Cebu City is located in the middle of the Philippine archipelago and is the gateway to more than 150 islands that are waiting to be discovered. Cebu city, with its rich history and multifaceted cultural heritage, offers a glimpse at the past of the Philippines through its preserved historical relics.
Cebu is also home to a variety of natural attractions, including white sands beaches, pristine water, a rich marine life, which is perfect for diving and snorkeling. There are also verdant mountains and mysterious caves as well as challenging trails for outdoor activities.
Cebu at its Best: The Best Time to Visit?
Cebu is an amazing destination all year round. It offers travelers a perfect mix of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Knowing the best time to travel to Cebu will enhance your experience. You can enjoy ideal weather conditions and less crowds.
Cebu can be visited all year round. Cebu is located in a tropical region where rain is common throughout the year. Cebu is known for its rainy months, which are December and January. March and April are the driest.
High Season
Cebu is busiest during the holiday season and Easter, which runs from December to early-June. Expect more crowds and higher rates at hotels during this period. Cebu’s driest months are March and April.
Low Season
The low season in Cebu is from June to November. During the low season, visitors to Cebu can still enjoy its attractions and activities.
Santo Niño Sinulog Festival
The Santo Niño Sinulog Festival in Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January, which is typically during the high season for tourism in the province. The festival is one the Philippines’ most important and grandest events, attracting visitors from around the world and all over the Philippines.
The festival is marked by colorful parades, processions and street dancing where participants wear traditional clothing and dance to drum beats. The Sinulog dance, which is the highlight of the festival, is a two-steps-forward, one-step-backward movement that represents the flow of the current in the Pahina River, where the Santo Niño was found.
The festival is one of the most popular and largest festivals in the Philippines. It attracts visitors from all over the Philippines, and even around the world. In addition to religious and culture activities, the festival features a variety concerts, food fairs and other fun events.
Typhoon Season
Cebu’s typhoon seasons last from June to December. The most frequent storms occur between August and Oktober. Cebu is not as frequently affected by typhoons as other parts of the Philippines. However, heavy rains and strong wind can still affect travel plans. It is best to monitor the weather and plan accordingly in these months.
Best time for diving
Cebu offers diving all year round, but the best conditions tend to be from March to June when the seas calm, visibility is good, and the weather is mostly dry.
Even though the rainy season (June-November) is a good time to dive, it can be rough at times and visibility may be reduced.
December to February bring cooler water temperatures and slightly choppy seas. However, it is still a good season to dive, particularly for spotting marine life.
Où séjourner
There are many hotels on Mactan Island as well as Cebu City to suit different budgets. The central business district in Cebu City is a popular location for hotels, as it is near shopping centers and entertainment areas. Uptown, meanwhile, offers a quieter, more upscale environment. In Mactan Island most of the hotels are located along Mactan’s coastline. These hotels offer stunning ocean views, and easy access the beach.
It is ultimately up to you and your travel plans to decide which hotel will be most convenient. Mactan Island is a good choice if you want to be near the airport and the beach. Cebu City is a good option if you want to be right in the middle of the city.
Cebu Scuba Diving
When it comes to scuba diving in Cebu, the island offers an incredible range of dive sites—from hidden gems to world-famous underwater experiences. Cebu offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced diver or a novice looking for vibrant marine life.
Malapascua Island
Malapascua, Cebu’s premier dive destination, is one of only a few places where you can dive year-round with threshers. Divers will want to visit Malapascua for this once-in-a lifetime experience.
Moalboal
A must-visit for anyone scuba diving in Cebu, Moalboal is famous for its phenomenal sardine run—millions of sardines swirling just a few meters from shore. Divers from around the globe flock to this incredible experience.
Hilutongan Island
Hilutongan offers some of the best diving in Cebu, with its dense fish populations, resident turtles and schools of trevallys, snappers and jacks. The crystal-clear water and colorful coral landscapes make for a truly magical diving experience.
Oslob
Oslob is world-renowned for diving and snorkeling with whale sharks—the gentle giants of the sea. Oslob’s feeding practices are controversial among purists, but many divers choose it for the close-up and breathtaking shark encounters. Divers can also explore coral reefs and macrolife at nearby dive sites.
Talima, Olango Island
Talima is a beautiful dive site that’s a short boat trip from Mactan and Cebu City. It offers colorful corals and diverse marine life. Both experienced and novice divers will find it a rewarding dive site.
Nalusuan Island
Nalusuan is an artificial island that lies within a marine protection area. It offers stunning coral gardens and a vibrant shallow coral reef. It’s a popular dive destination because of its rich biodiversity.
Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is often overlooked but offers a peaceful retreat and surprisingly healthy coral garden waiting to be explored. Its calm waters, off-the-beaten path charm and tranquil waters make it an ideal choice for divers seeking to avoid the crowds.
