Philippines Weather in December 2025: Travel Tips for First-Timers

December in the Philippines is marked by largely dry weather. Chances of rain do exist, but showers are usually few and far between, and usually a result of typhoons developing nearby. Overall, though, it remains dry and comfortable around the islands of the country. Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and average lows are around 23°C (73°F).

December is one of the busiest months of the travel calendar in the Philippines. If you're in the country during the first half of December, you'll notice a general lack of too many tourists. However, this all changes during the second half of the month as we approach Christmas.

As a predominantly Christian nation, Christmas is a huge deal in the Philippines, and many Filipinos like to take Christmas and the days leading up to New Year's Eve as time off to travel and relax. It gets busy in most major tourist hotspots around this time, and you can expect higher prices for accommodation and transport as well. Make sure you book these far out in advance and spend the holidays in one place if possible.

December is marked by warmer mornings and afternoons, and cooler evenings and nights. Therefore, it's a good idea to stay comfortable by wearing lighter colored linen or cotton clothes during the warmer hours of the day, and wearing lighter sweaters during the cooler hours of the evenings.

Your packing list ought to include plenty of tops and shorts, loose-fitting pants, dresses, a few light sweaters, swimwear, reef shoes, sandals, shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, an umbrella, and a couple of scarves to cover your shoulders and legs if you plan on visiting churches and temples.

To better understand what the Philippines is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of December, continue reading below.

The Philippines Weather in December: Overview

• Average temperature range: 23°C (73°F) – 29°C (84°F)
• Rainfall: 50 mm (2 inches) in Manila; 110 mm (4.5 inches) in Palawan; 90 mm (3.5 inches) in Cebu; 170 mm (6.5 inches) in Boracay.
• Rainy days: 6 in Manila; 17 in Palawan; 16 in Cebu; 14 in Boracay.

While December is largely free of rains, showers aren't completely unheard of during this time of year. These showers are usually brought on by typhoons developing nearby, and although the majority of typhoons develop between July and October, it's becoming increasingly common to see them forming later and later on in the year. Since typhoons in the Philippines can be especially devastating and intense, remember to constantly keep checking weather reports and forecasts. There are usually plenty of warnings of big storms developing in the area, and these will prove immensely helpful in helping you plan the subsequent legs of your journey in the country.

Temperatures are also significantly more comfortable come December. Average maximum temperatures differ from region to region and are closer to 29°C (84°F) in Manila, 28°C (82°F) in Palawan, 28°C (82°F) in Cebu, and 29°C (84°F) in Boracay. Average minimum temperatures, on the other hand, are closer to 24°C (75°F) in Manila, 25°C (77°F) in Palawan, 25°C (77°F) in Cebu, and 24°C (75°F) in Boracay.

December is one of the best months to be in the Philippines. While it does get a little crowded and pricey towards the end of the month, the first couple of weeks are free of too many tourists or higher prices, whilst also featuring good weather. It's also a terrific time of year to be out swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and experiencing Christmas in this tropical paradise!

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Weather of the Philippines' Major Cities in December

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines in December

1.Luzon

This northern paradise is a dream if you're into hiking. The region is home to the famed UNESCO World Heritage accredited Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras that you have to visit if you're traveling to the Philippines come the dry season of December. Some of the best-known rice terraces in the region include Batad, Mayoyao, and Bangaan, and these offer alternative travel options compared to the classic resort time spent by the beach.

2.Palawan

You can't visit the Philippines without visiting Palawan in December. The island's turquoise-blue waters make it a paradise for those interested in diving, snorkeling, swimming, or just taking in the views by relaxing on the beach. It's a great time of year to be in Palawan, as the region is free of bad weather during this time. Make sure you spend lots of time in Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido.

3.Siquijor

Siquijor also benefits from good weather during December. An extremely popular destination among Filipinos, the third smallest island in the country is home to incredible beaches and scenic waterfalls. The best part? It's not as touristy as most other places in the Philippines, and that means you can enjoy its beaches in absolute peace and quiet!

December Crowds and Costs

December is part of the high season as far as tourism is concerned. While the first part of the month is relatively free of large crowds and high prices, the second half of the month is extremely busy, crowded, and marked by inflated prices for most things from accommodation and transport to entertainment and shopping.

The number one reason for this is Christmas and New Year's Eve. As a predominantly Christian country, the Philippines comes together to make sure Christmas is celebrated in style, and most Filipinos take the holiday and sometimes even the days after leading up to New Year's Eve as a time to relax, enjoy, and travel. If you're traveling around the islands during this time, make sure your bookings are completed much ahead of time.

December Events in the Philippines

Christmas: As a majority Christian nation, the Philippines celebrates Christmas with much fanfare and excitement. Some Filipino families decorate their homes with Christmas trees as early as September or October, and come the actual holiday, most major cities adorn their streets with the best decorations as well, with some even setting up light displays.

Christmas Day is considered a national holiday, and you can expect many businesses to remain closed on this day.

New Year's Eve: Most Filipinos spend New Year's Eve either spending time with friends and loved ones, either at home or out partying. To welcome in the new year, many Filipinos will have a midnight feast, or medianoche. Twelve specific food items, usually round fruits, are served during this feast. The twelve fruits symbolize the twelve months of the year, while their rounded shaped symbolize fortune and luck.

New Year's Eve is also a national holiday in the Philippines, and this may result in some businesses remaining shut on the day.

What to Wear in the Philippines in December

Weather wise, December is a very good time to be traveling in the Philippines. The mornings and afternoons are warm whereas the evenings are comfortable and cool. For the warmer hours of the afternoons, it may be a good idea to dress in lighter colors and in lighter fabrics such as linen or cotton. These steps will ensure even the mildly unpleasant hours of the day are a breeze!

Do make sure plenty of tops and shorts, dresses, loose-fitting pants, sandals, shoes, reef shoes for swimming, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, a few light sweaters, and an umbrella just in case it rains, all make their way to your luggage for a good trip to the Philippines in December. It's also a good idea to carry a few scarves with you in case you plan on visiting churches or temples as these will help in covering your shoulders and legs, if needed.

Explore the Philippines with Asia Highlights

If you're thinking of planning a trip to the Philippines, you've landed at the right page!

Our team of travel experts at Asia Highlights takes immense pride in making sure you have as memorable a trip to the Philippines as possible, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy.

We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and enjoy the journey!