When’s the Best Time To Visit Cebu? Here’s What Tourists Should Know

Planning a trip to Cebu and not sure when to go? Weather, festivals, and even road conditions can make or break your itinerary.

We live here in Cebu and help travelers get around the island year-round, so we know firsthand what each season feels like. Some months are great for island hopping. Others come with typhoons, traffic jams, and double hotel prices.

This guide breaks it all down for you. We’ll cover Cebu’s month-by-month weather, which festivals are worth the trip, what’s open when, and how the seasons affect your travel plans - especially transportation. 

What’s Cebu’s Weather Like Month by Month?

Cebu has two main seasons: dry and wet. But even during the rainy months, it's not usually a total washout. We've driven guests across the island in everything from scorching heat to surprise downpours, so here's a real-world breakdown of what to expect.

January to May – Dry Season (Best for Island Hopping and Road Trips)

• Temperature: 25°C to 33°C

• Feels like: Warm but bearable, especially early in the year

• Rain: Minimal, usually short showers if any

• Travel tip: This is our busiest season for transfers. Guests love heading to places like Moalboal or Malapascua when the sun’s out and roads are dry.

✅ Best time for beaches, whale shark watching, and smooth road trips

✅ Holy Week (March/April) can get crowded, so book transfers and rooms early

✅ Early mornings are cool, so long drives are comfortable

June to October – Rainy Season (Still Okay with a Bit of Planning)

• Temperature: 24°C to 32°C

• Feels like: More humid, especially in the afternoons

• Rain: Afternoon or evening showers, with the occasional thunderstorm

• Travel tip: Roads can get slippery, especially in hilly areas like Balamban. We always check the forecast before long trips.

⚠️ Sudden downpours may delay ferries and slow down traffic

⚠️ Some tours cancel or reschedule due to safety (e.g., boat trips)

✅ Green scenery, fewer crowds, and discounted hotel rates

November to December – Transition Months (Dry, Cool, and Festive)

• Temperature: 23°C to 31°C

• Feels like: Pleasant and breezy (the locals call this “bed weather”)

• Rain: Less frequent, mostly short-lived

• Travel tip: Great time for long-distance trips across Cebu. Guests love doing South Cebu circuits during this season.

✅ Cooler weather means more comfortable road travel

✅ Peak travel season begins, so book transfers early

When Is the Best Time for Diving, Snorkeling, and Whale Shark Watching in Cebu?

If you're coming to Cebu for underwater adventures, timing can make a big difference.

Diving and Snorkeling:

The best visibility for diving is typically from March to May. Waters are clearer, especially around Moalboal, Malapascua, and Bantayan. The seas are calm, which means boat rides are smoother and dive trips are less likely to be canceled.  

Whale Shark Watching in Oslob:

The whale sharks are around year-round, but the dry season (December to May) makes for more pleasant conditions. Rainy months can affect water clarity and the number of tourists allowed in the water. If you're heading to Oslob for this activity, we recommend leaving very early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the best sea conditions. Private transfers are ideal here, since the buses don’t leave early enough and tend to get packed fast.

➡️ Planning a full-day marine adventure? We’ve helped guests create custom island + snorkeling + whale shark watching combos. If you’re not sure how to connect the dots, we’re happy to help you map it out.

Which Months Have the Most Comfortable Weather in Cebu?

If you’re hoping for cool mornings, blue skies, and low humidity, the best months to visit Cebu are from December to early May. This is the dry season, and it’s when both locals and tourists head outdoors more often.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• December to February – Temperatures are slightly cooler (24–30°C), and humidity is lower. Great for road trips, city tours, and island hopping. We get a lot of family and couple bookings during this time.

• March to May – It gets hotter (up to 35°C), but rain is still rare. These months are ideal if you want to explore beaches or waterfalls. Just pack sunscreen and hydrate!

• June to August – Warmer and more humid, with a higher chance of short afternoon showers. Still doable, but you’ll sweat more, especially if you're walking around heritage sites or public markets.

We once did a transfer to Oslob in April, and we had to make an extra stop for ice-cold halo-halo. The guests loved it and so did we!

➡️ If you’re traveling with kids or seniors, dry season is the most comfortable. It also means fewer road disruptions and smoother drives across North or South Cebu.

What’s Rainy Season in Cebu Really Like?

Cebu’s rainy season typically runs from June to early November. But don’t worry, it’s not non-stop rain every day.

Most of the time, it means brief afternoon or evening showers, often followed by sunshine. You might wake up to blue skies, enjoy a beach tour, then encounter a light drizzle by 4 PM.

However, August, September, and October can bring heavier downpours and occasional low-pressure systems. While Cebu isn’t usually hit directly by typhoons, storms passing through Luzon or nearby regions can still cause choppy seas and trip delays.

In our experience, this season doesn’t stop travel altogether, but it does require more flexibility. For instance, we’ve had to move pick-up times earlier or adjust routes to avoid minor flooding or construction delays. We always let guests know in advance and help them plan around the weather.

When is Typhoon Season in Cebu and How Bad Can It Get?

Typhoon season in the Philippines runs from June to December, but Cebu doesn’t usually get hit as hard as the eastern parts of the country. It’s in a relatively sheltered spot, which means most typhoons pass north or south of the island.

That said, you can still feel the effects: canceled ferries, delayed flights, and rough seas. We’ve had guests who planned to go island hopping but had to reschedule because of high waves. We always monitor PAGASA advisories and adjust transfer routes or pickup times when needed.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Strongest typhoons usually hit between September and November

• Rain and wind may disrupt ferry schedules to places like Bohol, Siquijor, or Malapascua

• Flights may get delayed or canceled, especially to/from Mactan Airport

• Road trips to remote areas can take longer, especially through mountain roads

What Are the Peak and Off-Peak Tourist Seasons in Cebu?

If you're hoping to avoid crowds or score better deals, it's helpful to know when Cebu is busiest and when it's more relaxed.

Peak Season:

December to May is the dry season, and it’s also when tourist numbers shoot up. This includes the Christmas holidays, New Year, Sinulog Festival in January, and Holy Week around March or April. Expect:

• Higher hotel and resort rates

• More crowded beaches, ferries, and terminals

• Longer travel times due to traffic, especially in Metro Cebu

We’ve seen how hectic it gets during Sinulog. We always advise our guests to book their transfers at least a week ahead during this season to secure a slot.

Off-Peak Season:

June to early November is generally quieter. You’ll find:

• Lower accommodation prices

• Fewer tourists at attractions

• More flexibility for last-minute travel

However, keep in mind this also overlaps with the rainy season, so be ready for afternoon showers or occasional cancellations for island tours or boat rides.

➡️ Pro tip: September and October are surprisingly nice if you want a more laid-back experience. We've had couples who traveled during these months and loved having the beaches nearly to themselves. Plus, their hotel rates were almost half the usual price.

How Far in Advance Should I Book Transfers and Tours?

It depends on when you’re visiting, but here’s what we tell our guests:

During Peak Season (Dec–May):

Book everything early, at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance, especially for:

• Private transfers to North or South Cebu

• Island hopping tours (Malapascua, Moalboal, etc.)

• Popular activities like whale shark watching in Oslob

We’ve had guests who messaged us just a day before Holy Week, only to find out everything was already fully booked. So if you're coming during Christmas, New Year, or Sinulog, book your transport the moment you finalize your flight or hotel.

During Off-Peak Season (June–Nov):

You’ll have more wiggle room. Many travelers book 2–3 days in advance and still get good options, especially if the weather forecast looks decent.

That said, if you’re planning a long trip up north or down south, or you’re traveling with family or seniors, it's still better to reserve early. At Cebu Tourist Transfers, we can accommodate last-minute bookings when possible, but early bookings help us match you with the best vehicle and driver.

➡️ Tip: If you’re planning to catch a ferry or flight, let us know your departure time when booking. We’ll factor in traffic and weather conditions to make sure you get there on time.

When Are the Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Fly to Cebu?

Cheapest Months to Fly:

Airfare to Cebu is usually more affordable during the off-peak months, which fall between June and November. You’ll often find the best deals in:

• September and October – considered low season due to rain and fewer tourists

• Mid-January to early February – after Sinulog, when crowds thin out and airlines drop prices

We’ve had guests score round-trip tickets from Manila for under ₱1,500 during a rainy-season promo. If you’re flexible with travel dates and don’t mind a bit of weather unpredictability, this is your chance to save.

Most Expensive Months to Fly:

Expect prices to rise sharply during:

• Christmas and New Year holidays

• Holy Week (March or April)

• Sinulog Festival (3rd Sunday of January)

Flights during these times can be 2x or even 3x more expensive than off-season rates. And they sell out fast. If you’re planning to visit during any of these peak periods, book your flight and transfer as early as possible.

When Should I Book My Transfers and Accommodations?

Peak Season = Book Early

If you’re visiting December to May, especially around Sinulog (3rd Sunday of January), Holy Week, or summer break (March to May), book everything in advance. That includes airport pickups, ferry tickets, hotels, and tours. These months are the busiest in Cebu, and things get fully booked weeks ahead.

We’ve had guests message us a day before their trip during Holy Week, and by then, most ferry routes and resorts were already packed. Don’t leave things to chance if you're coming during peak season.

Off-Peak = More Flexibility

From June to November, you can usually book things with less notice. Accommodations are cheaper, and some tours offer discounts. Just be aware of the possibility of weather-related delays, and keep a bit of flexibility in your plans.

No matter what season you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to pre-book your transfers, especially if you’re arriving late at night, have a lot of luggage, or are traveling with kids or seniors. Cebu Tourist Transfers lets you book your ride ahead so you’re not scrambling for taxis or negotiating with van drivers at the last minute.

So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Cebu?

It depends on what you want from your trip.

• For sunny beach days and picture-perfect skies: March to May is ideal, but be ready for the heat and summer crowds.

• For cooler weather and fewer tourists: Visit in November or early December before peak season kicks in.

• For festival lovers: January is your month, just book everything early.

• For budget travelers: The rainy season (July to October) has the best deals, but bring a raincoat and keep plans flexible.

At the end of the day, Cebu is worth visiting year-round. The island’s charm, warm people, and natural beauty don’t follow a schedule. But knowing what to expect each season can help you enjoy your vacation the way you want to.

💡 No matter when you visit, Cebu Tourist Transfers is here to help you get around comfortably, rain or shine. We know the road conditions, the weather quirks, and how to time things just right to make your trip stress-free.