Cool Weather Weekend in Baguio
Part of the Baguio travel guide — see every topic in All Baguio Guides.
Baguio sits in the mountains of northern Luzon, about 1,500 metres above sea level. It is much cooler than Manila, so many Filipinos call it the Summer Capital of the Philippines. People come for the pine trees, the fresh air and the chance to wear a jacket. This guide covers the weather, the best time to go, how to get there and easy ways to spend a weekend.
Why it feels so cool
Because of its height, Baguio is often ten degrees or more cooler than the lowlands. Days are usually mild and pleasant. Nights can be cold, especially from December to February, when temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees or lower. Many hotels and homes have no air conditioning because they do not need it. Bring a light jacket or sweater at any time of year, and a warmer layer for winter nights. Fog is common in the late afternoon, and it can roll in quickly over the hills.
When to go
The dry season, from about November to May, is the best time to visit. The skies are clearer and the roads are safer. February is busy because of the Panagbenga Flower Festival, with street dancing and flower floats. March to May is the local summer holiday, so hotels fill up and traffic is heavy, especially at weekends and during Holy Week. The rainy season runs from about June to October. Typhoons can bring heavy rain and landslides on mountain roads, so check the weather before you travel.
Getting there
Most visitors come by bus from Manila. Several companies run buses many times a day, including comfortable deluxe buses with fewer seats. The trip usually takes about four to six hours, depending on traffic. The last part of the trip climbs up a mountain road with many curves, so take something for motion sickness if you need it. Driving is also possible, but parking in the city centre is hard to find. Buy bus tickets online or at the terminal a few days ahead for weekends and holidays.
Parks and green spaces
Burnham Park is in the centre of the city, at the bottom of Session Road. It has a lake with rowing boats, bicycle rentals for children and wide paths for walking. The Baguio Botanical Garden and Wright Park are a short taxi ride away. Mines View Park has a viewpoint over the mountains of Benguet, and it is busy with souvenir stalls. Camp John Hay has pine forest, walking trails and quiet cafés. Go early in the morning for the freshest air and the fewest people.
Getting around
The centre of Baguio is small enough to walk, but it is very hilly, so wear good shoes. Taxis are cheap and easy to find, and most use a meter. Jeepneys run on fixed routes and cost very little, but the routes can be hard for visitors to understand. Traffic is heavy at weekends and during holidays, and the city has a number-coding scheme for cars on some days. For short trips in the centre, walking is often faster than a taxi.
Cool Weather Weekend at a glance
| Getting there | Bus from Manila, about 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic |
|---|---|
| Climate | Mild days and cool nights; coldest from December to February |
| Cost | Mid-range; hotels cost more at weekends and in holiday season |
| Best time | November to May; February for the flower festival |
| Bring | A jacket, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella |