What to Pack for Philippines: Island Hops, Cities, and Rain
From El Nido boat landings to Manila jeepneys and cool Baguio nights, go light with quick-dry layers, water shoes and a dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, a rain jacket, and a cover-up for churches.
Updated on September 26, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
Days in the Philippines flow from island boats and market strolls to sunset dinners in breezy cafes or Manila malls. You cannot pack for every activity, but you can travel light and look right with breathable staples that handle heat and splash. Build a compact capsule and add one smarter layer.
Style is easygoing yet neat. Locals favor clean lines, airy fabrics and shoes that can walk. Beachwear stays at the beach, and churches and rural villages appreciate covered shoulders and knees. At night a single upgrade piece sharpens the look. Bring a modest cover-up for religious sites.
Tropical heat meets high humidity on the coasts, with days around 77–90°F and UV that bites even under clouds. Mosquitoes are busiest at dusk. From June to November rain arrives fast, and typhoons peak July to October with sudden ferry changes. Highlands like Baguio cool to 54–72°F and feel crisp after dark. Carry a packable rain jacket and a small dry bag.
We start with a beach-to-city capsule built on breathable fabrics and easy colors, then the island-hopping essentials that matter most, from dry bags to sun and mosquito protection. Then come dry-versus-wet season tweaks, activity picks for snorkeling, diving, hikes and city days, what not to pack, and clear notes on boat safety, transport, cash and power.
Part 1: Packing Essentials
Packing List
Adults
Clothing
Essentials
Kids Clothing & Footwear
Kids Essentials & Beach Gear
Infant Clothing & Sleep
Infant Essentials & Health
Day Bag Checklist — Philippines Essentials
What you'll carry for a typical day exploring the city.
Part 2: Style & Weather
Philippines Weather: Tropical Seasons & Tips
Philippines has a tropical maritime climate: coastal lowlands stay warm year-round (77–90°F), highlands cool (54–72°F). Dry season runs Dec–May for beaches and sun; wet season Jun–Nov brings heavy rain and typhoons peaking Jul–Oct. High humidity, strong UV and mosquitoes affect daily travel. Expect microclimates—cool mountains, hot coasts—and sudden downpours that can disrupt boat transfers.
Monthly Temperature Guide
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 86°F | 73°F |
| Feb | 88°F | 73°F |
| Mar | 90°F | 75°F |
| Apr | 91°F | 77°F |
| May | 91°F | 79°F |
| Jun | 90°F | 79°F |
| Jul | 88°F | 77°F |
| Aug | 86°F | 77°F |
| Sep | 86°F | 77°F |
| Oct | 86°F | 75°F |
| Nov | 86°F | 75°F |
| Dec | 84°F | 73°F |
Seasonal Insights
spring
Spring (Mar–May) is hot and humid with coastal 82–93°F; pack quick-dry tees, linen shorts, broad-brim hat, reef-safe SPF and mosquito repellent. Bring a merino layer for cool mountain evenings (54–72°F). Dry bags and water sandals make island hopping easy.
summer
Summer (Jun–Aug) is wet with downpours and humidity around 77–88°F; pack a packable waterproof jacket, dry bag, quick-dry layers and sturdy water sandals. Expect cancelled boat legs during typhoon peak (Jul–Oct). Keep plans flexible.
fall
Fall (Sep–Nov) shifts from stormy to drier; expect coastal 77–86°F with windy, humid zones and occasional showers. Outfit: lightweight shell, quick-dry shirts, thin hoodie for highlands (54–68°F) and non-slip water sandals. Monitor forecasts; keep plans flexible.
winter
Winter (Dec–Feb) is the Philippines' cool dry season: coastal 75–86°F and highlands 54–72°F. Pack breathable cotton/linen, sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen and a thin merino for evenings. Expect low rain but strong UV; boat trips are easier.
Philippines Style Compass: Tropical to Town
Philippine dressing balances high UV, humidity and island practicality with smart-casual city polish. Prioritize quick-dry fabrics, breathable linens and packable waterproofs. Blend beach-ready pieces with modest covers for churches and festivals, and layer merino or light shells for cooler highland mornings around 12–22°C.
The Local Dress Code
Casual coastal wear is common; lightweight, modest clothing is expected at churches and formal events. Avoid overly revealing outfits in rural towns. For upscale restaurants choose smart-casual separates; always carry a light cover-up or scarf for religious sites and air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Light, quick-dry, and versatile: this guide helps you mix breathable fabrics, sun and mosquito protection, and waterproof gear for island-hopping, city nights and cool highland mornings.
Style at a Glance
- • Primary fabrics: quick-dry blends, linen, breathable cotton and merino for highlands
- • Silhouette: loose, breathable fits with smart-casual options for city nights
- • Pack-light: mix-and-match capsule pieces and laundry every 4–7 days
- • Sun & insect focus: broad-brim hats, reef-safe SPF and DEET or picaridin repellent
- • Waterproofing: packable rain jacket and a dry bag for boat transfers
Color Palette
Shopping in the City
Shop for lightweight linens, quick-dry travel pieces and reef-safe sunscreen in cities; buy last-minute swimwear, sarongs and souvenirs near beaches. Prioritize local craftsmanship and practical fabrics over heavy labels.
Brands to Look For
Bench: Popular Filipino label offering affordable tees, linen blends and casual staples — easy to replace items or pick up lightweight layering pieces for city and beach travel. ($ - $$)
Human Nature: Well-known for natural skincare, reef-safe sunscreens and eco toiletries — ideal for travellers seeking locally made, travel-size personal care and mosquito repellents. ($ - $$)
Penshoppe: Fast-fashion basics and seasonal capsule pieces: breathable tees, relaxed dresses and inexpensive swim cover-ups suitable for short trips and easy mix-and-match packing. ($ - $$)
Plains & Prints: Contemporary resortwear with polished silhouettes and breathable linens — good for smart-casual dinners and modest, elegant pieces that travel well. ($$ - $$$)
Rajo Laurel: Higher-end Filipino designer offering refined pieces and crafted eveningwear for formal events; useful when you need a single statement item for fine dining or festivals. ($$ - $$$)
Island Souvenirs: Local gift and travel shop chain with practical beachwear, sarongs and affordable accessories — convenient for last-minute replacements on island stops. ($ - $$)
Where to Shop
Makati/BGC: Upscale boutiques, modern malls and international stores for quality basics and sunscreen.
Cebu City Markets: Local textiles, resortwear and practical beach goods at reasonable prices.
Boracay & Palawan Stalls: Swimwear, sarongs, dry bags and souvenir-centric travel gear.
Neighborhood Vibes
Manila (Bonifacio/Salcedo): Urban smart-casual: breathable linens, untucked shirts, clean sneakers and minimalist accessories work well for cafes, malls and rooftop bars. Nights lean polished rather than formal.
Cebu & Island Coastal Towns: Island-ready looks: quick-dry tees, swim layers, sport sandals and sun hats. Functional, colorful pieces that dry fast and pack light are preferred for boat transfers and beachside dining.
Seasonal Outfit Formulas
spring
Island Ferry Kit — Ferry transfer to nearby island on warm 25–32°C days
- • Quick-dry tank top: Breathable and fast-drying for long sun exposure
- • Reversible swim shorts
- • Adjustable sport sandals
- • 5L roll-top dry bag
Seaside Lunch — Casual beachfront lunch and sunset strolls
summer
Snorkel & Shore — Full day snorkeling and shallow reef exploration
Resort Pool Day — Leisurely day at a resort pool with sun protection
fall
Monsoon-Ready Layer — Wet-season day with possible downpours and humidity
- • Moisture-wicking tee
- • Packable rain jacket: Lightweight hooded shell that stows small
- • Quick-dry leggings
- • Water-resistant sneakers
Rice Terrace Walk — Muddy trails and village visits near terraces
winter
Highlands Morning — Cool Baguio or mountain sunrise around 12–18°C
Cool-Evening Dinner — Smart-casual dinner in city with air-conditioning
Footwear Guidelines
- • Bring sport sandals or water sandals with secure straps for boats and rocky shores
- • Pack lightweight breathable sneakers for city walking and light trails
- • Include water shoes for slippery limestone and reef entries
- • Add compact hiking shoes for volcano treks and cooler highland hikes
Accessory Guidelines
- • Broad-brim hat or cap and UV sunglasses for strong tropical sun
- • Pack a compact dry bag and waterproof phone pouch for boat transfers
- • Carry travel-size reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent every day
- • Light scarf or sarong for modesty at religious sites and evening cover-ups
- • Small RFID wallet or zipped daypack to deter pickpockets in crowded transport
What to Wear for Every Adventure in the Philippines
Island hopping & boat transfers
Short boat hops and island transfers are the backbone of Philippine travel - pack for wet decks, sun and sudden rain.
Snorkeling & scuba diving
World-class reefs mean careful snorkel and dive prep - protect coral, your skin, and gear in warm 25–30°C waters.
Beach relaxation & water sports
Beach days range from lounging on white sand to paddleboarding or kitesurfing - plan for sun, sand and quick changes.
City sightseeing
Cities mix modern malls, heritage sites and crowded transport - dress for heat, humidity and respectful visits to churches and museums.
Hiking & volcano treks
Trails vary from muddy lowland paths to cool highland treks - prepare for changing temps, slippery trails and sudden rain.
Visiting rice terraces & rural villages
Rice terraces and villages offer cultural insight — dress modestly, tread lightly and support local guides and homestays.
Festivals & church services
Festivals are colorful and loud — dress respectfully for church services and enjoy lively local traditions while observing modesty and local protocols.
Night markets & street food tours
Bustling night markets offer great eats and shopping - stay alert for crowds, food safety and motos weaving through alleys.
Part 3: Expert Tips
What Not to Pack for the Philippines
Save luggage space and avoid common overpacking mistakes by leaving these items behind.
- • Heavy wool coat: Bulky wool coats trap moisture in humid 25–32°C lowlands, mildew quickly on islands and add unnecessary weight. Bring a packable rain jacket and a merino or light fleece for 12–22°C highland nights instead.
- • Non-waterproof leather shoes: Non-waterproof leather shoes soak in sudden downpours and salt spray, stiffen and stain on islands, and slip on wet limestone. Opt for water-resistant sneakers, water shoes, or lightweight hiking shoes with good grip instead.
- • Excessive formalwear: Bringing excessive formalwear adds bulk and is rarely needed; most locales are casual and churches require modest covers, not gowns. Pack one smart-casual outfit: a lightweight collared shirt, wrap dress and a packable blazer instead.
- • Large hard-shell suitcase: Large hard-shell suitcases are hard to stow on ferries and small boats, heavy to lift on gangways and may exceed baggage limits. Choose a soft duffel, lightweight backpack or compressible checked bag and a dry bag for boat days instead.
- • Expensive flashy jewelry: Expensive flashy jewelry draws unwanted attention on beaches and in crowded jeepneys, risks loss during water activities and is hard to insure abroad. Leave valuables at home or bring inexpensive costume pieces and use hotel safes instead.
- • Duplicate electronics and chargers: Bringing duplicate electronics and multiple chargers creates weight and power headaches with limited outlets and occasional power cuts. Pack one camera or phone, a multi-port charger, a power bank, and a waterproof phone pouch instead.
- • Only flip-flops: Relying only on flip-flops leads to slips on wet limestone, poor grip on muddy trails, and foot injuries during boat transfers. Pack sport sandals with toe protection, lightweight hiking shoes, or water shoes for island and trail days instead.
- • Non-reef-safe sunscreen: Regular sunscreens with oxybenzone harm coral reefs and are often banned at dive sites; they also wash off during swimming. Switch to SPF 30+ reef-safe mineral sunscreens, a UV rashguard, and lip balm with SPF instead.
- • Heavy cotton clothing: Heavy cotton garments stay damp in humid 25–32°C conditions and develop odour or mildew between washes. Bring quick-dry polyester or linen pieces for lowlands and a merino or light fleece layer for 12–22°C highland evenings instead.
- • Bulky paper guidebooks: Bulky paper guidebooks add weight, soggy pages and clutter during island-hopping and offer outdated info. Download offline maps, save PDFs on your phone, load key routes onto a portable charger, and consider a local SIM for updates instead.
Island-Ready Packing Tips for the Philippines
Local wisdom and practical advice gathered from seasoned travelers and residents.
- • Waterproof the essentials: Stash passport, phone and a change of clothes in a dry bag for island hops — sudden squalls and narrow boat gangways are common. Keeps valuables dry and plans flexible during 25–32°C coastal days.
- • Quick-dry fabrics beat humidity: Pack quick-dry polyester or linen blends and a merino layer for cooler towns. Quick fabrics dry fast in 25–32°C lowlands and stop mildew on multi-island trips; merino helps at 12–22°C highland nights.
- • Insist on life jackets every trip: Always ask for life jackets and check fit before boarding bancas or ferries. Boat transfers can be rough in the wet season; refuse departure if crew can’t provide safety gear during Jun–Nov disruptions.
- • Sun protection even on cloudy days: High UV in the tropics means reef-safe SPF 30+, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses are essential even on overcast days. UV reflects off water and sand during 25–32°C beach outings, so protect skin.
- • Bring snorkel gear and reef-safe sunscreen: Pack your own mask and reef-safe sunscreen before remote dives—small islands often lack quality equipment. It saves money, ensures fit, and protects coral while snorkeling and diving near karst islands.
- • Mosquito defense for dusk and homestays: Carry DEET or picaridin repellent, and a lightweight mosquito net for homestays. Humid lowland evenings invite bites and dengue risk—reapply after swimming or heavy sweating to stay protected.
- • Build flexibility into wet-season travel: Book refundable ferries and allow buffer days for island transfers in Jun–Nov. Typhoons and heavy rains cause cancellations; travel insurance and flexible tickets save time and stress during storms.
- • Footwear for rocks, reefs and trails: Bring water shoes plus lightweight hiking sneakers—limestone shores and muddy trails need grip. Flip-flops are fine for beaches but poor on slippery rocks, gangways and crater rim walks.
- • Layer smart for microclimates: Mix breathable tanks and shorts for 28–32°C coasts with a light softshell or merino for 12–22°C highland mornings. Layers let you move from humid beaches to chilly viewpoints comfortably.
- • Small bills and secure cash storage: Carry PHP in small bills for tricycles, market stalls and island vendors—ATMs and card acceptance are sparse on tiny islets. Use an RFID-safe pouch for crowded jeepneys and busy markets.
- • Laundry and anti-mildew hacks: Bring a travel soap bar and fast-drying towel for 4–7 day laundry cycles. High humidity accelerates mildew; dry garments in sun or shake and air them to avoid odors on multi-island itineraries.
- • Dress respectfully at religious sites: Pack a lightweight sarong or scarf for church visits and religious sites—modest shoulders and knees are expected. Smart-casual attire also works for upscale restaurants and festival events.
Philippines Travel FAQs: Packing & Practical Tips
Common questions from fellow travelers, answered with local insight and practical experience.
What should I pack for island hopping and boat transfers?
How do I dress respectfully for churches, fiestas and city nights?
What footwear handles beaches, rocky shores and short hikes?
How should I prepare for wet season and possible typhoon disruptions?
Can I rely on ATMs and card payments on small islands?
What health items protect against mosquitoes and tropical illnesses?
How many lightweight layers should I pack for coast and highland days?
Common packing mistakes for the Philippines — fixes
Learn from others' experiences to avoid these common packing pitfalls and travel more comfortably.
Skipping UV and sun protection
Underestimating strong UV on tropical coasts (25–32°C) causes burns. Pack reef-safe SPF 30+ sunscreen, a broad-brim hat, sunglasses and a lightweight long-sleeve linen layer to stay protected all day.
Packing non-quick-dry fabrics
Bringing cotton and non-quick-dry fabrics leads to lingering smells and mildew in high humidity. Choose quick-dry blends or merino, bring travel soap and a sink-wash routine, and use mesh bags to air items on boat transfers.
Only packing flip-flops for every activity
Relying solely on flip-flops risks slips on limestone rocks, muddy rice terraces and slippery boat gangways. Pack water shoes with good grip plus lightweight trail sneakers or compact hiking shoes for volcano viewpoints and longer walks.
Assuming ATMs and card payments everywhere
Assuming card payments and ATMs on tiny islands leads to trouble. Carry small PHP bills, an RFID money belt, and a charged power bank. Prebook transfers, confirm local payment options, and keep emergency cash for cancellations in typhoon season.
Ready for Your Adventure
You're ready for the Philippines — an island‑hopping country of turquoise karsts, rice terraces and lively street markets. Pack a dry bag and quick‑dry layers for boats, reef‑safe sunscreen plus insect repellent for dusk, and a packable rain jacket (typhoon season needs flexibility). Choose loose, breathable pieces and modest covers for churches. Travel light, stay curious, and go confidently.
