May in the Philippines features generally good weather. Temperatures are on the higher side and there's a fair chance it'll rain but it's far from being the peak rainy season or before it gets uncomfortably hot. Plenty of sunshine can still be expected during May. Average temperatures in the Philippines during the month of May range from highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F).
If you're looking to travel to the Philippines in relative quiet, amidst fewer tourists, whilst also enjoying generally favorable weather, May is the month to visit. Domestic tourism does still continue to flourish since schools are on holiday from April to June but prices are also relatively lower than they've been for the first quarter of the year.
The rains and warmer temperatures during May result in an increase in levels of humidity throughout most of the Philippines. As such, we recommend packing light colored clothes made of breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.
These will help you stay cool and comfortable, especially during the sticky afternoons if it has rained. A comprehensive packing list for your trip to the Philippines in May should include plenty of shorts and tops, pants, dresses, sandals and flip-flops, comfortable walking shoes, dress shoes, reef shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a raincoat or an umbrella, and some mosquito repellent.
To better understand what the Philippines is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of May, continue reading below.
The Philippines Weather in May: Overview
- Average temperature range: 25°C (77°F) – 34°C (93°F)
- Rainfall: 70 mm (3 inches) in Manila; 90 mm (3.5 inches) in Palawan; 65 mm (2.5 inches) in Cebu; 270 mm (10.5 inches) in Boracay.
- Rainy days: 14 in Manila; 18 in Palawan; 16 in Cebu; 14 in Boracay.
While some regions do remain dry, generally speaking, you can expect it to rain if you're traveling in the Philippines in May. Typhoon season is fast approaching and while May is not usually part of this particularly disruptive weather period in the country, it's not uncommon to experience a stark rise in unwelcome weather conditions during this month. Always make sure you check local weather reports and forecasts to stay updated of any storms that may be developing in the area.
Average temperatures in the Philippines will vary depending on where you are in the country. Average daytime highs during May will be around 34°C (93°F) in Manila, 31°C (88°F) in Palawan, 31°C (88°F) in Cebu, and 33°C (91°F) in Boracay. Average nighttime lows during May will be around 26°C (79°F) in Manila, 26°C (79°F) in Palawan, 26°C (79°F) in Cebu, and 26°C (79°F) in Boracay.
Despite the occasional rains experienced during this time, May can be a good time to visit the Philippines if you're looking to spend some time on the beach or attend a festival or two.
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Weather of the Philippines' Major Cities in May
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luzon | 25°C (77°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 140 mm (5.5 inches) |
| Manila | 26°C (79°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 70 mm (3 inches) |
| Palawan | 26°C (79°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 90 mm (3.5 inches) |
| Cebu | 26°C (79°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 65 mm (2.5 inches) |
| Bohol | 26°C (79°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 65 mm (2.5 inches) |
| Siquijor | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 100 mm (4 inches) |
| Boracay | 26°C (79°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 270 mm (10.5 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in the Philippines in May
1.Bohol
Bohol boasts some of the most pristine white beaches and clear waters of anywhere in the Philippines. The area is also rich in marine life, so it's definitely worth taking a boat and snorkeling if you're in the mood to see corals, turtles, and several rare species of fish.
Bohol is also home to the Chocolate Hills that formed of dead coral eons ago. They're named as such because of the color they assume over the dry season and it's a great place to hike and take in stunning vistas when the weather permits. Just make sure you bring your best pair of walking or trail shoes and plenty of water, and you're all set to explore the area!
2.Cebu
Cebu should be top of your list if you're going to the Philippines primarily to dive, snorkel, or just swim. The beaches here are just as beautiful as any in the country, and accommodation options range from upscale beach resorts to the cute and cozy boutique villas.
The area is also popular because it has a reasonably large population of Whale Sharks. However, what's important to note is that these Whale Sharks are actually overfed by tour companies in the area, as a way of ensuring the creatures don't leave the area and migrate, as is their normal behavioral makeup.
Such practices make the Whale Sharks overly dependent on humans for food and prevents them from reproducing, thereby harming their long-term survival prospects. All of this is not to say you shouldn't visit the area or dive with companies offering Whale Shark tours, it's just meant to encourage you to ask as many questions as possible before signing up for said tours, so you understand exactly what you're getting into.
3.Manila
Most travels to the Philippines begin or end via the capital city, Manila, and May is actually a good time to be in the metropolitan because the rains aren't quite as abundant or steady as they are in some other parts of the country.
The capital is home to some of the best restaurants and sites of tourist interest like the "Walled City", where administrative and political power resided during the era of colonialism, Fort Santiago, the Shrine of the Black Nazarene, and Manila Ocean Park, which is particularly popular among kids.
May Crowds and Costs
May brings with it rains and this results in a steady decline in the number of foreign tourists you'll run into on your adventures in the Philippines. Domestic tourism will continue to persist, though, primarily because schools are on holiday during April and May in the Philippines.
This means that while some of the larger beach resorts and amusement parks close to the major metropolitans are likely to be busy and booked up, most beaches and tourist hotspots can be enjoyed without having too many crowds around.
Accommodation, airfare, entertainment, and food will not be priced at their annual highs during May, but it is recommended to book your hotels in advance if you know you'll be traveling in the Philippines in May.
May Events in the Philippines
Flores de Mayo: Flores de Mayo, or the "Flowers of May", is a Catholic celebration that takes place throughout the month of May honoring the Virgin Mary. The festival also pays tribute to the wildflowers that bloom during the month and images of the Virgin Mary offering flowers to children can be seen throughout the country during the processions, dances, and games that are organized in celebration of the festival.
Mount Mayon Festival: Street parades, cultural events, cooking shows, and sports events are all organized during the Mount Mayon Festival in the Albay region of the Philippines. The festival celebrates the legend of the Mayon volcano while also paying respect to local peoples' way of life, their rich culture, delectable cuisine, and varied art forms.
What to Wear in the Philippines in May
The May rains brings with it an increase in humidity and this, coupled with the general rise in temperatures throughout the Philippines, means it's best to opt for clothing made of soft, breathable, fabrics like linen and cotton. Lighter colors are also preferable since they're better at keeping you comfortable and cool.
When packing for a trip to the Philippines in May, you should make sure you have the following items included: plenty of tops and shorts, dresses, pants, sandals and flip-flops, a pair of comfortable walking shoes, dress shoes, swimwear, reef shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a raincoat or umbrella.
You should also carry a scarf or two with you when visiting churches or temples as these will help in covering your shoulders and legs at these sites.
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!
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