Siargao is a year-round destination, but timing your visit can dramatically affect your experience - and your budget. Scientifically, Siargao is classified under Climate Type II, meaning it has no pronounced dry season - instead, it has a "very pronounced maximum rain period" from December to February. While tourism marketing often refers to "dry" and "wet" seasons, the reality is more nuanced. Some of the best deals come during the shoulder months, while certain activities (like Magpupungko Rock Pools) are only accessible during calmer weather and low tides. This comprehensive guide breaks down every month so you can choose the perfect time for YOUR Siargao adventure.
Image courtesy of Jackson Groves
Quick Answer
🌞 Best Overall: March - May & September - October
- Perfect weather (sunny, low rainfall)
- Calm seas for island hopping
- Magpupungko accessible at low tide
- Moderate crowds (avoid peak holiday periods)
💰 Best for Budget Travelers: June - November
- Lower accommodation rates (30-50% off peak prices)
- Fewer crowds
- Trade-off: Higher chance of rain, rougher seas
⚠️ Avoid: November - February
- Peak rainfall period (December-February have highest rainfall: 650-800mm/month)
- Typhoon risk (late-year storms can be devastating)
- Rough seas make island hopping dangerous
- East coast attractions (Magpupungko) often inaccessible
Understanding Siargao's Seasons
"Drier" Season (March - October)
Weather:
- Lower rainfall (though Siargao technically has no pronounced dry season under Climate Type II)
- Sunny days with occasional afternoon showers
- Calm seas, especially March-May
- Temperatures: 25-34°C (77-93°F), with May typically the hottest month
Best For:
- Beach activities, island hopping, snorkeling
- Magpupungko Rock Pools (low tide access)
- Sugba Lagoon and Sohoton Cove tours
- Family vacations
Crowds:
- March-May: Moderate (peak Filipino summer vacation)
- June-August: Lower (international summer but rainy season starts)
- September-October: Moderate (best weather + fewer crowds)
Pricing:
- Higher during peak months (March-May)
- Slight discounts June-August
Wet Season / Maximum Rain Period (November - February)
Weather:
- Heavy rainfall: January ~808mm, February ~648mm, December ~698mm (significantly higher than often reported)
- Typhoon risk (official Philippine peak is July-October, but late-year storms can hit Siargao)
- Rough seas, strong winds
- Temperatures: 25-30°C (77-86°F), with February typically the coolest
Best For:
- Surfing (Cloud 9 gets best swells September-November)
- Budget travelers willing to risk rain
- Quiet, off-season vibes
Crowds:
- November-December: Very low (locals avoid typhoon season)
- January-February: Low-moderate (Chinese New Year brings some tourists)
Pricing:
- Lowest rates of the year (30-50% off peak)
- Some resorts close or reduce services
Risks:
- Flight cancellations due to weather
- Island hopping tours canceled
- East coast roads may flood
- Limited outdoor activities
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | Weather & Rainfall | Crowds | Pros | Cons | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Peak wet season; heavy rain ~808mm | Low-Moderate | Lower prices, fewer tourists, surfing still decent | High rainfall, rough seas, some tours canceled | Budget travelers, surfers, solitude seekers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| February | Transitioning; still wet ~648mm | Low-Moderate | Weather improving, prices lower than peak, fewer crowds | Occasional heavy rains, east coast unreliable | Budget travelers, early-bird visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| March | Dry season begins; excellent 50-100mm | Moderate-High | Sunny, calm seas, Magpupungko accessible, all activities operational | Higher prices, more crowded (especially weekends) | Families, first-time visitors, beach lovers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| April | Peak dry season; hot & sunny 30-60mm | High | Excellent weather, Magpupungko at its best, perfect for island hopping | Very hot (32-34°C), crowded beaches, book early | Families, beach lovers, photographers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| May | Hot & dry; humidity rising 50-100mm | Moderate | Excellent weather, slightly fewer crowds than April, Magpupungko accessible | Very hot and humid, occasional afternoon thunderstorms | Heat-tolerant travelers, budget-conscious visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| June | Rainy season begins 150-200mm | Low-Moderate | Significant price drops, fewer crowds, mornings often sunny | Frequent afternoon rain, some tours canceled, rough east coast | Budget travelers, flexible itineraries | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| July-August | Wet season; expect rain 200-300mm | Low | Lowest prices, few tourists, surfing picks up, authentic local experience | Heavy rain, island hopping unreliable, Magpupungko often inaccessible | Surfers, extreme budget travelers | ⭐⭐ |
| September | Transitioning; improving 150-250mm | Low-Moderate | Weather improving, great surfing (Cloud 9 swells), lower prices | Occasional typhoon risk, east coast can be rough | Surfers, budget travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| October | Transition; rainfall increasing 160-237mm | Moderate | Beautiful weather, best surfing (Cloud 9 prime), fewer crowds | Occasional rain showers, surf too big for beginners | Surfers, beach lovers, photographers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| November | Wet season; typhoon risk 250-400mm | Very Low | Rock-bottom prices, empty beaches, surfing still good early month | High typhoon risk, heavy rainfall, rough seas, many tours canceled | Extreme budget travelers, surfers (early Nov only) | ⭐⭐ |
| December | Maximum rain period ~698mm | Very Low | Cheapest month, empty beaches, authentic local Christmas | Highest typhoon risk, heavy rain daily, most tours canceled | Only those with extremely flexible plans | ⭐ |
Legend: 🌞 Best months (5/5) ⚠️ Risky months (1-2/5)
Activity-Specific Timing
🏄 Surfing (Cloud 9)
Best Months: September - November
- Biggest swells
- Cloud 9 at its prime
- Intermediate to advanced surfers
Beginner-Friendly: March - May (smaller, gentler waves, calmer conditions)
🏝️ Island Hopping (Tri-Island Tour, Naked/Daku/Guyam)
Best Months: March - October
- Calm seas
- Tours run reliably
- Best visibility
Avoid: November - February (rough seas = canceled tours, unsafe conditions)
🌊 Magpupungko Rock Pools
Best Months: March - May
- Dry season + low tide alignment
- Clearest water
- Safest conditions
- Perfect to combine with Pacifico Beach and Secret Beach on the east coast route
Possible: September - October (still accessible but check tide schedules)
Avoid: November - February (rough east coast conditions, dangerous waves)
🛶 Sugba Lagoon & Sohoton Cove
Best Months: March - October
- Calm waters for kayaking
- Best weather for full-day tours
- Both depart from Del Carmen area
Possible: November - February (tours may operate in calmer weather windows, more cancellations)
Budget Traveler Tips
Save 30-50% by Visiting During:
- June - August: Low season, heavy rain but huge savings
- September: Shoulder month, improving weather, lower prices
- November: Risky (typhoons) but cheapest accommodations
Avoid Peak Pricing:
- March - May (Filipino summer vacation)
- Holy Week (March/April - dates vary)
- Christmas/New Year (some tourists brave the weather)
Pro Tips:
- Book Del Carmen instead of General Luna: 20-40% cheaper accommodations year-round (verified: GL median ~$130/night vs Del Carmen ~$76/night)
- Stay longer: Many resorts offer weekly discounts (10-20% off)
- Travel weekdays: Weekend rates higher in peak season
📍 Year-Round Comfort in Del Carmen
No matter when you visit Siargao, Mariden Resort offers the perfect base:
- Open year-round — We don't close during off-season
- Affordable rates — 30-40% cheaper than General Luna resorts
- All-weather amenities — Pool, fast WiFi, covered areas for rainy days
- Flexible cancellation — Weather-related cancellations honored
- Local weather insights — We'll help you plan around conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
March, April, May, and October are the best months overall. March-May offers the driest weather and calm seas (ideal for island hopping and Magpupungko). October combines excellent weather with great surfing and fewer crowds. September is also excellent for surfers.
November through February is the maximum rain period, with December-February seeing the heaviest rainfall (650-800mm/month). While the official Philippine typhoon peak is July-October, late-year storms can be devastating (like Typhoon Odette in December 2021). Many tours are canceled, and conditions can be dangerous. If you must visit during wet season, have flexible plans and travel insurance.
March-May sees the most tourists, especially during Filipino Holy Week (March/April). General Luna beaches can be crowded, but Del Carmen and the north coast remain peaceful. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends.
No. Magpupungko is best visited March-May when dry season aligns with low tide. September-October is also possible. November-February, the east coast experiences rough seas and high waves, making the pools inaccessible and dangerous.
September-November is peak surf season with the biggest swells at Cloud 9. March-May offers smaller, beginner-friendly waves. Experienced surfers prefer September-October for consistency and size.
Not necessarily every day, but expect frequent heavy showers, especially in the afternoon. November-December have the most consistent rainfall. Some days are sunny, but weather is unpredictable.
June-November offers the lowest rates (30-50% off peak season). December is the absolute cheapest but also the riskiest (typhoon season). September-October offers the best value (good weather + lower prices).
Related Guides
Plan Your Trip:
- Sample Itineraries - Day-by-day trip plans for any duration
- Budget Guide - Complete cost breakdowns
- Transportation Guide - Getting around the island
- Del Carmen vs General Luna - Where to stay
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrival tips
Top Attractions:
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - Tidal pools (best March-May)
- Sugba Lagoon - Lagoon tour (year-round)
- Tri-Island Tour - Island hopping (March-October best)