Philippines in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Philippines in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quezon City | 31° | 22° | 92 mm | high | Warm |
| Davao City | 32° | 23° | 156 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Caloocan | 30° | 22° | 83 mm | very high | Warm |
| Manila | 30° | 22° | 80 mm | very high | Warm |
| Taguig | 30° | 22° | 82 mm | high | Warm |
| Zamboanga | 32° | 23° | 99 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Cebu City | 32° | 23° | 125 mm | very high | Hot |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northern Luzon (Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera)
December is cooler and mostly dry-the safest bet for highland travel with crisp mountain mornings and sunlit afternoons along the Ilocos coastline. Holiday travel spikes around December holidays and New Year, so roads and guesthouses fill quickly; book ahead for Baguio and Banaue. Nights can be chilly above 1,000 meters, so a warm jacket and windproof layers are advisable.
Metro Manila & Central Luzon (Manila, Clark, Subic, Pampanga)
December is a busy travel month with generally dry, pleasant weather and family holiday travel peaking across airports and highways. City lights and Christmas markets are lively and outdoor dining is enjoyable well into the evening. Book transport early for holiday weekends and pack a light sweater for cooler early-morning rides, especially if you plan to go up to Tagaytay or northern suburbs.
Southern Luzon & Bicol (Laguna, Quezon, Batangas, Albay, Sorsogon)
December becomes a dry, reliable month for both beach vacations and volcano viewing: Legazpi can be busy with domestic travelers enjoying clear views of Mayon. Holiday weekends drive heavy bookings, particularly on the Batangas and Quezon coasts close to Manila. Nights can feel pleasantly cool in elevated spots like Tagaytay; carry light layers for early mornings and expect crowded ferries on long weekends.
Palawan & MIMAROPA (Palawan, Mindoro, Romblon, Marinduque)
December returns to prime conditions: clear skies, calm seas, and busy island-hopping schedules around El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa. Holiday travel surges make bookings essential, and popular dive charters fill early. Nights are comfortable rather than cold; bring a light sweater for boat rides and expect bustling piers as domestic and international tourists converge.
Visayas (Western, Central, Eastern - Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar)
December is a popular month for family travel and road trips across the archipelago-weather is typically dry and sunny, ideal for beaches and festivals. Expect heavier bookings for flights and ferries around Christmas and New Year, and plan for busy piers and airports. Nights are comfortable and not cold; bring light layers for early mornings and an umbrella for occasional passing showers.
Mindanao (Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Bukidnon)
December usually brings dry, warm days across Mindanao and increased holiday travel, though the region remains less crowded than northern tourist centers. Ideal conditions for visiting Mt. Apo and the highland farms of Bukidnon make the month popular with local tourists. Book flights and accommodations early for Christmas and New Year weekends, and pack both beach and light-warm weather clothing.