March starts to feel hotter as the hot, dry season builds; humidity rises in many areas. Travelers should expect higher daytime temperatures and strong sun, especially inland and on the larger islands.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Philippines in March.
Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera
By March the lowlands begin to warm noticeably: Laoag and the western plains feel hot and dry by afternoon, though the Cordillera remains refreshingly cool. This is a good window for visiting the Banaue rice terraces before the rains; waterfalls are low but treks are dust-free. Travelers should watch for agricultural burning and occasional haze in the late dry season-light masks and staying hydrated in hot valleys is sensible.
Manila, Clark, Subic, Pampanga
By March the thermometers begin to climb and Manila’s midday sun becomes conspicuously strong; you’ll feel the heat in Rizal Park and along Roxas Boulevard. Playa Blanca and nearby beach escapes see locals planning summer getaways, and day trips to Mt. Pinatubo remain feasible though dusty. Carry water, light clothing and sun protection; avoid midday walking in congested neighborhoods and expect heavier traffic heading to beach towns.
Laguna, Quezon, Batangas, Albay, Sorsogon
By March the heat builds across lowland Southern Luzon and Bicol; Tagaytay remains a cooler refuge whereas Matnog and the Caramoan area get hot and sunny-ideal for island hopping before the rains. Donsol’s whale shark encounters are reliable into the spring months, and beaches in Batangas are filled at weekends by city dwellers. Hydration and sun protection are essential for long daytime drives.
Palawan, Mindoro, Romblon, Marinduque
By March the heat is felt more strongly on low-lying islands like Mindoro and the outer islands around Romblon, but Palawan’s coastal breezes moderate temperatures for most visitors. Visibility is still generally excellent for diving, though afternoons may begin to produce isolated showers later in the month. Booking dive charters early in the day is a good practice as seas can pick up in the afternoon.
Western, Central, Eastern - Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar
March brings hotter daytime temperatures across the archipelago, and the water remains inviting for dive trips and reef exploration; this month can be excellent for whale-watching off southern Cebu. The eastern provinces (Leyte, Samar) may begin to see odd passing showers, but broad conditions are dry and favorable for island circuits. Bring sun protection and a hat for long beach days and keep flexible tickets if you plan to island-hop.
Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Bukidnon
By March daytime temperatures increase along the coastal plains (Davao, Zamboanga) and humidity rises, but inland highlands like Bukidnon remain refreshingly cool in the early morning. River trips and canyoning near Cagayan de Oro are popular; late dry-season river levels are lower but still navigable. If planning long-range travel, note that the south generally avoids major typhoons but local convective storms can still disrupt small-boat schedules.
Widespread religious observances and public holidays that affect travel schedules nationwide.
See how March compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.