Is It Monsoon in Cebu City, Philippines? Rainfall and Weather by Month

Cebu City, Philippines JANUARY
27°
Shoulder season
24° to 29°
Coolest & Showery
The coolest month of the year, with rain still a fairly regular presence.
☔ Umbrella handy🥵 Heat protection
27°
Peak season
24° to 30°
Dry Season Begins
Rain eases noticeably as the driest window of the year begins.
☀️ Sunscreen✨ Best sightseeing weather
28°
Peak season
24° to 31°
Dry & Pleasant
Still part of the best window, warming up as the heat builds.
🥵 Heat protection☀️ Sunscreen
29°
Peak season
26° to 32°
Driest Month
The driest month of the year, hot and dry.
🥵 Heat protection☀️ Sunscreen
29°
Shoulder season
26° to 33°
Hottest Month
The hottest month of the year on average, with rain starting to build again.
🥵 Heat protection☀️ Sunscreen
29°
Shoulder season
26° to 32°
Wet Season Arrives
Rain becomes a regular fixture as the southwest monsoon sets in.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
28°
Off-peak season
25° to 32°
Wettest Month
The rainiest month of the year, with rain a near-daily presence.
☔ Heavy rain gear⚠️ Flash-flood aware
29°
Shoulder season
25° to 32°
Still Wet
Rain eases slightly from July, still a regular presence.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
28°
Off-peak season
25° to 32°
Very Wet
Among the wettest months of the year, as the wet season continues.
☔ Heavy rain gear⚠️ Flash-flood aware
28°
Off-peak season
25° to 32°
Very Wet
Nearly as wet as July, as the northeast monsoon takes over.
☔ Heavy rain gear⚠️ Flash-flood aware
28°
Shoulder season
25° to 31°
Rain Eases
Rain eases from the peak of the wet season, though still a regular presence.
☔ Umbrella handy🥵 Heat protection
27°
Shoulder season
24° to 31°
Still Rainy
Still part of the wetter half of the year, as the northeast monsoon holds on.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
Drag through the year Jan
Jan
⭐️
Feb
⭐️
Mar
⭐️
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
This month
Rainfall
135 mm
12 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
83%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
13 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
89 mm
9 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
81%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
13 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
61 mm
7 rainy days this month
Sunshine
7.5 hrs/day
58% of daylight hours
Humidity
79%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
11 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
56 mm
5 rainy days this month
Sunshine
8.5 hrs/day
65% of daylight hours
Humidity
77%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
11 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
94 mm
8 rainy days this month
Sunshine
8 hrs/day
62% of daylight hours
Humidity
78%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
10 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
180 mm
13 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
81%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
8 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
211 mm
15 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
83%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
10 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
157 mm
13 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
82%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
10 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
191 mm
14 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6 hrs/day
46% of daylight hours
Humidity
82%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
10 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
208 mm
15 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
83%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
8 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
132 mm
12 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
83%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
10 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
Rainfall
173 mm
14 rainy days this month
Sunshine
6.5 hrs/day
50% of daylight hours
Humidity
84%
Air feels heavy and sticky
Wind
11 km/h
Light, barely noticeable
★★★ peak season, ★★☆ decent shoulder months, ★☆☆ true off-peak, based on rain frequency, heat, and haze.
Seasons at a glance
🌟
Peak season: Feb, Mar, Apr
Cebu City's driest stretch. February through April is historically the calmest window for rain, though the heat builds steadily through it.
🌤️
Shoulder season: Jan, May, Jun, Aug, Nov, Dec
This tier spans January, May, June, August, November, and December, a mix of moderate rain on either side of the true wet-season peak.
Off-peak season: Jul, Sep, Oct
The heart of Cebu City's rainy season. July, September, and October see the heaviest rain of the year, with July historically the wettest month.
Good to know
🏙️
The heart of a metro area of over 3 million
Cebu City anchors a metropolitan area that also includes Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay.
🌏
Rainfall is driven by two monsoons
Rain from May through September comes mainly from the southwest monsoon, while October through January is driven by the northeast monsoon instead.
🥵
A record 98.5°F was reached in May 2010
On the hottest days of the year, usually April through June, temperatures can reach around 95°F, and briefly climbed even higher in an exceptional event in late May 2010.
🏝️
Nalusuan Island sits just across the strait
This small island, popular for diving and snorkeling, sits a short boat ride away across the Cebu Strait.
🌀
Typhoons can affect Cebu City
Like the rest of northern and central Philippines, Cebu City can be hit by typhoons, generally from May to December, with risk historically highest between August and November.
Top attractions
1
Magellan's Cross
A historic wooden cross housed in a small chapel, marking the spot where Christianity is said to have first been introduced to the Philippines in 1521.
2
Basilica del Santo Nino
The oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, home to a revered relic and the annual Sinulog Festival each January.
3
Mactan Island
Home to Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu's main airport, with resort beaches and historical sites just across the strait from Cebu City proper.
Frequently asked questions
When is monsoon season in Cebu City?
Cebu City's rainy season historically runs from May through January, with July the wettest month, driven first by the southwest monsoon and later by the northeast monsoon.
What is the best time of year to visit Cebu City?
February through April is historically Cebu City's driest window and the best time for a visit.
What is the least favorable time to visit Cebu City?
July, September, and October are historically among the wettest months of the year.
Which month has the most rain in Cebu City?
July is historically the wettest month, averaging around 211mm of rain.
Which month is the driest in Cebu City?
April is historically the driest month, averaging around 56mm of rain.
How hot does Cebu City get?
May is historically the hottest month of the year on average, and a record high was reached in an exceptional event in late May 2010.
What should I pack for Cebu City during the rainy season?
Rain gear is worth having from around May through January, especially in July, September, and October.
Does Cebu City get typhoons?
Yes. Like the rest of northern and central Philippines, Cebu City can be affected by typhoons, generally from May to December, with risk historically highest between August and November.
Is Cebu City part of a larger metro area?
Yes. Metro Cebu is home to more than 3 million people and also includes the cities of Carcar, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, and Talisay.
Is Mactan Island near Cebu City?
Yes. Mactan Island, home to Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu's main international airport, sits just across a narrow channel from Cebu City.