Best Time to Visit Camiguin
Camiguin: The Island of Fire Awaits Your Exploration
Camiguin, known as the ‘Island of Fire,’ is a hidden paradise in the Philippines waiting to be explored. With majestic volcanoes, pristine beaches, and hot springs, it offers a unique experience away from the more popular and crowded spots in the Philippines.
The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for: whether it’s hiking up its volcanoes, enjoying its famous Lanzones Festival, or simply savoring the tranquility of this beautiful island. This guide will help you decide the perfect time to immerse yourself in everything Camiguin has to offer.
Quick Facts About Camiguin:
– Surface Area: 240 square kilometers
– Highest Point: 1,630 meters
– Language: Visayan
– Population: 100,000 inhabitants
– Hospitals: Only one, basic
– Temperature: Constant throughout the year, averaging between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius at sea level. Temperature drops significantly when climbing the volcanoes.
– Humidity: Very high
How to Get to Camiguin
Camiguin has an airport and three seaports that connect the island with other destinations.
Arriving in Camiguin by Plane:
Camiguin Airport is located in Mambajao, near most accommodations on the island.
Currently, you can reach Camiguin from Cebu and Manila:
- Cebu: Daily flights with Cebu Pacific Airlines
- Manila: There are no direct flights at the moment
As always, we recommend checking for the latest travel information by contacting the airlines or your travel agent.
Arriving in Camiguin by Boat:
Camiguin has three ports that receive boats from other islands: Benoni, Balbagon, and Guinsiliban.
If you travel from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin, you will need to take transport to the port of Balingoan. The boat from there arrives at the port of Benoni in Camiguin, and from there, you can take transport to your accommodation. The total travel duration is about 6 hours.
You can also travel from Bohol to Camiguin. Currently, there is a daily boat operated by Super Shuttle that connects the port of Jagna in Bohol with the port of Balbagon in Camiguin, taking 4 hours.
Best Months to Travel to Camiguin
Below you will find a table with the historical monthly rainfall in Camiguin. However, we could divide the best months into the dry season from January to April and the best months for the low season, where everything is more peaceful and nature is at its peak, from May to October.
Best Time to Visit Camiguin Based on Climate:
The temperature in Camiguin is very consistent, averaging between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It is an island where, although it doesn’t rain continuously, intermittent rain is common for most of the year, except during the dry season from February to May.
Rainy Season in Camiguin
Here is a table with the historical rainfall in Camiguin. Remember, this is only historical data and does not imply the weather forecast for your trip.
We have colored the months based on our experience in three colors:
- Green: Rain in the form of quick thunderstorms, generally in the evening and of short duration
- Orange: It could rain more than expected and for longer periods
- Red: We do not consider any month extremely bad for visiting Camiguin.
| Month | Days of rain | Rainfall average (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13 | 167 |
| Feb | 9 | 127 |
| Mar | 8 | 74 |
| Apr | 7 | 56 |
| May | 9 | 74 |
| Jun | 13 | 135 |
| Jul | 14 | 140 |
| Aug | 12 | 117 |
| Sep | 13 | 130 |
| Oct | 15 | 145 |
| Nov | 13 | 148 |
| Dec | 14 | 163 |
How Wind Affects Camiguin
From November to April, Camiguin experiences its windiest months. This can affect boat travel to and from the island, as well as diving excursions or trips to nearby Mantigue Island or the White Island sandbar.
High Tourist Season in Camiguin
Besides Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Holy Week, you should also consider the third week of October when Camiguin celebrates the Lanzones Festival. We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance if your travel dates coincide with this colorful event.
What to Do During Your Visit to Camiguin
Camiguin is the island with the most volcanoes per square kilometer in the world, but it also has many other attractions to explore.
Diving and Snorkeling in Camiguin
Have you ever dived among giant clams and manta rays? In Camiguin, if you are a certified diver or want to experience a “discover scuba diving” program, any of the island’s dive centers can arrange an excursion for you.
Camiguin has a beautiful coral reef that you should not miss on your trip. You can also snorkel, visiting the underwater cemetery or Mantigue Island’s underwater gardens.
Trekking in Camiguin
Hiking up the volcanoes is possible, and it is recommended to do so with a local guide.
– Hard Trekking: If you are fit, climbing Mount Hibok-Hibok is a must-do.
– Easy Trekking: Walking through gardens and villages, there is a trail that goes up the old volcano, offering beautiful views and an immersive experience in local daily life.
Top 15 Places to Visit in Camiguin
Here is a list of the main tourist attractions in Camiguin, along with a brief explanation of each!
- White Island: A stunning sandbar that changes shape with the tides. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling at sunset.
- The Sunken Cemetery: A submerged cemetery that serves as a reminder of Camiguin’s volcanic history and offers excellent snorkeling.
- Mantigue Island: An island with lush jungle at its core, surrounded by white sand beaches, famous for its coral gardens and marine ecosystem.
- Mount Hibok-Hibok: A popular destination for trekking enthusiasts, with trails through tropical rainforest and panoramic views from the summit.
- Katibawasan Falls: A 75-meter-high waterfall surrounded by lush flora, perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Ardent Hot Springs: A volcanic hot spring complex with pools of different temperatures, ideal for relaxing in the evening.
- Tuasan Falls: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by vegetation and moss-covered rocks, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
- Binangawan Falls: A challenging but rewarding hike, famous for the rainbow that forms in the mist.
- Santo Niño Cold Spring: A large spring-fed pool, slightly cold, perfect for cooling off during the hottest hours of the day.
- Taguines Lagoon: An artificial lake offering various water sports such as fishing, kayaking, or zip-lining, and a good spot for a meal.
- The Old Volcano: A paved trail in some sections with a Via Crucis that ends with panoramic views at the top.
- Mount Mambajao: The highest point on the island, known for its biodiversity, mossy forest, and open landscapes.
- Kabila White Beach: Known for its giant clam sanctuary, a vulnerable species conserved on this beach.
- Gui-ob Ruins: The ruins of a 16th-century church destroyed by a volcanic eruption, a site of historical and cultural significance.
- Bura Soda Water Park: A unique pool fed by a spring with water that surprisingly resembles soda water.