January is an excellent month to be spending time in the Philippines. Although you are likely to experience a little rainfall here and there during your travels to these gorgeous islands, it's not terribly hot or humid during this time. The temperatures average at highs close to 31°C (88°F) and lows close to 22°C (72°F).
The good weather and New Year holidays result in January being one of the peak tourism months in the Philippines. You can expect most places to be quite busy, especially for the first half of the month, so do keep that in mind and book in advance if you don't want to pay over the odds, as accommodation and airfare, in particular, get significantly more expensive during this time of year.
Soft, breathable, fabrics like linen and cotton are always a good idea when thinking of what to pack for your trip to the Philippines.
An extensive January packing list, though, ought to include linen or cotton tops and shorts, skirts and dresses, sunhats, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of reliable sandals, a pair of shoes you find comfortable walking and exploring in, swimwear, reef shoes for when you go swimming, an umbrella for the occasional rains, and a scarf or two for church and temple visits.
To better understand what the Philippines is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of January, continue reading below.
The Philippines Weather in January: Overview
- Average temperature range: 22°C (72°F) – 31°C (88°F)
- Rainfall: 20 mm (1 inch) in Manila; 50 mm (2 inches) in Palawan; 65 mm (2.5 inches) in Cebu; 110 mm (4.5 inches) in Boracay.
- Rainy days: 2 in Manila; 10 in Palawan; 14 in Cebu; 9 in Boracay.
You can expect a little rainfall if you're travelling to the Philippines during January, but it's definitely not the month marked by torrential downpours.
While the typhoon season in the country typically starts in June and ends in September, it's not uncommon to hear of typhoons even as late on in the year as November or even December, with rare instances of typhoons occurring throughout the year. As such, it's always a good idea to check local weather reports and forecasts to stay updated and safe.
The average maximum temperatures – usually recorded during daytime – are closer to the 30°C (86°F) mark in Manila, 31°C (88°F) in Palawan, 31°C (88°F) in Cebu, and 28°C (82°F) in Boracay. The average minimum temperatures – usually recorded during nighttime – are closer to the 24°C (75°F) mark in Manila, 24°C (75°F) in Palawan, 24°C (75°F) in Cebu, and 25°C (77°F) in Boracay.
January is a fantastic time of year to be in the Philippines if you're looking to soak in the good weather by spending some time on the beach, explore the country's many islands by hiking, or get in the festive spirit by attending one of its many world-famous festivals.
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Weather of the Philippines' Major Cities in January
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luzon | 24°C (75°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 inches) |
| Manila | 24°C (75°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 20 mm (1 inch) |
| Palawan | 24°C (75°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 inches) |
| Cebu | 24°C (75°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 65 mm (2.5 inches) |
| Bohol | 22°C (72°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 55 mm (2 inches) |
| Siquijor | 24°C (75°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (3 inches) |
| Boracay | 25°C (77°F) | 28°C (82°F) | 110 mm (4.5 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in the Philippines in January
1. Palawan
The islands of Palawan are worth visiting during any month of the year, but the pleasant temperatures of January make this region of Mimaropa a must-stop if you're traveling to the Philippines early in the year. The crystal blue waters of Palawan make it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and boating. Whilst there, make sure you spend lots of time in El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Coron.
2. Luzon
Located in the very northern part of the Philippines, Luzon offers travelers experiences unlike the typical ones found on most lists. The region is home to Vigan City, a city renowned for its Spanish and neo-classical Filipino architecture, stunning evenings amid grand plazas, and cobbled streets lined with scrumptious street food.
Luzon is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage accredited Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, and there are countless awe-inspiring rice terraces that are included within, and are part of, this larger protected area such as Batad, Mayoyao, and Bangaan. If you're looking for some time off from the beautiful beaches of the country and are into hiking, Luzon is the place to go!
3. Manila
Most trips to the Philippines will start and end at the capital city of Manila, the country's administrative and economic hub. We recommend taking some time to visit Intramuros, or the "Walled City", where administrative and political power rested during the era of colonialism. Other areas of interest in the capital include Fort Santiago, the National Shrine of the Black Nazarene, and Manila Ocean Park.
January Crowds and Costs
January is one of the busiest months to be traveling to the Philippines. The New Year holidays, coupled with the very good weather, result in hordes of tourists – both local and foreign – contributing to the incredibly busy tourist season. You can expect most tourist attractions and resorts to be quite crowded, especially during the first half of the month.
This marked uptick in tourism also results in the prices for most things from airfare and transportation to accommodation and entertainment, being significantly higher during January. Book in advance to find the best deals wherever possible!
January Events in the Philippines
New Year's Day: January 1st is a public holiday in the Philippines and all schools and offices remain shut on this day. While many restaurants may remain open, you can expect most tourist attractions to stay closed. Public transportation hours are also shortened during New Year's Day, so do plan accordingly.
Feast of the Black Nazarene: Held on January 9th, The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a religious festival depicting the image of the crucifix. The festival takes place in Manila where a huge procession featuring a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ takes to the streets, attracting millions of visitors from around the country and the world.
Sinulog: Cebu City hosts its largest festival on the third Sunday of every January, celebrating Santa Nino de Cebu, or the statue of the child Christ that was gifted to the king of Cebu in the 16th century.
Dances, firework displays, face painting, street parties, and widely considered to be the largest celebration of them all, a Grand Street Parade, all feature during this extremely important and auspicious time of year in Cebu.
Ati-Atihan: Celebrated on the third Sunday of every January, Ati-Atihan also pays tribute to Saint Nino, or the Infant Jesus, the patron saint of Aklan province in Panay Island. Parades, dances, and colorful costumes all combine to celebrate the relationship between the indigenous people and the settlers and to give this festival the tag of being Asia's "biggest festival".
Chinese Lunar New Year: Celebrated with utmost fanfare in the capital of Manila, in the heart of what many consider to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, Filipinos of all ethnicities come together to experience the dragon dances, shop, eat, and party during the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The festival is held every January or February, depending on the actual day of observance in the lunar calendar.
What to Wear in the Philippines in January
While it's not as hot or humid in the Philippines during January as it is during the peak summer months, it's always wise to focus on packing clothing made of soft, breathable, fabrics like linen and cotton. They're not just perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable, but stylish too!
If you're looking for an extensive January packing list for your trip to the Philippines, we recommend focusing on including the following items: linen or cotton tops and shorts, skirts and dresses, sunglasses, sunhats, sunscreen, a pair of comfortable walking sandals, a pair of stylish shoes, reef shoes if you plan to go swimming, swimwear, and an umbrella for the occasional rains.
Locals in the Philippines, especially in Manila, like to keep things stylish, so don't hold back on putting your best fashion foot forward.
More importantly, though, don't forget to carry a scarf or two either. These will come in handy when visiting churches or temples where covering your legs and shoulders are expected.
Explore the Philippines with Highlights Travel
If you're thinking of planning a trip to the Philippines, you've landed at the right page!
Our team of travel experts at Highlights Travel 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!
