Winter in Cebu skips snow and freezing air entirely. Instead, you’ll find warm days and mild nights, all wrapped up in a tropical vibe that feels worlds away from cold winters elsewhere.
Daytime temperatures usually stick to the upper 20s Celsius (low to mid-80s Fahrenheit), and nights only cool off a bit. This makes winter one of the most comfortable times to relax in the city or along the coast.
Rain still shows up during this season, but it tends to be lighter than in the rainier months. You’ll spot a mix of sunny breaks and cloudy patches, with a few rainy days in December and January before things dry out by February.
The sea stays warm enough for swimming, and daylight hours don’t change much, so there’s plenty of time to get outside.
With steady warmth, manageable rainfall, and inviting sea temperatures, Cebu’s winter climate feels balanced and easygoing. You can explore the city, head to nearby beaches, or plan outdoor adventures without much fuss.
Overview of Winter Weather in Cebu
Winter in Cebu brings warm temperatures, steady humidity, and a slow shift from wetter to drier weather. You’ll notice consistent warmth day and night, with just small changes in daylight and wind as the season moves along.
Key Characteristics of Cebu’s Winter Climate
During winter, daily high temperatures in Cebu average around 85°F (29°C), and lows hover near 75–76°F (24°C). There’s not much of a temperature swing, so even the coolest days feel comfortable by tropical standards.
Humidity stays high, and muggy conditions are the norm almost every day. Dew points rarely drop enough to feel dry, so you’ll notice the humidity whether you’re inside or out.
Rainfall drops off as the season goes on. At winter’s start, Cebu averages about 4.4 inches per month, but by late February, it’s closer to 2.2 inches. January and February feel noticeably drier than late autumn.
Winds slowly pick up through the season, averaging 10–12 mph, most often from the east. This steady breeze helps cut through the humidity and makes being outside more pleasant.
| Factor | Typical Range (Winter) |
|---|---|
| High Temp | 81–89°F (27–32°C) |
| Low Temp | 73–79°F (23–26°C) |
| Rainfall | 2–4 inches per month |
| Wind Speed | 10–12 mph |
| Water Temp | 81–83°F (27–28°C) |
Seasonal Patterns and Duration
Cebu’s winter runs from December through February. You won’t find cold snaps or frost here, just subtle changes in rainfall, cloud cover, and daylight.
Early December often brings cloudy skies, with overcast days topping 80%. By late February, cloud cover drops to about 60%, so you’ll see more sunshine.
Daylight slowly grows longer as winter moves forward. December days last about 11 hours and 30 minutes, and by late February, you get almost 25 extra minutes of light. Sunrises happen around 5:50–6:05 AM, and sunsets fall between 5:20–5:55 PM.
Sea surface temperatures stay warm, from 83°F in early December to 81°F in February. Swimming and water activities stay comfortable all season.
Wind patterns shift a bit too, with January bringing the strongest breezes. These easterly winds are steady, not wild, so sailing and coastal trips usually go smoothly.
Average Winter Temperatures in Cebu
Winter in Cebu never gets cold like temperate places. You’ll experience warm and humid weather with barely any difference between day and night. Temperatures stay steady, making Cebu one of the most consistent climates in the Philippines.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During the day, average highs sit around 84–85°F (29°C). It hardly ever climbs above 89°F (32°C) in winter. The warmest hours feel pretty steady, with no big swings.
At night, temperatures only dip to about 75–77°F (24–25°C). It’s rare for it to fall below 73°F (23°C). Evenings stay warm and humid, so you can leave the heavy clothes at home.
The small difference between day and night temps makes Cebu’s winter feel stable. Unlike places that cool off sharply after sunset, you’ll just notice a mild drop.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Winter in Cebu stretches from December through February, but each month feels pretty similar temperature-wise.
- December: Highs average 84°F (29°C), lows around 78°F (26°C).
- January: Highs average 85°F (29°C), lows near 75°F (24°C). This is usually the coolest month.
- February: Highs average 85–86°F (29–30°C), lows around 76°F (24°C).
January tends to have the coolest daily averages, with highs near 85°F (29°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C). By late February, you might notice a slight warming trend as the dry season takes over.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to the hot season in April and May, winter feels a bit cooler and less intense. May often sees highs hit 90°F (32°C), which is warmer than January by several degrees.
If you compare winter to the rainy season, the temperature shift isn’t dramatic—it’s the rainfall that really changes. From June to October, temperatures still average 85–89°F (29–32°C), but cloud cover and humidity climb higher.
Winter brings the most comfortable balance, with steady warmth, less rain, and fewer chances of extreme heat. It’s a favorite time for outdoor fun and travel.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Winter
Cebu’s winter months bring less rain than the wetter half of the year. Showers still pop up, but totals are lower, rainy days are fewer, and humidity stays high but feels just a bit more manageable than during the monsoon.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Winter rainfall in Cebu is much lighter than what you’ll see from June through October. December averages about 230 mm of rain, making it the wettest winter month. In January, totals drop to around 150–170 mm, and February comes in at 100–120 mm.
You’ll still get rain, but it’s less intense and doesn’t last as long as in late summer or early fall. Showers often arrive in the afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clearer.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~230 mm |
| January | ~160 mm |
| February | ~110 mm |
These amounts keep the landscape green but don’t usually get in the way of outdoor plans.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days taper off as winter goes on. December typically brings about 14 days with measurable rain. By January, it drops to 10–11 days, and February averages just 7–8 days.
You’ll want to plan for occasional showers, but long, soaking rains are rare. Most rain comes in short bursts instead of all-day downpours. That makes it easier to squeeze in sightseeing, island hopping, or whatever’s on your list.
Weather can shift between coastal and inland spots. Coastal Cebu often gets shorter showers, while upland areas might hang onto clouds a bit longer.
Humidity Levels
Humidity sticks around in Cebu all year thanks to its tropical setting. In winter, relative humidity usually runs 75% to 85%. That’s still muggy, but it’s not as overwhelming as the rainy season, when levels often top 85–90%.
The mix of warmth and humidity might make you feel sticky, especially in the afternoons. Light clothes, lots of water, and taking a break indoors during peak heat can help you stay comfortable.
Even with less rain in winter, humidity is always part of the equation in Cebu.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Cebu’s winter skies often start out cloudy, then gradually clear up as the season goes on. Early winter brings more overcast days, but you’ll see brighter skies and more sunshine by February.
Cloudiness Patterns in Winter
Cloud cover is pretty common in December, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 80% of the time. As winter rolls forward, that drops to around 60% by late February, so you’ll notice more clear days.
The clearest days usually pop up near the end of February, when you’re more likely to catch partly cloudy or mostly clear conditions. December, on the other hand, feels grayer and more humid, with only a few breaks in the clouds.
If you’re planning things outside, January is a bit of a mixed bag—some cloudy days, but also a few stretches of better visibility. Late winter tends to be the sweet spot if you want less cloud cover.
Average Daily Sunshine
Sunshine hours in Cebu tick upward as winter goes on. December brings about 11 hours and 30 minutes of daylight, and by late February, you get close to 11 hours and 55 minutes.
How much actual sunshine you see depends on the clouds, of course. On average, Cebu gets about 8 to 9 hours of sun per day in winter, with February usually being the sunniest.
The earliest sunsets come in early December, around 5:20 PM, and the latest in late February, closer to 5:55 PM. That little stretch of extra daylight gives you more time for sightseeing, beach trips, or whatever else you feel like doing outside.
Wind, Sea Temperatures, and Other Climate Factors
In Cebu’s winter, you’ll notice steady warm sea temps, light to moderate breezes, and only minor changes in daylight. These details shape how comfy it feels outside and how good the weather is for land and water activities.
Average Wind Speeds
The northeast monsoon or Amihan shapes Cebu’s winter winds. This seasonal breeze brings in cooler, drier air from the Asian continent. You’ll feel steady breezes, but nothing too wild.
Average wind speeds range between 10 to 15 kilometers per hour (6–9 mph). Sometimes gusts pick up a bit, especially along the coast or in open spots. These winds help take the edge off the humidity, so the warmth doesn’t feel quite as sticky.
For visitors, the breeze is just strong enough to cool you off during the day but rarely messes with your plans. Outdoor activities—walking, sightseeing, or even dining by the shore—stay pleasant. If you’re thinking about sailing or island-hopping, the moderate wind usually means smooth sailing without rough seas.
Sea Water Temperatures
The sea around Cebu stays warm all year, even in winter. Water temperatures usually range from 26.5°C (80°F) to 28°C (82°F), which feels perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
You probably won’t need a wetsuit, since the water feels mild and inviting. The warm sea draws in marine life, so divers can expect good visibility and plenty to see underwater.
Rainfall drops during these months, so the sea gets calmer and clearer. People find it easier to enjoy beach activities around Mactan Island, Moalboal, or the smaller islands nearby.
Most water sports remain safe in these conditions, but it’s still smart to check local forecasts for any sudden monsoon swells.
Day Length and Sunlight
Cebu doesn’t see much change in daylight hours, thanks to its spot near the equator. During winter, you’ll get about 11.5 to 11.7 hours of daylight every day.
Sunrise comes around 6:00 AM, and sunset usually happens between 5:30 and 5:45 PM. That gives you a good window for outdoor plans, with hardly any seasonal shift.
On average, Cebu gets 5 to 6 hours of bright sunshine per day this time of year. Skies clear up more often compared to the rainy season, with lighter cloud cover.
You’ll notice more consistent natural light, which is great for sightseeing, taking photos, or just hanging out outside.
Travel Considerations for Winter in Cebu
Cebu’s winter brings warm weather, high humidity, and much less rain than the wet season. Daytime highs usually hit 29–32°C (84–89°F), while nights cool down to 23–25°C (73–77°F).
These temperatures affect what you can do outside and what you might want to pack.
Best Activities for the Season
You can enjoy outdoor activities without much worry during Cebu’s winter, since heavy rains rarely get in the way. Beaches like Mactan and Moalboal stay calm, so swimming, diving, and snorkeling are all solid picks.
Hiking trails in the central highlands open up more this time of year. Cooler nights make treks to Osmeña Peak or the mountain ranges nearby more comfortable than during the hotter months.
City exploring gets easier too. Walking around historic sites such as Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, or the Basilica del Santo Niño feels less exhausting when humidity drops and rain lets up.
If you’re into festivals, winter lines up with Cebu’s dry season. That means you’ll catch cultural events and street celebrations without much worry about the weather. It’s a great time to mix sightseeing with local traditions.
Packing Tips for Visitors
Pack light clothing made from breathable fabrics, since Cebu’s temperature stays warm—even in winter. Short sleeves, shorts, and dresses work well for daytime.
You might want to toss in a light jacket or sweater, especially if you’ll visit higher elevations. Evenings can surprise you with a little chill.
Definitely bring sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The sun here feels relentless, and UV exposure stays high, even when it looks a bit cloudy.
If you’re heading to the coast, sandals or water shoes are a must. But if hiking’s on your list, don’t forget sturdy walking shoes.
Rain can pop up out of nowhere, so an umbrella or compact raincoat comes in handy.
You’ll also need insect repellent for both city streets and rural spots. Mosquitoes thrive in the humidity, especially near water or at dusk.
These small items can make your trip a lot more comfortable, and honestly, you’ll be glad you packed them.