Philippines in May: Weather, Places and More

Hot, humid and relatively dry weather defines the Philippines in May. Temperatures normally range between 25°C and 34°C. Throw in high humidity during the build-up to the monsoon, and you are bound to feel a bit muggy. The Visayas region receives about double the rainfall as the large northern island of Luzon, though not enough to ruin your holiday. Luzon receives an average rainfall of 33 millimeters while Luzon gets 65 millimeters of rain throughout the month. That’s three to four times less than the average monthly rainfall in June, which marks the beginning of the monsoon.

Read about the best time to visit the Philippines for general climatic information.

On the fence about visiting the Philippines in May? Here are five reasons you should consider this month.

• Thinner crowds: More tourists travel to the Philippines in May than during the monsoon. Fewer tourists mean thinner crowds at major attractions and island hopping tours.
• Lower prices: Due to the lower demand, you can expect better prices for hotels and airfares in May. You also get more flexibility with flights and a wider selection of available hotels.
• Awesome diving: Calm conditions and excellent visibility make May one of the best months to go diving or take a snorkeling tour in the Philippines. One of the best destinations for these activities is Palawan, where you can explore shipwrecks and pristine coral reefs.
• Beach bumming: May is a top time to curl up on a beach lounger with a book in hand. While intermittent rain occurs, it usually clears within an hour or two. Sun lovers can dip into the ocean to cool off on a hot day.  
• Festivals: The colorful festival of Flores de Mayo is held in May, which sees hordes of locals holding processions throughout the Philippines in honor of Virgin Mary. The month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi of Albay province is another significant event that shouldn’t be missed,

May is a pleasant time to visit virtually every part of the Philippines, even if it is rather hot and humid. It is the final month of the annual whale shark migration when scores of the gentle giants head south. Hop on a whale shark spotting tour in Donsol to glimpse this magnificent fish.

Smack bang in the center of Visayas, Cebu is a sprawling tropical island that has no shortage of highlights. Kick back on paradise isles like Bantayan, go canyoneering down Kawasan Falls, or swim with whale sharks in Oslob.

May is also a brilliant time to tour Bohol, famed for its distinct chocolate hills. Other hotspots include Alona beach, Hinagdanan Cave and the turquoise-tinged Loboc River. The weather makes May a good time to visit Siargao, the official surfing mecca of the Philippines. Although the best swell arrives in September, it’s possible to hang ten year-round.

Warm sunny days ensure idyllic conditions for touring Palawan, a stunning long-and-skinny island on the west of the archipelago. Touchdown in Puerto Princesa for tropical urban vibes then hit El Nido and Coron for epic island-hopping trips. While the weather in Manila in May is hot and sticky, the city only receives about seven days of rain. Visit Spanish colonial-era sites or get amongst the capital’s legendary nightlife.

The Philippines in May is all about high temperatures and humidity. So pack loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics. Bring plenty of sun protection and an umbrella/poncho for those inevitable downpours.

May in Philippines offers plenty of sunshine without the thick peak-season crowds. The downside, however, is that it does get rather hot—but that’s nothing a dip in the ocean won’t cure.

Need help planning a trip to the Philippines in May? Check out our Philippines travel guide or get in touch with our in-house team of travel experts, who can custom-create the perfect trip to the Philippines for you.

More information:
Philippines in April
Philippines in June