TripZillaA tropical paradise unlike any other, the Philippines is known all over the world for its stunning beaches, mouth-watering, vibrant festivals, and of course, the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Sadly, the Philippines is also no stranger to natural hazards due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Typhoons frequently occur throughout the country between June and November.
While no place in the Philippines is completely free of tropical storms, these are some of the safest or least calamity-prone areas that you may still be able to visit during the rainy season. As always, we advise you to research carefully about the weather conditions of your destination before travelling.
Cebu
Kawasan Falls in Cebu
Even during the rainy season, Cebu doesn’t lose its appeal. Hailed one of the best islands in Asia, the island province is a leading tourism destination with pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains, historic landmarks, and delectable food such as lechon. When in Cebu, you can’t miss out on exploring natural attractions such as Casino Peak, Kawasan Falls, Osmeña Peak, and Bantayan Island.
Also read: Insider’s Guide to Cebu: All You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Ilocos Sur
Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur | Image credit: Troy Alyson Espiritu
Up north in the Philippines, Ilocos Sur is home to Spanish-era houses, centuries-old churches, and lush fields. But the most notable attraction in this province is, by far, the well-preserved city of Vigan. Moreover, the climate in Ilocos Sur is generally dry, especially from October to May. You can expect the heaviest rainfall in August, while the colder months of January and February experience lighter rains.
Bacolod
MassKara Festival in Bacolod, Negros Occidental | Image credit: Herbert Kikoy
Situated on Negros Island, the city of Bacolod is known for its ancestral houses, mouth-watering cuisine, and friendly locals who give the city the moniker “City of Smiles.” Architectural gems like Bernardino Jalandoni House and The Ruins will transport you to an older period in Philippine history, while natural wonders such as Pulang Tubig Falls make this city a must-see destination for any season.
The ideal time to visit Bacolod is from December to May. However, you can also time your visit to coincide with the famous MassKara Festival, which is held on the fourth Sunday of October.
Also read: 15 Festivals in the Philippines to Anticipate Every Month
Palawan
El Nido, Palawan
Known for tourist destinations such as El Nido and Coron, Palawan is an archipelagic province that consistently tops the rankings of the world’s best islands each year. While storms can still happen from June to October, Palawan experiences fewer strong typhoons compared to other regions in the Philippines. It has no active fault lines, which makes the province less vulnerable to earthquakes as well. All the better for your next visit to this tropical paradise.
Also read: Climate Change Is Real: These Islands Disappeared in the Last Decade
From strong typhoons to earthquakes, the Philippines is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to experience the effects of climate change — the devastating effects of Typhoon Goni and Typhoon Vamco were proof of that. Even today, environmental degradation, rising sea levels, and unplanned urbanisation pose a critical threat to the safety of many regions in the Philippines.
Now more than ever, we owe it to each other to be responsible travellers and do our own part in making sure that we protect and preserve the beauty of our islands.
