If you are traveling to Cebu for the first time, you may be worried about the weather. When you look at photos of Cebu, you will see blue skies, emerald green seas, and white sandy beaches, but you may also be worried about whether you will get rained on or be hit by a typhoon.
It is true that Cebu Island is located in the tropical Philippines, so it has a dry season and a rainy season. Also, the waters off the coast of the Philippines where Cebu Island is located are also the source of typhoons. However, the bottom line is that Cebu Island has stable weather and climate throughout the year, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
In this article, we will introduce the weather and climate in Cebu.
Cebu Weather | Will rain ruin your trip?
Cebu’s weather can be quite variable, with a tropical climate that’s typically warm and humid throughout the year. Sometimes a tropical rainstorm can be an exciting experience, especially if you’re in a place where you can enjoy it, like a beachside café.
There are many ways to enjoy Cebu, including snorkeling, scuba diving, tracking, island hopping, and more – most of these are outdoor activities.
What worries people is the weather and climate. You definitely want to avoid your trip to Cebu being ruined by rain. Here, we will introduce the weather and climate conditions in Cebu.
Cebu Island has a temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year?
Yes, that’s generally accurate. Cebu Island, like much of the Philippines, has a tropical climate with relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature in Cebu typically hovers around 30°C (86°F), with variations usually within a few degrees.
The tropical island of Cebu does not have four seasons like Japan, and the average temperature remains almost constant throughout the year. Looking at the average monthly temperatures, they are mostly around 30°C from January to December. So you can experience the same tropical atmosphere no matter when you visit. The average minimum temperature is also constant, staying around 25°C.
For reference, we have summarized the average maximum and minimum temperatures from January to December.
| moon | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Average maximum temperature | 30℃ | 30℃ | 31℃ | 31℃ | 33℃ | 32℃ | 32℃ | 32℃ | 32℃ | 31℃ | 31℃ | 30℃ |
| Average minimum temperature | 24℃ | 24℃ | 24℃ | 26℃ | 26℃ | 26℃ | 25℃ | 25℃ | 25℃ | 25℃ | 26℃ | 25℃ |
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By the way, Cebu does not have seasons such as spring, summer, autumn and winter, but it does have a dry season and a rainy season. When you think of the rainy season in the tropics, many people probably imagine a scene of heavy rain that continues for days like a squall. If you are hit by a torrential downpour, it can be fatal for those who want to enjoy activities in Cebu, including marine sports.
Cebu’s rainy season is from June to December (though the amount of rainfall is small).
Cebu does have a rainy season, which runs from June to December.
You may be wondering if it’s better to avoid traveling to Cebu during the rainy season, but that’s not necessarily the case. You can enjoy your trip to Cebu without worry. That’s because even though it’s the rainy season in Cebu, it doesn’t rain that much.
*The rain that falls during the rainy season in Cebu is called “squalls,” but rather than the torrential rain that many people imagine, it is more like a sudden shower.
It is true that the amount of rainfall in the rainy season in Cebu is greater than in the dry season. In particular, there is almost no rain in Cebu from March to May, so it is called the “rainy season” compared to that period, but the amount of rainfall during the rainy season is about the same as that in Tokyo during the same months (or even less than Tokyo).
Rainfall during the rainy season is short-lived and resembles a sudden shower (it is necessary to bring rain gear).
Even though the amount of rainfall is less than in Tokyo, you may still be worried that if your sightseeing schedule coincides with a rainy day, you won’t be able to enjoy your trip. However, the bottom line is that you don’t need to worry too much about rain other than that of a typhoon. The rain in Cebu is not the kind that lasts all day, but rather it comes as a temporary heavy rain like a sudden shower.
The rain doesn’t last long, so it generally won’t disrupt your plans for the day.
However, there is a chance that you may get caught in the rain at your tourist destination, so if you are traveling during the rainy season, be sure to bring rain gear such as a raincoat.
Typhoons in Cebu (beware of typhoon conditions from September to November)
September to November is typhoon season, so there will be some impact. Since the Philippines is close to where typhoons originate, you may be worried that Cebu Island will be hit directly by a large typhoon, but due to its geographic location, Cebu Island is rarely hit directly by typhoons (maybe once a year).
However, when a typhoon occurs or passes nearby, it can bring strong winds and rain. Even if it does not hit directly, there may be restrictions on entering remote islands, and permission for marine activities may not be granted. Flights back to Japan may also be canceled.
Be sure to check the typhoon situation frequently.
It can be difficult to directly check with local operators regarding the availability of activities and the operation status of boats, etc., as they do not speak Japanese. If you use a tour company that speaks Japanese, you can quickly check the exact situation on the day and discuss tour plans that suit your situation. It will be especially easy to discuss plans if you are on a private tour rather than a group tour.
Cebu Island is open to the sea all year round
Yes, Cebu Island is open to the sea all year round. Its coastal location and favorable climate make it accessible for maritime activities throughout the year. This means you can enjoy beach outings, water sports, island hopping, and other sea-related activities whenever you visit.
The recommended water temperature for swimming in the ocean is 26°C or above, but the sea around Cebu is always 26-28°C all year round, so you can swim in the ocean at any time of the year.
You can also see whale sharks and sea turtles at any time of the year, but to increase your chances of encountering them, we recommend April to June. This is because the average temperature is slightly higher, even if only slightly, so you are more likely to see whale sharks and sea turtles.
Be sure to take precautions against sunburn and heat
As you can see from the temperature conditions, the climate in Cebu is similar to midsummer in Japan all year round, so it is fine to wear summer clothes (short sleeves, shorts, etc.) regardless of the season.
However, the sun is very strong, so be sure to take precautions against sunburn. Bring sunscreen with you.
Also, when you go snorkeling or enter the ocean, the use of sunscreen may be prohibited at some spots (to protect the marine environment). In these places, be sure to bring a rash guard or long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
In addition, to protect yourself from the heat, it is essential to bring towels, a change of clothes, and mineral water all year round. As for drinking water, it is well known that tap water overseas can cause stomach problems, so if you have a weak stomach, you should be careful when choosing mineral water.
Mineral water is usually sourced locally, and the most reliable option is a global brand such as Evian. These brands sell the same quality water all over the world, so you can buy the same taste and quality of water in Cebu as you would buy in Japan. On the other hand, there is a chance that the quality of mineral water from local manufacturers may not be to your liking, and even though it is mineral water, it may cause stomach upset.
What’s the weather like in Cebu?
Just to be safe, many people check the weather forecast before traveling.
You can easily check the local weather from Japan using Yahoo Weather, Google, or travel sites such as Chikyu no Arukikata. However, it is important to note that the weather forecast for Cebu is almost unreliable.
For example, if you check the weekly weather forecast for November 2019, you will see the weather forecast shown above. If this forecast is correct, it will rain every day and it will be very hard to imagine traveling.
However, as mentioned above, the rain in Cebu generally stops quickly. Also, the “rain” symbol may be displayed even when the probability of precipitation is around 50%, so the weather you actually experience may differ greatly from the forecast.
Even if the weekly weather forecast shows rain every day, this is often different from the actual conditions, so it is important not to take the weather forecast too seriously when traveling to Cebu.
When is the best time to visit Cebu?
Cebu’s weather and climate are stable throughout the year, making it a tourist spot that can be enjoyed at any time from January to December.
But the best time to visit Cebu largely depends on what you’re looking to do, but generally, the most favorable period is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Dry Season (December to May)
- Weather: This period offers the best weather conditions with less rain and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures are warm and consistent, typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), and humidity is relatively lower compared to the rainy season.
- Activities: Ideal for beach outings, island hopping, and outdoor adventures. It’s the peak tourist season, so popular spots might be busier and prices for accommodations and flights can be higher.
- Events: The Sinulog Festival, held in January, is a major cultural event that attracts many visitors. It’s a vibrant celebration featuring street dancing, music, and parades.
2. Rainy Season (June to November)
- Weather: Expect more frequent rain showers and the possibility of typhoons. Temperatures remain warm, but humidity is higher, and there might be occasional heavy downpours.
- Activities: While the weather can be unpredictable, you might find fewer tourists and better deals on accommodations and flights. Some outdoor activities might be limited due to rain, but indoor attractions and cultural experiences are still enjoyable.
- Considerations: The rain can occasionally disrupt travel plans, so it’s wise to keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Special Considerations:
- Typhoon Season: While Cebu is not the most typhoon-prone area in the Philippines, it’s still wise to be aware of potential typhoons from July to October. Always check weather forecasts and local advisories if traveling during this time.
- Personal Preferences: If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind the occasional rain, the rainy season can offer a more relaxed experience.
In summary, for the best overall experience, visiting during the dry season from December to May is recommended.
However, if you have some flexibility in your schedule and time, you may want to go during the best season. For those people, we will introduce the best seasons to visit Cebu depending on how you plan to travel.
The best season for weather is April and May.
Cebu can be enjoyed all year round, but the best season in terms of weather and climate is the dry season from April to May. This is also the time when flights from Japan to Cebu are cheap, so it is also recommended in terms of cost (Cebu is also home to many students who come to study language. Flight costs tend to be higher from March to early April when there are many international students, and then prices tend to drop).
This is the time of year with the least rain, known locally as “Summer.” With sunny days continuing almost every day, and no typhoon season, you can enjoy Cebu Island without any major worries.
One thing to note is that this is a time when divers and tourists gather, so many spots may be crowded.
January is the time to enjoy Cebu’s biggest festival, Sinulog
Sinulog, the largest festival in Cebu (and also the largest festival in the Philippines), is held on the third Sunday in January.
Sinulog is a festival that celebrates the “Santo Niño,” which represents the childhood of Jesus Christ, and features a parade and many other events. It is a big event that draws many spectators not only from Cebu, but from all over the Philippines and even from overseas.
Since a large number of people gather, traffic restrictions will be put in place and traffic jams will occur in various places in Cebu City, so while it is a good date to visit for those who want to enjoy the event, those who want to enjoy marine sports should adjust their travel dates so that they do not overlap with Sinulog.
Filipinos are also known to love events, with Christmas events taking place over the course of four months from September to December before the Sinulog festival.
If you want to enjoy shopping and sightseeing in the city, the rainy season is also recommended.
If you are planning to travel to Cebu for purposes other than shopping, sightseeing in the city, marine sports such as cosmetics, and waterfall activities, we recommend choosing the rainy season from July to November. This is because the average temperature during this period is slightly lower than in the dry season, making it a little easier to sightsee.
This is a good time to go shopping, go to a beauty salon, or relax in a hotel or on the beach.
As mentioned above, you can still enjoy marine sports even during the rainy season, so it is also recommended for those who want to relieve some of the heat.
Summary
We introduced the weather and climate in Cebu.
There are many spots around the world where you can enjoy marine sports such as snorkeling, but there aren’t many spots like Cebu where the water temperature is above 26°C all year round and you can go into the ocean at any time (even in Hawaii and Okinawa, the water temperature drops below 26°C outside of the season).
Cebu Island has a dry season and a rainy season, but even during the rainy season it does not rain all day, so one of the charms of Cebu Island is that you can enjoy stable weather and climate all year round.
The best season to visit Cebu Island depends on the purpose of your trip. For those who want to enjoy marine sports, the dry season from April to May is recommended, and for those who want to enjoy shopping and beauty treatments, the rainy season may be more comfortable than the peak of the heat. Either way, Cebu Island is a spot that can be enjoyed all year round, so we hope you will consider it as a candidate when planning your trip.