Disclosure: This guide is published by Mariden Resort. While we've aimed for accuracy, we encourage you to research both areas for your trip.
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
Planning within the next 14 days? Check the live Siargao wind and wave forecast on Windy and the PAGASA Philippines weather bulletin before finalizing island-hopping or surf plans.
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
Whatever month you choose, location matters. Del Carmen is significantly closer to western attractions like Sugba Lagoon and can save travel time to some northern and east-coast spots (such as Magpupungko) compared with staying in General Luna, while it is farther from surf breaks around Cloud 9. See Mariden Resort rooms at Mariden Resort .
Understanding Siargao's Seasons
| 🌤 "Drier" Season March – October | 🌧 Wet Season / Max Rain Period November – February | |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Lower rainfall (no true dry season under Climate Type II). Sunny days with occasional afternoon showers. Calm seas especially March–May. Temperatures: 25–34°C (77–93°F); May is typically hottest. | Heavy rainfall: Jan ~808mm, Feb ~648mm, Dec ~698mm. Based on Weather2Travel long-term averages; totals vary by dataset. Typhoon risk (official PH peak Jul–Oct, but late-year storms can hit). Rough seas, strong winds. Temperatures: 25–30°C (77–86°F); February is typically coolest. |
| Best For | Beach activities, island hopping, snorkeling · Magpupungko Rock Pools (low tide access) · Sugba Lagoon & Sohoton Cove tours · 3/5/7-day trip plans | Surfing (Cloud 9 best swells Sep–Nov) · Budget travelers willing to risk rain · Quiet, off-season vibes |
| Crowds | Mar–May: Moderate (peak Filipino summer) Jun–Aug: Lower (rainy season starts) Sep–Oct: Moderate (best weather + fewer crowds) | Nov–Dec: Very low (locals avoid typhoon season) Jan–Feb: Low–moderate (Chinese New Year) |
| Pricing | Higher during Mar–May peak · Slight discounts Jun–Aug | Lowest rates of the year (30–50% off peak) · Some resorts reduce services or close |
| Risks | Higher prices & crowds during peak; book accommodation early for Mar–May | Flight cancellations ( airport guide ) · Island hopping tours canceled · East coast roads may flood ( transportation guide ) · 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 around 150-200mm depending on the year | 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 | Late-year storms possible, heavy rainfall, rough seas, tour cancellations more frequent | Extreme budget travelers, surfers (early Nov only) | ⭐⭐ |
| December | Maximum rain period ~698mm | Very Low | Cheapest month, empty beaches, authentic local Christmas | Late-year storm risk, heavy rain, tour cancellations more frequent | Only those with extremely flexible plans | ⭐ |
Legend: 🌞 Best months (5/5) ⚠️ Risky months (1-2/5)
📍 Smart Travelers Choose Del Carmen
No matter which month you pick, Del Carmen offers:
- Central location: Del Carmen is roughly 30 minutes closer by road to Magpupungko, Pacifico, and Alegria than General Luna, depending on traffic and exact starting point.
- All-weather amenities: Pool, covered areas, fast WiFi for rainy days
- Flexible cancellation: Weather changes? We understand
- Year-round operation: We don't close during off-season
Activity-Specific Timing
🏄 Surfing (Cloud 9)
Best Months: September - November
- Biggest swells
- Cloud 9 at its prime
- Intermediate to advanced surfers
Peak surf season (September-November) offers heavy, powerful waves best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers; beginners are usually more comfortable at gentler breaks or in smaller-wave months (March - May). If you are a surf-focused traveler, prioritize the September-November surf season but be prepared for more rain and storm risk.
Always heed local advice about currents, reef hazards, and weather conditions, especially when surfing reef breaks.
🏝️ Naked, Daku, Guyam island hopping (Tri-Island Tour)
Best Months: March - October
- Calm seas
- Tours run reliably
- Best visibility
Note for November - February: Tour cancellations for island-hopping and boat trips are more frequent from roughly November to February due to heavier rain, stronger winds, and occasional storms, but many days still run normally. Always check with operators and weather forecasts closer to your dates. If you are more focused on island-hopping and calm seas, consider the relatively drier months from roughly March to May.
🌊 Magpupungko Rock Pools timing
Best Months: March - May
- Dry season + low tide alignment
- Clearest water
- Safest conditions
- Perfect to combine with Pacifico surfing (alternative to Cloud 9) and Secret Beach Siargao directions on the east coast route
Possible: September - October (still accessible but check tide schedules)
Note for November - February: Magpupungko Rock Pools are tide-dependent and can be visited in most months, including parts of November-February, when tides and wave conditions cooperate. Aim for low tide on days with calmer east-coast swell, and avoid visiting when waves are large or the weather is stormy. Always heed local advice about currents and reef hazards.
🛶 turquoise lagoon in Siargao & stingless jellyfish sanctuary in Sohoton
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)
Siargao vs Bali, Phuket & Koh Samui: Which Season Matches?
If you are weighing Siargao against other Southeast Asian beach destinations, the season windows differ. Here is how Siargao's calendar lines up with Bali (Indonesia), Phuket (Thailand), and Koh Samui (Thailand).
| Destination | Peak Dry Months | Wettest Months | Surf Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siargao, Philippines | March - May | December - February | September - November |
| Bali, Indonesia | May - September | December - February | May - September |
| Phuket, Thailand | November - April | May - October | May - October (Surin / Kata) |
| Koh Samui, Thailand | February - April | October - December | Limited (east coast) |
Takeaway for international travelers: If your travel window is June - August (European / North American summer), Bali usually has drier weather than Siargao. If you are flexible through March - May, Siargao offers calmer seas, accessible Magpupungko rock pools, and fewer crowds than Phuket's high season.
Budget Traveler Tips
For a full daily cost breakdown in PHP and USD, see our Siargao daily cost breakdown .
Save 30-50% by Visiting During:
- June - August: Low season, heavy rain but huge savings. Typical Del Carmen rooms drop to the equivalent of roughly USD 25-45 per night (prices and exchange rates vary).
- September: Shoulder month, improving weather, lower prices (~USD 30-55 per night in Del Carmen at the time of writing).
- November: Risky (typhoons) but cheapest accommodations (~USD 20-40 per night).
USD figures are approximate conversions from Philippine peso (PHP) rates and fluctuate with exchange rates. Always confirm current pricing when booking.
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: Based on a snapshot of rates from major booking sites, typical nightly prices in Del Carmen are often significantly lower than in General Luna. Exact medians and percentage differences vary by season, property type, and availability.
- 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 (about 650-800mm/month). The broader Philippine typhoon season peaks roughly from August to October, but Siargao can still experience strong late-year storms, including in December. Travelers visiting in late-year and early-year months should monitor forecasts and keep plans flexible. Tour cancellations for island-hopping and boat trips are more frequent from roughly November to February due to heavier rain, stronger winds, and occasional storms, but many days still run normally. Always check with operators and weather forecasts closer to your dates. Heavy rain can affect road conditions and cause localized flooding; allow extra travel time during the wettest months.
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.
Magpupungko Rock Pools are tide-dependent and can be visited in most months, including parts of November-February, when tides and wave conditions cooperate. Aim for low tide on days with calmer east-coast swell, and avoid visiting when waves are large or the weather is stormy. Always heed local advice about currents and reef hazards.
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 (roughly 30-50% off peak season). Many non-holiday dates in December can be among the cheapest times to visit because of heavy rain and potential storms, but Christmas and New Year periods may still be busy and more expensive. September-October offers excellent value (good weather + lower prices).
Whatever month you visit, your base matters
Siargao's best experiences — Sugba Lagoon, the mangroves, Magpupungko rock pools — are all easier from Del Carmen. Mariden Resort is 5 minutes from Sayak Airport, away from General Luna's crowds, with direct-book rates from ₱1,500/night (~$27 USD). Free cancellation on most rates.
View Mariden Resort rooms →Related Guides
Once you've picked your travel window, plan what to do each day with our Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries .
Plan Your Trip:
- what to pack for Siargao - Dry vs wet season packing, reef-safe sunscreen, and Philippines power adapters
- Siargao 3/5/7-day itineraries - Trip plans for any duration
- Siargao budget in PHP and USD - Complete cost breakdowns
- tricycle and scooter rental rates - Getting around the island
- which side of Siargao to stay on - Del Carmen vs General Luna
- Siargao Airport Guide - Arrival tips
Top Attractions:
- low-tide swimming at Magpupungko - Tidal pools (best March-May)
- book a Sugba Lagoon boat - Lagoon tour (year-round)
- Siargao island-hopping guide - Island hopping (March-October best)