THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, became a Spanish colony during the 16th century. They were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth.
The climate in The Philippines is tropical marine, with a northeast monsoon type (November to April), and a southwest monsoon (May to October). The Philippines is situated along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean.
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, became a Spanish colony during the 16th century. They were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth.
The climate in The Philippines is tropical marine, with a northeast monsoon type (November to April), and a southwest monsoon (May to October). The Philippines is situated along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Also, The Philippines sits astride the Pacific typhoon belt and an average of 9 typhoons make landfall on the islands each year. About 5 of these typhoons are destructive. For that reason, the country is the most exposed in the world to tropical storms.
1. TRAVELING DURING AMIHAN SEASON - THE NORTHEAST MONSOON IN THE PHILIPPINES
Amihan starts in November or December and ends in May or June, with wide variations from year to year.
Why the name Amihan for the monsoon season? Well, in mythology, Amihan is a bird. According to Tagalog folklore, Amihan is the first creature to inhabit the universe, along with the gods called Bathala and Aman Sinaya. Also, in the legend, Amihan is described as a bird that saves the first human beings, Malakas and Maganda, from a bamboo plant.
Amihan is characterized by a cool and dry northeast wind coming from Siberia and China. You may experience during this time slightly to moderate rainfall and a prevailing cold wind in the east of the Philippines. On the east coast of Luzon, it brings drizzling rainfall and squalls. The effect on Mindanao is relatively less than in the northern part of the country.
Not to miss during this period
Sinulog Festival
Where: Cebu Island
When: Every third week of January
The Sinulog Festival in Cebu City is the most globally renowned festival in the country. They honor the Santo Nino (the Holy Child Jesus), the patron saint of the City. In a nutshell, the Sinulog is a dance ritual that marks the Filipino’s pagan past and its transition to Christianity.
Ati-Atihan Festival
Where: Kalibo, Aklan
When: The Third Sunday of January
The Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan is the oldest festival in the Philippines, which has earned it the distinction of being “The Mother of all Philippine Festivals”. The name Ati-Atihan is derived from the Ati-people: short, dark-skinned, and frizzy-haired. Celebrated for over 800 years, the festival is held in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.
2. TRAVELING DURING HABAGAT SEASON- THE SOUTHEAST MONSOON IN THE PHILIPPINES
Habagat starts in June and ends in November, with wide variations from year to year.
The habagat season is hot and humid with frequent heavy rainfall and strong wind coming from the western parts. You might experience during this period floods, mudslides, and typhoons as well. Temperatures during Habagat range from 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) to 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius). The humidity level is around 90 percent.
It is said that the heavy rainfall is enhanced by the presence of a tropical cyclone in the vicinity of northeastern Luzon.
NOT TO MISS DURING THIS PERIOD
Sirong Festival
When: August 15
CHECK OUT THE BEST ACTIVITY TOURS IN THE PHILIPPINES
DID YOU FIND THIS ARTICLE USEFUL?
Tell me in the comments section if you’ve been to The Philippines and what was your experience. If you are planning to go on a solo travel to The Philippines ask me for some useful tips that are not in this article.
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