3 Summer Destinations in the Philippines for Cooling Off

written on May 24th, 2016 by Rafia Abubakar

Is it just me or is this year’s summer in The Philippines extra hot? We may be more than halfway through the summer season, yet it’s forecasted that temperatures will rise even higher towards the end of the month. With the El Nino not helping, everyone is looking for an escape from the heat.

If only we could change the weather. I have never obsessed about monitoring the weather and temperature as much as I did in the last few months.

Fortunately, The Philippines though being a tropical country has a few cold spots. No need to go abroad for a cooler climate. Visit some of these summer destinations to cool off:

1.) Baguio City

Average temperature from 15 to 23 °C (59 to 73 °F) all year round, and goes even lower during the colder months from November to February.

Baguio has long been dubbed “The Summer Capital of The Philippines”. Enclosed at the mountainous terrain of Benguet Province, and at 1,540 meters (5,050 feet) above sea level, Baguio boasts a natural and chilly landscape. Because of the climate, the city is conducive for produce that thrive well in the cold such as strawberries, roses, and orchids to name a few.

The city has a small town charm with remnants of the American occupation in the early 1900’s, found in street names and architecture. If you fancy the experience of mountain top living

Popular places to see:
● Burnham Park
● Camp John Hay
● Mines View Park
● Strawberry Farms
● Thrift Shops along Session Road.

2.) Sagada

Average temperature from 15 to 23 °C (59 to 73 °F). Similar to the cold climate of Baguio.

Going further up north from Baguio, and into cooler mountainous regions. Sagada is found in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. Nestling in a valley between mountains, Sagada is the place to be if you want to feel the chilly breeze and do fun outdoor activities or just kick back and relax. Enjoy a view of beautiful mountains in its most natural beauty.

Popular activities to do:
● Trekking.
● Exploring caves and waterfalls.
● Spelunking.
● Visit the Hanging Burial sites.

3.) Tagaytay

Average temperature 24 °C (75 °F). Having a more moderate climate. In the higher elevated areas temperatures can go as low as 18 °C.

Going way south this time from Baguio and Sagada, we find the City of Tagaytay in Cavite. The city has a more moderate climate, with less humidity and more rainfall. Making the city misty and chilly. It usually has rainy weather the rest of the year apart from its dry season which is from November to April. Tagaytay is said to be the second Summer Capital of the Philippine, providing relief from the humidity of the metro cities nearby.

Tagaytay’s climate has also made it popular for retreats, summer houses and honeymoons.

Popular tourist destinations:
● Taal Lake / Taal Volcano, in nearby city, Batangas.
● Sky Ranch Amusement Park/
● People’s Park in the Sky.
● Picnic Grove Complex.

The Philippines certainly is an archipelago of diversity. Even in this seemingly year long humid and tropical country, pockets of cold weather cities and towns co-exist.

Just looking through photos of the places above, it’s like you can almost feel the cold breeze. So if you’re still planning a last summer trip, or want a different kind of summer destination, pack a jacket this time.