If you’re planning a trip to Cebu during the fall, you’ll find warm tropical weather mixed with frequent rain showers. Average highs hang around 31°C (88°F), and lows stick close to 25°C (77°F), so the heat doesn’t really let up, even as the rainy season hits its peak.
This mix of warmth and rainfall really shapes how you’ll experience both the city and its beaches.
From September to November, you’ll probably notice heavier rainfall, especially in October, which usually gets the most rain. Even with all that rain, the sea stays warm and inviting.
Daylight hours don’t change much, so you still get plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors when the weather cooperates.
It helps to know what you’re getting into. The humid air, shifting winds, and steady sea warmth mean Cebu’s fall climate has its own set of challenges and perks.
Overview of Cebu’s Fall Climate
Cebu’s fall brings steady warmth, frequent rain showers, and high humidity. The city’s coastal spot and tropical monsoon pattern set the tone for daily weather.
Seasonal shifts in wind and daylight add a bit of variety.
Tropical Monsoon Characteristics
Cebu falls under a tropical monsoon climate (Am), so temperatures stay warm all year, but rainfall changes with the season. During fall, daily highs average about 87–88°F (30–31°C), and lows hover near 77°F (25°C).
You won’t see big swings between day and night, but humidity hangs close to 100% almost daily.
Rain shows up often, with about a 45% chance of rain on any given day. October usually stands out as the wettest month, often reaching 200 mm (7–8 inches) of rain.
Showers come down heavily but usually don’t last long, and you’ll get sunny breaks in between.
Clouds dominate most days, with skies mostly cloudy or overcast more than 80% of the time. Still, you get an average of 11–12 hours of daylight. The days get a bit shorter as fall goes on.
Location and Geography Impact
Cebu City sits on the eastern coast of Cebu Island, right in the Visayas region of the Philippines. Its coastal position and closeness to the Camotes Sea help keep temperatures and rainfall steady.
The ocean keeps the climate stable, so you don’t get wild highs or lows.
Move inland, and you’ll see hills and mountains climbing over 800 meters (2,600 feet). These higher spots trap moisture, which leads to more rain showers.
Closer to the coast, it feels hotter and more humid. Higher up, it’s cooler and breezier.
Urban development changes things too. The city center, packed with buildings and pavement, feels hotter than the countryside.
Nearby farmland and open water offer a bit of a break from the heat.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall in Cebu is wetter and cloudier than the drier months of late winter and early spring. Rainfall stays steady, and dry days are rare.
Compared to summer, temperatures are about the same, but the humidity feels heavier in fall because of all the rain.
The wettest stretch hits in October. By November, there’s a slight improvement in cloud cover.
From January to April, you’ll see fewer rainy days and clearer skies, which makes those months more popular for outdoor plans.
Daylight shifts a bit too. In September, you get around 12 hours of sun. By late November, it drops to just over 11.5 hours. It’s a small change, but you’ll notice it if you’re planning your days.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In Cebu, fall temperatures stay warm and steady, with only minor changes month to month. You can count on consistent daytime heat, mild nights, and not much in the way of extremes compared to other tropical places.
Daytime and Nighttime Ranges
During fall, daytime highs in Cebu usually sit around 87°F (31°C). They rarely go above 91°F or drop below 83°F, so there’s not much variation.
Nights stay mild, averaging 77°F (25°C), and lows almost never dip under 75°F.
This tight range means you’ll feel warm conditions day and night. After sunset, the air keeps its warmth, so evenings stay humid and tropical.
Light clothes work well at any hour, and air conditioning is pretty much a must indoors if you want relief from muggy nights.
Compared to lots of coastal cities, Cebu’s fall temperatures barely budge. That predictability makes it easier to plan outdoor stuff.
Monthly Temperature Trends
September usually feels like the warmest fall month, with highs near 88°F (31°C). By November, highs drop just a bit to about 86°F (30°C).
It’s a small shift, but you might notice slightly cooler afternoons later in the season.
Nighttime lows follow a similar path. Early in fall, they average about 78°F (26°C), then settle down to 76°F (24°C) by late November.
These changes happen gradually, so there’s never a sudden chill.
The steady warmth comes from Cebu’s spot near the equator. Unlike places with four seasons, you won’t see big transitions. The fall months just blend together, temperature-wise.
Notable Highs and Lows
The highest average daily high usually shows up in early September at 88°F (31°C). Sometimes, the daytime reading can hit 91°F, but that’s pretty rare.
The lowest average daily low lands in late November, when nights can dip to 75°F (24°C). Even then, it stays humid, so you never get that crisp, cold feeling.
For comparison, Cebu’s hottest stretch is mid-May, with highs around 90°F (32°C). The coolest time is late January, with highs near 85°F (29°C).
Fall sits comfortably between those, offering steady warmth without big jumps up or down.
Rainfall Patterns and Rainy Days in Fall
Rainfall in Cebu during the fall months is steady and often heavy. October and November usually bring some of the highest totals of the year.
You should expect plenty of wet days, but there are still short sunny breaks between showers.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Cebu climbs as fall moves along. October often sees about 200 mm of rain, making it one of the wettest months.
November usually gets close to 180–200 mm, while September brings around 160–180 mm.
October stands out as the wettest time, with tropical weather systems sometimes adding even more rain. By November, totals stay high but start to ease a little compared to October.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 160–180 mm |
| October | ~200 mm |
| November | 180–200 mm |
So, you’ll often run into wet conditions, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days show up a lot in fall, but not every day is a washout. In October, expect rain on about 15–16 days.
September usually brings 12–14 rainy days, and November sees about 13–15 days.
Rain usually falls in short bursts instead of lasting all day. You might still get a few dry hours between showers.
It’s smart to have an umbrella or raincoat handy if you’ll be outside.
The pattern of rainy days makes fall less predictable than drier months like April. If you’re planning trips outside the city or along the coast, keep your plans flexible.
Seasonal Changes in Rainfall
Fall marks the peak of the wet season in Cebu. Rainfall is higher than in the summer and stays pretty consistent from September to November.
The extra rain comes from the southwest monsoon and sometimes from tropical storms. These systems can bring heavier showers and longer stretches of rain.
By late November, rainfall starts to drop a bit as things shift toward the cooler, drier months. Still, you’ll find wetter days compared to the start of the year.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Cebu’s fall season brings heavy moisture in the air and classic tropical conditions. The air often feels thick, and humidity matters as much as the actual temperature.
Average Relative Humidity
During fall, Cebu’s relative humidity stays high, usually between 80% and 84%. September through November doesn’t change much, but you’ll notice the air feels more saturated than in the drier months.
December is the most humid at about 84%, while April is the driest with an average of 77%. In fall, humidity stays near the top of that range, so you rarely get a break from the dampness.
Humidity, combined with average highs of 29–31°C (84–88°F), creates a muggy feel. Even when it’s not super hot, the high moisture stops sweat from evaporating, making the air feel warmer than the numbers say.
This dampness also affects cloud cover and rainfall. October, for instance, is one of the wettest months, logging around 200 mm of rain over many days. That keeps both the ground and air persistently humid.
Effects on Comfort and Health
You’ll probably feel warmer than the thermometer suggests because high humidity makes it harder for your body to cool off. This can lead to heat stress, especially if you’re outside for a while without shade or water.
Many travelers notice they tire out faster in these conditions. Wearing light, breathable clothes and taking water breaks helps.
Air conditioning or even a fan can make a big difference in comfort.
If you have respiratory issues, the heavy air might feel stifling. High humidity can also lead to more mold indoors, so make sure your accommodations are well ventilated.
On the plus side, the moist air keeps your skin from drying out, which some visitors like compared to drier places. Still, the main thing to deal with is that sticky, heavy feeling that comes with Cebu’s fall weather.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Fall
Cebu gets steady daylight during the fall, but the days slowly get shorter as winter approaches. Sunshine hours stay fairly even, though cloud cover and rain can cut down the bright hours you actually see.
Average Daily Sunshine
You can expect about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in Cebu during fall. Technically, the sun is up for longer, but clouds and rain eat into the number of bright hours you get.
October is the rainiest month, so rainfall often blocks out clear skies. On average, Cebu gets about 200 mm (7.8 in) of rain in October, spread over half the month.
That makes sunshine less dependable compared to September and November.
Still, Cebu gives you enough daylight for outdoor plans. If you want to sightsee or visit islands, mornings usually offer the clearest weather before afternoon showers roll in.
| Month | Avg Sunshine Hours | Notable Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~8 hrs | Warm, humid, fewer storms early in month |
| October | ~7 hrs | Wettest month, frequent afternoon rain |
| November | ~7.5 hrs | Slightly drier, clearer skies late month |
Seasonal Variations in Sunlight
Day length slowly gets shorter as fall moves along. In early September, you’ll see about 12 hours and 19 minutes of daylight. By late November, that drops to 11 hours and 34 minutes. That’s almost 45 minutes lost over the season.
Sunrise shows up somewhere between 5:32 AM and 5:45 AM, depending on the month. Sunset shifts from 5:53 PM in early September to around 5:18 PM by mid-November.
Evenings start getting darker earlier as fall goes on. If you like longer days for getting outside or traveling, September is definitely your best bet. By late November, it just makes sense to do things earlier in the day.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Weather
Cebu’s coastal waters stay warm all through fall. From September to November, there’s only a slight dip in temperature. You can basically swim or try water sports any day you want.
Average Sea Temperature
In September and October, the average sea temperature sits at about 29.4°C (85°F). By November, it drops just a little to around 29.2°C (84.5°F). That tiny change doesn’t really affect how comfortable the water feels.
The warm water matches Cebu’s tropical climate. Even in the cooler months, the ocean almost never falls below 28°C (82°F). So, you can count on stable conditions for snorkeling, diving, or just swimming—no wetsuit needed.
Cebu doesn’t really get those big swings in sea temperature that other places do. The water stays reliably warm, which is honestly a big plus if you’re after predictable swimming conditions.
Best Months for Swimming
If you’re hoping for the warmest water and the longest days, September and October are your best months. The water’s a touch warmer, and daylight lasts about 12.0 to 11.8 hours, so there’s plenty of time to hang out at the beach.
November still works for swimming. Rain falls less often compared to earlier in the season. Cebu averages 9 rainy days in November, while September and October each get about 12. That means clearer skies and fewer interruptions for your plans.
Divers and snorkelers start to see better visibility as the rain lets up toward late fall. You’ll probably notice fewer crowds on the beaches by November too, which is nice if you like a quieter vibe.
Wind Speed and Other Weather Factors
Cebu’s fall weather stays warm and humid. You’ll get lots of clouds and regular rain, but wind conditions don’t really change much. The breeze stays gentle, which honestly helps with comfort when you’re outside.
Typical Wind Speed in Fall
Winds in Cebu during fall usually stay light and steady. Average speeds hover around 2 meters per second (about 7 km/h or 4.5 mph). You’ll feel a gentle air movement—maybe leaves shifting or a light breeze on your face.
Cebu rarely gets those strong wind gusts you’ll find in some other coastal spots. Even during rainy spells, the wind doesn’t really pick up much.
You can expect calm conditions whether you’re right in the city or hanging out by the coast. The steady, mild airflow keeps the air from feeling totally still, even with the humidity. For most people, it’s a pretty manageable setting to be outdoors.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Since the wind stays pretty mild, you can get outside and actually enjoy a lot of activities in the fall. Walking tours or just sitting down for a meal outdoors feels easy, and short hikes don’t get ruined by gusts that make you want to rush back inside.
If you’re thinking about water activities—like island-hopping or snorkeling—the light wind usually keeps the sea calm near the coast. That makes boat rides more predictable, though, let’s be honest, rain showers can still mess with visibility or throw off your plans.
Cycling or jogging gets a boost from the gentle breeze. You won’t have to fight against strong wind, but you’ll still feel a little bit of cool air, which is a relief in Cebu’s warm weather. Most folks find that the wind just makes things easier, not harder.