Best Time to Visit Cebu, Philippines

When to go to Cebu

Cebu is your jumping-off point for the Visayas. The dry season (November to May) is when boats run reliably to Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and the southern coast. Sinulog Festival in mid-January is one of the biggest in the Philippines, so book hotels 2 months ahead for that week.

Seasonal overview

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Dry season

November to May

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Rainy season

June to October

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Periods to avoid

July to October (typhoon season, choppy seas for island hopping)

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Best month: March

January to April. Dry, warm seas, every island-hopping boat running.

12-month overview

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best weeks to visit Cebu

✨ January 17 to 31 (post-Sinulog)

✨ March 5 to 20

Tips for Cebu

Sinulog (3rd Sunday of January) is incredible but hotels triple. Arrive Tuesday before.
Kawasan Falls and Oslob are doable as day trips but start at 4am to beat tour buses.
Malapascua thresher sharks are a year-round 5am dive. Calmer seas Nov to May.

Plan your trip to Cebu

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Best time to visit Cebu