Cebu Weather Guide

Cebu has a tropical monsoon climate with two broad seasons: a dry season (amihan, or northeast monsoon) from approximately November to May, and a wet season (habagat, or southwest monsoon) from June to October. Unlike some parts of the Philippines, Cebu does not receive as much direct rainfall from the amihan — the Visayas region sits in a relatively sheltered position compared to the exposed Pacific-facing east coasts of Luzon and Mindanao.

Temperatures remain warm year-round: daytime highs range from 28–30°C in the coolest months (December–February) to 33–35°C at the hottest peak (April–May). Humidity is consistently high (75–85%) throughout the year, making effective heat management part of daily planning.

The dry season is the default choice for first-time visitors — consistent sunshine, calm seas for diving and island-hopping, and minimal disruption from weather. The wet season has real advantages for budget travellers (lower accommodation prices, fewer crowds) and is not universally bad weather — many days in June or September are perfectly fine.

January: Peak dry season. Sinulog Festival (third Sunday) draws enormous crowds — Cebu City fills with visitors from across the Philippines and internationally, accommodation prices surge and roads close for the procession. Book accommodation months in advance if visiting during Sinulog week. Otherwise, January is superb: dry, clear, and slightly cooler than February–March.

February–March: Excellent weather — dry, clear skies, comfortable temperatures. Diving visibility peaks. Thresher shark encounters at Malapascua are at their most reliable in March–May. Holy Week (March or April, varies by year) brings another domestic travel surge and price increases.

April–May: Getting hot (32–35°C) and humid. Still dry but the heat makes outdoor midday activities more demanding. Best to plan active tours early morning. Crowds thin after Holy Week.

June–October: Wet season. Expect more frequent afternoon and evening rain, occasional prolonged overcast periods, and the possibility of typhoons — though Cebu's position means many typhoons track above or below the island. Diving continues (sardine run is year-round), though visibility can drop at exposed sites during stormy weather. Accommodation prices are 20–40% lower than peak.

November–December: Transition to dry season. November can still see residual rain; December is usually dry and excellent by the second week. Christmas season brings domestic travel crowds but the weather is increasingly reliable.

The Philippines is one of the world's most typhoon-affected countries, but Cebu's position in the central Visayas places it in a somewhat less exposed zone than Luzon's Pacific coast or eastern Samar. Many typhoons that batter the northern and eastern Philippines pass north or south of Cebu. That said, direct or near-direct hits do occur — Typhoon Odette (Rai) in December 2021 caused significant damage across the Visayas including Cebu.

During typhoon season (June–November), monitoring the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts is strongly advised. PAGASA issues numbered signal warnings (Signal 1–4) for approaching storms. Most hotels and resorts have typhoon protocols and will advise guests on shelter procedures.

Travel insurance that covers typhoon-related disruptions (flight cancellations, hotel closures, activity refunds) is strongly recommended for wet-season travel to Cebu.