Best Time to Visit Siargao
Siargao, the Emerald Jewel of the Philippines
Siargao, the emerald jewel of the Philippines, is an idyllic destination for surf lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation. This Siargao guide will take you through the perfect waves of Cloud 9 with the information you need to know about must-visit spots. We’ll also explore lesser-known corners of the island so you can tailor your experience to your liking.
Before anything else, here are some facts to give you an idea of what the island is like:
- Area: 437 square kilometers
- Highest Point: 158 meters above sea level
- Language: Visaya
- Population: 210,000 inhabitants
- Hospitals: Very deficient
- Temperature: Consistent throughout the year between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius
- Humidity: Very high
How to Get to Siargao
There are several alternatives to get to Siargao depending on your location. Here, we summarize the most common ones:
Arriving in Siargao by Plane:
For travelers heading to the paradise island of Siargao, Cebu Pacific, Skyjet, and Philippine Airlines are the main options offering flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, or Davao airports.
From the capital, Manila, the flight to Siargao takes a little over 2 hours, and from Cebu, about 70 minutes.
As for the cost, flight prices can fluctuate depending on various factors, including the airline, travel season, and how early you book the flight. However, to give you an idea, a flight from Manila to Siargao can cost around 175 euros and from Cebu about 70 euros. Check the most updated information directly with the airlines or through a reliable flight search engine or their websites.
Arriving in Siargao by Ferry:
Although this option exists, it is the slowest and most expensive. We only recommend it if you have to make a last-minute change to your trip. In that case, it is advisable because airlines increase flight prices as the departure date approaches, and if you have to buy a flight a few days before, that flight can cost ten times more than if bought in advance.
There are several companies that make this journey, but the most reliable is Cokaliong Shipping, which departs daily from terminal 1 of Cebu port at 7 PM and arrives in Surigao, where you can take another ferry with a duration of 3 hours that finally brings you to Siargao.
Best Time to Visit Siargao
If you’re wondering whether your travel dates are a good time to include Siargao, this study we conducted will be very useful. To create it, we included not only our knowledge but also historical data on precipitation and other factors such as surfing seasons, etc.
Best Time to Travel to Siargao According to the Weather:
Several factors need to be considered if the weather is important to your trip, such as rain, typhoons, temperature, and humidity. The last two remain constant, with an average temperature of around 29 degrees throughout the year and humidity above 90% for most of the year.
Rainy Season in Siargao
We created this table so you can have an understanding of Siargao’s historical rainfall.
We also colored the months according to our experience in three colors:
- Green: Rain in the form of quick storms, usually at sunset and short-lived
- Orange: It might rain more than expected and for longer periods
- Red: High chances that your stay in Siargao will be rainy
| Month | Days of rain | Rainfall average (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22 | 416 |
| Feb | 16 | 312 |
| Mar | 15 | 183 |
| Apr | 13 | 122 |
| May | 12 | 102 |
| Jun | 15 | 137 |
| Jul | 16 | 140 |
| Aug | 14 | 114 |
| Sep | 15 | 125 |
| Oct | 19 | 186 |
| Nov | 21 | 292 |
| Dec | 23 | 373 |
Typhoon Season in Siargao
In the Philippines, it’s common to refer to any event bringing wind due to low pressure as a typhoon. However, it’s important to consider that Siargao, due to its location to the east of the Philippines and adjacent to the Pacific, is more exposed than other islands to the effects of low pressure and tropical storms.
Generally, these periods of atmospheric instability last only a few days. During this time, sea activities are canceled, and the airport might also be closed.
The most frequent occurrence of these atmospheric phenomena is from September to January.
Surf Season in Siargao
For those addicted to saltwater, wax, and waves, the best season to enjoy the best barrels in Siargao is from September to November.
Although surfing is possible all year round in Siargao, these three months make Siargao a paradise for surfers.
There are a wide variety of surf spots to choose from, depending on the swell and your skill level.
The 12 Best Surf Spots in Siargao:
1. Cloud 9: This is the famous wave that put the Philippines on the world surf map. It is located right in front of the tourist area of General Luna, with easy access from the beach. However, surfing Cloud 9 is a task only for experts. It’s a short, fast, and super hollow wave that breaks with a huge barrel over an extremely shallow reef.
2. Quiksilver: Known as Cloud 9’s little brother, this surf spot is fast and hollow at take-off but becomes smooth and friendly as you get closer to the beach. It’s usually packed with surfers of all levels.
3. Tuason Point: Located on the other side of Cloud 9, it’s a place for advanced surfers. It’s a steep wave that breaks to the left and creates a very fast barrel. Due to the shallow reef, it’s best to surf here only during high tide.
4. Jacking Horse: This is the ideal spot for beginners. The wave is soft, gentle, and much smaller than other places in the General Luna area. On a good day, you can have long right rides here.
5. Cemetery (Pesangan): This spot is a good option if you want to get away from the crowds. The wave here is fat and gentle, thus working better during low tide. You can ride it both left and right, and it’s quite easy to handle.
6. Rock Island (Pencit Reef): This spot requires a big swell to work. When that swell arrives, this right-hand wave comes to life and produces fast and hollow rides. The wave is very steep and challenging, so only surf it if you think you can handle it.
7. Stimpy’s: To get here, you’ll need to take a boat from General Luna. This wave breaks in deep water and produces long left rides, especially during low tide. With a medium swell, it’s a great wave for intermediate surfers.
8. Pilar: This spot is a paradise for goofy surfers. It will take you approximately 1.5 hours to get here from General Luna, but your reward will be great. Here, you can ride two different left-hand waves over a reef platform. The ride is long and gentle, suitable for any skill level.
9. Daku Reef: To access this spot, you’ll need to take a boat from General Luna to Daku Island. This wave has become very popular due to its beautiful shape and high quality. Additionally, this right-hand wave is gentle and easy to ride, making it suitable for beginners.
10. Pansukian: Further south of Daku, this spot is quite remote, resulting in barely any crowds in the surf line. The wave here is fast, steep, and, on a good day, very long.
11. Giwan: It’s not easy to find this spot, as access is difficult and not signposted. Consequently, it’s best to come here only with a local who knows the place. The wave itself is always smaller than anywhere else, making it a good solution for big days, or simply for practice.
12. Pacifico: Located in the northwest part of Siargao, Pacifico is a world-class wave. Somehow, the waves here are always bigger than anywhere else, and there are almost no crowds in the water. The wave itself is extremely powerful and is best for advanced surfers.
What to Do and See in Siargao
Besides surfing, Siargao offers travelers wonderful places that are well worth visiting. Here’s a list of the most significant ones.
Top 20 Places to Visit in Siargao:
1. Naked Island: A deserted island devoid of vegetation, perfect for enjoying tranquility and natural beauty.
2. Daku Island: With its white sandy beach and coconut trees, it’s the ideal place for a picnic or to practice surfing.
3. Guyam Island: A small paradise island, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
4. Secret Island: Only accessible during low tide, it’s a hidden treasure for adventurers.
5. Sugba Lagoon: A stunning body of water surrounded by mangroves and mountains, ideal for paddleboarding.
6. Magpupungko Rock Pools: Natural pools formed in the rock during low tide, a magical place for swimming.
7. Maasin River: A tranquil river surrounded by palm trees, famous for its rope swing.
8. Coconut Rd. – Maasin: A road lined with coconut trees, perfect for a bike ride.
9. Mountain View: A viewpoint with panoramic views of the island, ideal for photos.
10. Secret Beach: An isolated and quiet beach, perfect for escaping the crowds.
11. Sohoton Cove: A set of caves and crystal-clear lagoons, ideal for snorkeling and exploration.
12. Hagucan Cove: A quiet and serene place, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
13. Jellyfish Sanctuary: A place where you can swim with non-venomous jellyfish, a unique experience.
14. Tiktikan Cove: A quiet and secluded cove, ideal for a day of relaxation.
15. Tiktikan Lake: A tranquil and serene lake, perfect for a day of relaxation.
16. Crystal & Bolitas: Two impressive caves to explore, one with crystal formations and the other with formations that resemble marbles (bolitas).
17. Corregidor Island: An island with green hills and white sandy beaches, ideal for hiking and enjoying the views.
18. Little Batanes View: A viewpoint with panoramic views reminiscent of those in Batanes, known as the “Scotland of the Philippines.”
19. Hill View: A place with panoramic views of the island, perfect for photos.
20. Mam-on Island: A tranquil island with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling.