry, excellent for beaches and diving. Holy Week may fall in March or April.
- April: hottest and sunniest. Holy Week and school holidays make it busy; book early.
- May: still hot, mostly dry, quieter after Holy Week. Rain starts towards the end.
- June: rainy season begins: short showers, green landscapes, fewer tourists.
- July and August: more rain, some rough sea days. Good value, flexible plans needed.
- September and October: wet, with the highest chance of storms. Travel insurance recommended.
- November: rain easing towards the end; Christmas decorations go up early.
- December: festive and busy around Christmas and New Year; weather can still be unsettled early in the month.
Best time for each activity
- Island hopping (Mactan): January to May for the calmest seas. Possible all year on good days.
- Oslob whale sharks: all year; February to May for the clearest water.
- Moalboal sardine run and diving: all year; best visibility in the dry months.
- Kawasan canyoneering: dry season; heavy rain can close the canyon for safety.
- Bohol day trip: all year; the Chocolate Hills look most "chocolate" (brown) at the end of the dry season.
- Pilgrimages: Holy Week and the Santo Niño feast in January are special, but very crowded.
Tips for the rainy season
- Keep one or two flexible days for boat trips; we move tours if the coast guard stops boats.
- Mornings are often clearer than afternoons: plan sea activities early.
- Book refundable hotels and buy travel insurance from August to December.
- City tours, churches, Simala and Bohol's countryside work well even on rainy days.
Need help choosing dates? Ask us: we watch the local weather every day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Cebu?
February to April usually gives the best mix: dry weather, calm seas and warm water. January is also good, except during Sinulog when it is very busy.
When is the rainy season in Cebu?
Roughly June to December, with the highest chance of storms in the second half of the year.
When is Sinulog in Cebu?
Sinulog is celebrated in Cebu City in January, with the main parade around the third Sunday of the month.
Can I visit Cebu during the rainy season?
Yes. Rain often comes in short showers, prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. Keep plans flexible for boat trips.
Prices on tour cards are live from our booking system. Fees set by local governments (entrance and environmental fees) can change; we confirm everything when you book.