Siargao Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit & What to Pack

# Siargao Weather Guide: Best Time to Visit & What to Pack

Tropical paradise comes with tropical weather! Here's everything you need to know about Siargao's climate to plan the perfect scooter adventure.

## Siargao's Seasons Explained

### Dry Season (March - October) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

**Best months:** March, April, May, September, October

**Weather:**
- Sunny days (80-90%)
- Minimal rain
- Light winds
- Calm seas
- Temperature: 27-32°C (80-90°F)
- Humidity: 70-80%

**Perfect for:**
- Beach hopping
- Long scooter rides
- Island hopping
- Photography
- First-time visitors

**Crowd levels:**
- March-May: Peak season (crowded)
- September-October: Best value (less crowded, great weather)

### Wet Season (November - February)

**Weather:**
- Frequent rain showers
- Strong winds (especially December-January)
- Rough seas
- Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
- Humidity: 80-90%

**Rain patterns:**
- Short bursts (20-30 minutes)
- Usually afternoon/evening
- Can still have sunny mornings

**Perfect for:**
- Budget travelers (lower prices)
- Surfing (bigger waves)
- Fewer crowds
- Digital nomads

**Challenges:**
- Roads can be muddy
- Some tours canceled
- Limited island hopping

## Month-by-Month Breakdown

### January
- **Weather:** Cooler, occasional rain
- **Crowds:** Moderate
- **Surfing:** Good waves
- **Scooter touring:** Possible, watch for rain
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐

### February
- **Weather:** Transitioning to dry
- **Crowds:** Low
- **Surfing:** Good
- **Scooter touring:** Improving
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐

### March ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **Weather:** Perfect!
- **Crowds:** Increasing
- **Surfing:** Good
- **Scooter touring:** Ideal conditions
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

### April ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **Weather:** Hot and sunny
- **Crowds:** Peak
- **Surfing:** Great
- **Scooter touring:** Perfect
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

### May
- **Weather:** Very hot and sunny
- **Crowds:** Peak
- **Surfing:** Excellent
- **Scooter touring:** Perfect (hydrate!)
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

### June
- **Weather:** Hot, occasional rain starts
- **Crowds:** Moderate
- **Surfing:** Very good
- **Scooter touring:** Good, early mornings best
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐

### July
- **Weather:** Mixed, more rain
- **Crowds:** Low
- **Surfing:** Can be excellent
- **Scooter touring:** Doable, waterproof gear needed
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐

### August
- **Weather:** Rainy season
- **Crowds:** Low
- **Surfing:** Varies
- **Scooter touring:** Challenging
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐

### September ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **Weather:** Improving, less rain
- **Crowds:** Low (best value!)
- **Surfing:** Good
- **Scooter touring:** Excellent
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

### October ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **Weather:** Beautiful
- **Crowds:** Increasing
- **Surfing:** Great
- **Scooter touring:** Perfect
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

### November
- **Weather:** Transitioning to wet
- **Crowds:** Moderate
- **Surfing:** Good
- **Scooter touring:** Good mornings
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐

### December
- **Weather:** Rainy, can be stormy
- **Crowds:** Holiday rush
- **Surfing:** Big waves
- **Scooter touring:** Difficult
- **Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐

## What to Pack for Scooter Touring

### Essential Gear

**Sun Protection (CRITICAL!)**
- ⭐ Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe)
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses (polarized)
- Long-sleeve rashguard
- Face mask/bandana (dust protection)

**Rain Protection**
- Light rain jacket
- Waterproof bag (20L)
- Poncho (folds small)
- Ziplock bags (for phone/wallet)

**Clothing for Riding**
- Closed-toe shoes (sneakers, not flip-flops!)
- Light long pants (protects from sun/bugs)
- Breathable shirts
- Light jacket (evening rides)

**Safety & Comfort**
- Small first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues/wet wipes
- Reusable water bottle (1L)

### Beach Day Additions
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel (quick-dry)
- Snorkel gear (optional)
- Waterproof phone case
- Change of clothes

### Tech Essentials
- Phone charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- GoPro/action camera (optional)
- Universal adapter

## Riding in Different Weather Conditions

### Sunny Days (Most Common)

**Best practices:**
1. Start early (7-9 AM) - cooler temps
2. Take breaks in shade every hour
3. Drink water constantly
4. Apply sunscreen before riding
5. Reapply sunscreen after swimming

**Hydration schedule:**
- Drink 250ml every 30 minutes
- More if actively riding
- Coconut water is great!

### Light Rain

**Safe to ride if:**
- Light drizzle only
- Good visibility
- Roads aren't flooded

**Tips:**
1. Slow down significantly
2. Brake earlier and gentler
3. Avoid painted lines (slippery!)
4. Watch for oil on roads
5. Use raincoat or poncho

### Heavy Rain - DO NOT RIDE!

**Dangers:**
- Zero visibility
- Extremely slippery roads
- Risk of flooding
- Lightning risk
- High accident rate

**What to do:**
- Find shelter immediately
- Wait it out (usually 20-30 min)
- Have coffee at a cafe
- Check weather radar
- Don't rush

### Windy Days

**Riding tips:**
- Lower speed
- Grip handlebars firmly
- Lean into wind slightly
- Be extra careful on bridges
- Watch for debris

## Weather Apps & Resources

**Essential Apps:**
1. **Windy.com** - Most accurate for Siargao
2. **AccuWeather** - Good hourly forecasts
3. **Google Weather** - Quick check
4. **Tidal App** - For beach planning

**Local weather signs:**
- Dark clouds from east = rain coming
- Strong morning wind = stormy afternoon
- Red sky at dawn = rough day ahead
- Calm seas with clouds = rain soon

## Safety Tips by Season

### Dry Season (Mar-Oct)

**Risks:**
- Dehydration
- Sunburn
- Heat exhaustion

**Prevention:**
- Drink before you're thirsty
- Wear sunscreen
- Take regular breaks
- Start early

### Wet Season (Nov-Feb)

**Risks:**
- Slippery roads
- Flooding
- Poor visibility
- Muddy paths

**Prevention:**
- Check weather before riding
- Avoid riding in rain
- Have waterproof gear
- Know safe shelter spots

## Best Times of Day for Riding

**7-9 AM:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Coolest temperature
- Best light for photos
- Minimal traffic
- Fresh and energized

**9 AM-12 PM:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Good weather
- More traffic
- Getting hot
- Hydrate!

**12-3 PM:** ⭐⭐
- Hottest time (avoid if possible)
- Take siesta/swim
- Seek shade
- Not ideal for riding

**3-6 PM:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cooling down
- Beautiful light
- Sunset tours
- Less crowded

**After 6 PM:** ⭐⭐
- Limited visibility
- Headlight required
- Watch for potholes
- Only if necessary

## Packing List by Duration

### Weekend Trip (2-3 days)
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 shorts/pants
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 light jacket
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Rain poncho
- Toiletries

### Week-Long Stay (7 days)
- 5-6 shirts (quick-dry)
- 3 shorts, 2 pants
- 2 swimsuits
- Beach towel
- Full rain gear
- First aid kit
- Insect repellent
- More sunscreen!

### Extended Stay (2+ weeks)
- Mix & match wardrobe
- Do laundry (available everywhere)
- Buy what you forget (stores available)
- Consider leaving extra items

## Weather Emergency Contacts

**In case of severe weather:**
- Palm Riders: +63 945 701 4440
- Siargao Police: 138
- Municipal Hall: Check local postings
- Your accommodation

## Final Weather Tips

1. **Check forecast daily** - Weather changes quickly
2. **Plan flexible** - Have backup indoor activities
3. **Respect the weather** - Don't ride in bad conditions
4. **Pack smart** - Light and waterproof
5. **Stay informed** - Ask locals about conditions

**Pro tip:** September and October offer the best value - great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices!

Ready to explore Siargao? Book your scooter and start your adventure! ☀️🏍️