The Philippines, an archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands, is known for its tropical climate. This country is one of the best destinations chosen by travelers for their summer vacations. Most of its cities feature high humidity and temperatures that can rise throughout the year, making them some of the hottest cities in the world. When the name island comes to mind, we often think of water activities and beach bars. The Philippines is a paradise for these experiences, and many films featuring seaside scenes have been shot in this archipelago.
In this article, we will explore the hottest cities in the Philippines. We will review the weather statistics of these cities along with their attractions, ensuring that anyone wishing to explore this country in warm weather is well-informed about the climate and things to see.
The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate that divides into three main seasons: the dry season (November to April), the rainy season (May to October), and the dry and cool season (January to February). During the hottest months, temperatures in several cities can reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or more.
Reading Suggestion: Dangerous cities in the Philippines
| City | Average Temperature (°C) | Hottest Month | Maximum Recorded Temperature (°C) | Top Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | 27.5 | April | 38.6 | Intramuros, Rizal Park, National Museum Complex |
| Dagupan | 28.8 | May | 39.0 | Dagupan City Fish Market, Bonuan Blue Beach, Lingayen Gulf |
| Tacloban | 28.5 | May | 38.6 | San Juanico Bridge, Leyte Landing Memorial, Kalanggaman Island |
| Cagayan de Oro | 28.0 | April | 38.5 | White Water Rafting, Gaston Park, Pueblo de Oro Golf Course |
| Davao City | 27.0 | April | 37.9 | Mount Apo, Philippine Eagle Center, People’s Park |
| Cebu City | 28.5 | April | 38.0 | Magellan’s Cross, Taoist Temple, Kawasan Falls |
| Puerto Princesa | 28.2 | May | 37.5 | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Honda Bay, Baker’s Hill |
| Iloilo City | 28.0 | April | 37.2 | Miagao Church, Iloilo River Esplanade, Lapaz Batchoy |
| Batangas City | 28.5 | April | 38.0 | Taal Volcano, Anilao, Batangas Cathedral |
| Zamboanga City | 28.7 | April | 37.0 | Paseo del Mar, Fort Pilar, Merloquet Falls |
1.Manila
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is not only the political center of the Philippines but also one of the hottest cities in the country. Manila has numerous beautiful beaches and attractions, and visiting them in the summer opens a new level of excitement and entertainment for you.
The average temperature in Manila is 27.5 degrees Celsius, and the hottest month in this city is April. The maximum recorded temperature is 38.6 degrees.
While visiting this beautiful city, you can also see Intramuros, a historic city enclosed by walls that showcases Spanish architectural beauty to the world. Rizal Park is another attraction in the capital of the Philippines, a large park dedicated to the national hero, José Rizal. You can visit this park and the National Museum Complex, which consists of a collection of museums displaying Filipino culture, history, and arts.
2.Dagupan
Dagupan is another of the hot cities in the Philippines, with an average temperature of 28.8 degrees throughout the year. The highest temperature recorded in Dagupan is 39 degrees Celsius. This city is known for its river industry in the Philippines. Seafood and recreations along the river make Dagupan an excellent place for those seeking entertainment in a warm climate. This city experiences very hot weather in May.
The bustling market in Dagupan city, where you can find various fresh seafood, has a very attractive and lively atmosphere, where you can visit and buy a good fish for your lunch in the warm weather. The blue beach of Yunuan is another place you can visit, as it is a popular destination for enjoying the sun and local food, especially the famous bangus (milkfish). Lingayen Gulf is also known for its historical significance and natural beauty, offering stunning views and water activities.
Tacloban
The city of Tacloban is the capital of Leyte province. This city symbolizes resistance in the storm (due to its resilience after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013). Like Dagupan, Tacloban experiences its hottest times in May, with a maximum recorded temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius in that month. The average temperature of this city throughout the year is 28.5 degrees, making it one of the hottest cities in the Philippines.
You can visit the San Juanico Bridge in the warm weather, the longest bridge in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar. Don’t forget to take pictures of its stunning views so that later, when you see those pictures, you remember the excitement you felt while visiting this bridge.
Kalanggaman Island is also an interesting attraction, and visiting it can be an amazing experience, but you need to dedicate a full day for the visit as the island has many places to explore, and you can’t see them all in a short time. There is also the Leyte Landing Memorial, which is a historical site built to commemorate the return of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines during World War II.
Cagayan de Oro
Cagayan de Oro is known as the “City of Golden Friendship.” The climate of this city is one of its strengths, encouraging people not to stay at home and feel no fear of going outside. Water activities and outdoor excursions are among the best things the people of this city enjoy doing. The average temperature in this city is 28 degrees, and the maximum recorded temperature in Cagayan de Oro is 38.5 degrees. April is the hottest month in this city.
Rafting in the raging waters of the Cagayan de Oro River is an adventurous experience that is very popular among thrill-seekers. Additionally, Gaston Park is one of the attractions of this city, featuring beautiful gardens and an iconic fountain. You can also play golf at the Pueblo de Oro Golf Course.
Davao City
Davao is another very touristy city in the Philippines and is the largest city by area in the Philippines. This city has a warm climate, but it is slightly cooler compared to other hot cities in the Philippines. The average temperature reaches 27 degrees Celsius, with a maximum recorded temperature of 37.9 degrees Celsius. Notable attractions in this city include Mount Apo, which is the highest peak in the Philippines and attracts climbers and nature enthusiasts.
Additionally, there is the Philippine Eagle Center, a conservation center dedicated to protecting the Philippine Eagle, one of the largest eagles in the world. People’s Park is well-maintained and features statues, gardens, and a playground, making it ideal for family outings.
Cebu City
The city of Cebu, also known as the “Queen City of the South,” is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. This city has many attractive attractions that provide an excellent experience. Like many other hot cities in the Philippines, it has an average temperature of 28.5 degrees, while the highest recorded temperature in this city is 38 degrees.
A historic symbol of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, the Magellan Cross, is located alongside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The Taoist Temple and Kawasan Falls are other attractions in Cebu worth visiting. Kawasan Falls is located just outside the city, with turquoise water perfect for canyoneering and swimming.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa, although recognized as a jungle city, is still among the hottest cities in the Philippines. This city boasts an incredible biodiversity that leads to stunning and attractive landscapes. As the capital of Palawan, it records an average temperature of 28.2 degrees, with a maximum temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius.
The warm climate of this city has made Honda Bay a popular spot for island-hopping and snorkeling, creating beautiful and diverse islands for exploration. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning underground river and limestone karst landscapes. Additionally, there is Baker’s Hill, a vibrant park on the hill known for its baked goods, gardens, and playgrounds.
Reading Suggestion: Coldest cities in the Philippines
Iloilo City
Another hot city in the Philippines that you may have heard less about is Iloilo. This city has numerous historical sites and delicious food. The warm climate, along with the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, makes it a great destination for tourists seeking this combination. In this city, the average temperature is 28 degrees, with a maximum recorded temperature of 37.2 degrees Celsius. The month in which this city experiences the hottest temperatures is April, and most tourists visit during this month.
One of the attractions in this city is the Miagao Church, a Baroque Roman Catholic church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplifying Colonial Spanish architecture. The Iloilo River Esplanade offers a beautiful riverside walking path with lush green spaces, cycling paths, and walking routes, making it an excellent place for recreation. La Paz Batchoy is also notable; if you want to enjoy local cuisine, you must visit it.
Batangas
The city of Batangas is one of the important port cities in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region. This marine city, which also has a very warm climate, is a haven for water activities and those who love them. The average temperature in this city is 28.5 degrees, with a maximum temperature of 38 degrees, placing it on the list of the hottest cities in the Philippines.
The attractions of this city differ somewhat from others, as there are not only beaches but also a volcano. Taal Volcano, one of the most famous volcanoes in the Philippines located in Taal Lake, offers stunning views. Nalayao is a popular diving spot known for its rich marine life, clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs, making it one of the best sights in Batangas. Tourists can also visit the Batangas Cathedral, a historical church with Neo-Gothic architecture that holds significant importance in local culture.
Zamboanga City
The city of Zamboanga is another of the hottest cities in the Philippines, and we will discuss it as the last city in this article. This city is known for its cultural diversity and rich heritage. Many colorful festivals that may be seen online during the summer heat take place in this city. Zamboanga has an average temperature of 28.7 degrees and a maximum recorded temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.
When visiting this city, you can explore Paseo del Mar, a famous seaside park. In this park, you can enjoy beautiful sunset views, local food, and cultural performances that are hard to find anywhere else. Fort Pilar is a historic military defensive fortress that now serves as a sanctuary for devotees and visitors. If you enjoy natural attractions, you can visit Merloquet Falls, a beautiful natural waterfall located just outside the city.
Conclusion
Visiting the hottest cities in the Philippines can provide an extraordinary experience that everyone enjoys, but you should know which attractions to visit in each city to enhance your enjoyment. Understanding the hot months in these cities can help travelers prepare adequately for their trips. Knowledge about the average temperature and significant attractions not only aids in planning itineraries but also enhances the overall travel experience.
Don’t let the heat deter you! Pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and prepare for an incredible journey through the hottest cities in the Philippines, where adventure, relaxation, and the hospitable Filipino culture await!
