If you’re anything like us, you probably start planning your trips by figuring out which month you’re free to travel and then searching for destinations that are ideal during that time. As the trip gets closer, it’s natural to check the local weather forecast to know what to expect—should you pack for snow or stock up on sunscreen for scorching temperatures in the 30s?
For our current trip to the Philippines, we followed this same routine, but it turned out to be more confusing than helpful. Google searches and weather apps couldn’t seem to agree on what the weather would be like in Moalboal, where we planned to visit in early January.
When searching on Google, we read descriptions of warm, sunny days with an occasional chance of rain—sounds perfect, right? But when we checked our weather app, it painted a completely different picture: relentless rain and thunderstorms, hour after hour, for weeks on end.
This conflicting information was worrying, especially since we’d planned a beach getaway to enjoy the ocean, learn to dive, and escape the chill of our Canadian winter.
The Reality of Weather in the Philippines
This blog is here to put your mind at ease: weather apps often get it wrong when it comes to the Philippines.
As I write this, I’m sitting in a cozy café in Moalboal, enjoying breakfast. According to my weather app, it’s raining right now and will continue to rain non-stop for the entire week. But here’s the reality—outside, it’s sunny, and there’s not a drop of rain in sight.
To be fair, it did rain later that day, but only briefly. Around 8 PM, there was a heavy downpour that lasted for about an hour. The rest of the day was sunny, warm, and perfect for exploring.
What This Means for Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, don’t let the gloomy forecasts on your weather app discourage you. Rain showers are a common part of the tropical climate here, but they’re usually short-lived and predictable. A quick downpour in the evening or early morning doesn’t mean your entire day will be ruined.
Instead of relying solely on your phone’s weather app, try researching broad trends through Google searches. These can provide a general sense of the climate patterns. Most days, you’ll likely enjoy plenty of sunshine, with the occasional rain serving as a refreshing break from the heat.
Wrapping It Up
The weather in the Philippines can be unpredictable on paper but surprisingly consistent in reality. Don’t let a rainy forecast hold you back from enjoying the beautiful beaches, warm ocean waters, and stunning tropical landscapes. Pack for sunshine, bring a lightweight rain jacket just in case, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
So, if your weather app predicts endless rain during your trip to the Philippines, take it with a grain of salt. Chances are, you’ll still have plenty of sunny days to soak up and unforgettable memories to make.
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