Weather in the Philippines in May

The weather in the Philippines in May is at its warmest. Beach lovers can enjoy sunny days in destinations like Coron and Bohol, while higher altitudes in Tagaytay and Baguio provide cooler retreats. The iconic Flores de Mayo celebrations, held nationwide, bring colorful floral processions to life. This is also a fantastic time for scuba diving as marine visibility reaches its peak. May’s warm weather and festive spirit make this an excellent month for discovering the vibrancy of life in the Philippines.

The Philippines in May at a glance

May in the Philippines brings the hottest days of the year, but calm seas and clear skies make it a great month for marine adventures and water activities.

• Average temperatures range from 81°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C), with the heat most intense inland.
• Enjoy snorkeling in Coron, paddleboarding in Siargao, or relaxing on Bohol’s pristine beaches.
• Tourist crowds start to thin slightly as the school break ends, making it easier to secure accommodations.
• Costs remain elevated but begin to stabilize as the peak summer season concludes.

Is May a good time to visit the Philippines?

The weather in the Philippines in May is perfect for marine adventures like snorkeling in Apo Reef, diving in Anilao, or enjoying the clear waters of Bohol’s beaches. Alternatively, highlands like Baguio or Tagaytay offer respite from the summer heat.

While crowds start to thin as summer ends, popular destinations remain lively. Travel costs begin to stabilize, making it easier to secure accommodations. May is a fantastic time for water activities and exploring the Philippines’ coastal beauty.

Average daily temperatures in May

Average temperatures for the Philippines in May range from 81°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C). Northern highlands like Banaue and Baguio provide relief from the heat, with temperatures ranging from 72°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C). The lush mountain scenery is perfect for hiking and sightseeing. 

In central areas, such as Cebu and Siargao, temperatures average 83°F to 93°F (28°C to 34°C). Calm seas and sunny days make this an excellent time for water sports and coastal exploration. Southern locations, including Davao and General Santos, experience consistent tropical heat, with averages of 84°F to 94°F (29°C to 34°C). These regions are ideal for diving and eco-tours. May’s hot weather is perfect for water-based activities and summer adventures before the rainy season begins.

What about the crowds and cost?

May remains a busy month in the Philippines as the summer season continues. Popular destinations such as El Nido and Bohol see consistent visitor traffic, though crowds begin to thin slightly toward the end of the month. Prices for accommodations and flights remain elevated, but some deals become available as the peak season winds down. 

While still lively, May offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than April, making it a good time for those who enjoy warm weather and active destinations.

Things to do in the Philippines in May

May is the Philippines’ hottest month, marking the end of the dry season. With calm seas and sunny days, it’s a great time for water-based activities and for adventuring off the beaten path. Here are some of the best things to do in the Philippines in May to get the most out of your trip.

Visit Camiguin Island

Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin offers a mix of natural and historical attractions. Located 12.5 miles off mainland Mindanao in the Bohol Sea, it is home to seven volcanoes and offers beaches, lagoons, and rugged mountain scenery. There is also a sunken Cemetery, formed in the 1870s when Mt. Vulcan erupted. Now a lake, the site is marked by a giant white cross that towers over the serene waters.

Scuba divers and snorkelers can swim in the lake, offering a uniquely strange experience. Another site well worth visiting is White Island, a pristine, white sandbar surrounded by azure waters, located about a mile offshore from Mambajao. This is an excellent spot for swimming and picnicking. There are no trees or shelter on the sandbar, so it pays to take care in the noonday sun.

Discover Moalboal’s sardine run

Moalboal in Cebu is famous for its mesmerizing sardine run, which divers will find in the waters surrounding Pescador Island. Here, you can swim among millions of swirling sardines, explore colorful, healthy coral reefs, and marvel at sea turtles.

Trek in the Cordillera

May’s weather makes it a good time to trek in Cordillera. In the main tourist areas of Banaue and Sagada, it is possible to go for more gentle day-long hikes. But if you’re looking for greater adventure, a two or three-day hike will take you deep into the wilds. It pays to take a guide as the terrain can be challenging to navigate, and there are no reliable maps. 

However, walking is the only way to find some of the hidden waterfalls, burial caves, and Indigenous villages tucked away. Sgada’s Hanging Coffins are well worth a visit.

Snorkel in Balicasag Island

Located near Bohol, Balicasag Island is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters host a vibrant ecosystem filled with fish, coral, and occasional sea turtles.

Relax on Pagudpud’s beaches

Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte offers peaceful, picturesque beaches and dramatic landscapes but without the nightlife of the more touristy Boracay. Saud Beach is a beautiful arch of white sand backed by sheltering palm trees, where snorkeling gear can be rented to explore underwater marine life. Kapurpurawan has some incredible rock formations.

Festivals and events in the Philippines in May

May is a month of community celebrations and colorful events, often centered around thanksgiving for good harvests and blessings.

• Flores de Mayo: This Catholic tradition, celebrated nationwide, honors the Virgin Mary with floral processions and altars adorned with blooms. The Santacruzan, a grand parade featuring pageantry, is the highlight.
• Pahiyas Festival: Held in Lucban, Quezon, the Pahiyas Festival transforms the town into a sea of color, with houses decorated in agricultural produce as a form of thanksgiving to San Isidro Labrador.
• Magayon Festival: In Albay, the Magayon Festival showcases the culture and beauty of the Bicol region with street dances, exhibits, and plays inspired by local folklore.