It remains extremely rainy in most parts of the Philippines during September. While the rain doesn't affect every region of the country in equal measure, Luzon and Boracay are particularly wet.
Places like Cebu, Leyte, Bohol, and Samar, on the other hand, are far more suitable for visits at this time. Average temperatures in the Philippines during September hover around maximums of 31°C (88°F) and minimums of 24°C (75°F).
September continues to be the low season in tourism in the Philippines. The rainy weather prevents most international tourists from visiting the country but the good part about this is that you can enjoy the beautiful islands in relative peace and quiet, and in the absence of large groups of tourists crowding around. It also means that you're far more likely to snag good deals on accommodation, airfare, and transportation!
It continues to be rainy and humid in the Philippines during September. As such, it's essential you pack the following items: plenty of cotton or linen tops and shorts, a light but effective raincoat, an umbrella you can easily place in your backpack, a poncho to keep your backpack and other valuables dry, quick drying pants, a few dresses, mosquito repellent, waterproof shoes, sturdy sandals, reef shoes if you're planning on snorkeling or swimming, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a couple of scarves to cover your legs and shoulders when visiting churches and temples.
To better understand what the Philippines is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of September, continue reading below.
The Philippines Weather in September: Overview
- Average temperature range: 24°C (75°F) – 31°C (88°F)
- Rainfall: 130 mm (5 inches) in Manila; 105 mm (4 inches) in Palawan; 70 mm (3 inches) in Cebu; 400 mm (15.5 inches) in Boracay.
- Rainy days: 16 in Manila; 20 in Palawan; 15 in Cebu; 21 in Boracay.
The September rains don't affect every region of the Philippines equally, as is shown in the chart below. It's important to remember, though, that August and September are arguably the two worst months insofar as typhoons are concerned. Storms develop quicky during this time of year and are particularly intense. If you're in the Philippines during September, always check local and national weather reports and forecasts frequently to stay well informed at all times.
Average temperatures also differ from region to region during September in the Philippines. Average highs stay closer to the 31°C (88°F) mark in the capital, Manila, 29°C (84°F) in Palawan, 30°C (86°F) in Cebu, and 31°C (88°F) in Boracay. Average lows, on the other hand, are closer to 25°C (77°F) in Manila, 26°C (79°F) in Palawan, 25°C (77°F) in Cebu, and 24°C (75°F) in Boracay.
September is pretty much in the middle of the monsoon season in the Philippines, and it is indeed a very wet time of the year in the country. However, with that being said, if you're looking to spend some quiet time on the beach, or are into surfing, September can actually be a decent time to visit the country. It's not going to be crowded at this time, and costs tend to be lower as well.
Weather of the Philippines' Major Cities in September
| City | Min. Temp | Max. Temp | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luzon | 24°C (75°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 240 mm (9.5 inches) |
| Manila | 25°C (77°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 130 mm (5 inches) |
| Palawan | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 105 mm (4 inches) |
| Cebu | 25°C (77°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 70 mm (3 inches) |
| Bohol | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) | 85 mm (3.5 inches) |
| Siquijor | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.5 inches) |
| Boracay | 24°C (75°F) | 31°C (88°F) | 400 mm (15.5 inches) |
Best Places to Visit in the Philippines in September
1.Leyte
Leyte is a great part of the country to be in during September. It's much drier than most other parts of the Philippines during the rainy period, and is home to Biliran, the part of the island home to waterfalls, hot springs, caves, and volcanoes, in case you find yourself wanting to take a break from Leyte's gorgeous beaches.
2.Samar
If you're looking for a more "off-the-beaten-path" experience, Samar may be more your speed. It's also comparatively drier than most places in the Philippines, like the others on this list. Apart from the beautiful beaches that line the coastal areas of this island, Samar also boasts to home Asia's second largest cave system. The Langon-Gobingob Caves in Calbiga and the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge are worthy mentions in this regard. If you like a bit of adventure, Samar is the place to visit.
3.Cebu
Cebu cannot be missed if you're in the Philippines during September. There are few places in the country that are as beautiful and as dry during September than Cebu. Not only is the island home to some stunning beaches, it's also a great place to be if you're looking to go island-hopping, snorkeling, diving, or just swimming. The island is also home to many cathedrals and temples, offering a variety of things to do for visitors.
The island is also famous due to the presence of Whale Sharks in its waters. Many visitors come to Cebu hoping to swim with these majestic creatures and sign up with tour companies that offer such services. However, it's important to note that there are many reports of the Whale Sharks being massively overfed by individuals and companies in an effort to prevent them from migrating and leaving the area. Such practices cause the Whale Sharks to get overly dependent on being fed by humans and is harmful to the long-term survival prospects of the species. Always try and ask as many questions as possible before signing up for any tour services.
September Crowds and Costs
September is a great time to visit the Philippines if you're looking to travel the country in the absence of large groups of tourists around. This low season in tourism results from the inclement weather, during which period most international travelers prefer not visiting the country.
The upside to this low season in tourism is that you'll likely get very favorable deals on accommodation, transportation, and entertainment!
September Events in the Philippines
Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival: The Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival is celebrated in Bicol on the third Saturday of every September. This religious and cultural celebration is popular nationwide and honors the province's patron saint, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. A procession takes place along the Naga River and images of the patron saint adorned with flowers and candles are set up for devotees to pray and pay their respects to.
What to Wear in the Philippines in September
It continues to be very rainy in the Philippines during September. It's not just wet, but quite muggy too, making it essential to always carry with you a raincoat, umbrella, and poncho for when it's raining, and light-colored clothes made of light fabrics like cotton and linen when it's not.
You should make sure you have the following things packed for your trip to the Philippines during September: plenty of linen or cotton shorts and tops, a light but effective raincoat, an umbrella you can easily pack in your backpack, a poncho to keep your backpack dry, waterproof shoes, sturdy sandals, reed shoes, swimwear, a few dresses, quick drying pants, sunscreen, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.
If you plan on visiting churches and temples, it may be a good idea to always have a scarf or two with you, as these will come in handy to cover your legs and shoulders.
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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