When people think about travelling to the Philippines between May and October, many immediately assume one thing:
“It’s the rainy season, so everything must be closed.”
It’s a common misconception, and one we hear from divers around the world every year.
The truth is much more interesting.
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, stretching over 1,800 kilometres from north to south. With such a diverse geography, there isn’t one single weather pattern that affects the entire country at the same time. While some regions experience heavier rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, known locally as Habagat, many destinations continue to enjoy excellent diving conditions throughout the season.
At Sea Explorers Philippines, our destinations in Malapascua, Dauin, and Cabilao remain fantastic places to dive during these months, offering unforgettable underwater experiences, fewer crowds, and a slower, more relaxed pace of travel.
Understanding Habagat
Habagat is the Southwest Monsoon that generally occurs between May and October. It brings warm, moisture-rich winds that can produce rain, particularly in areas exposed to the west.
However, Habagat does not mean six months of continuous rain.
Like many tropical destinations, weather during the Green Season often consists of sunny mornings, passing afternoon showers, and calm evenings. Forecasts can change quickly, and many days offer ideal conditions for diving.
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is discovering just how much sunshine they experience during what they expected to be the “rainy season.”
Why Divers Love the Green Season
For many returning guests, May to October has become their favourite time to visit.
The underwater world doesn’t disappear when the calendar changes. In fact, marine life continues to thrive year-round.
Above the surface, you’ll often enjoy:
- Fewer tourists at popular dive sites
- More relaxed resorts and boats
- Easier availability for accommodation and diving
- Lush green landscapes after seasonal rains
- A quieter, more personal holiday experience
Instead of sharing the reef with large groups of divers, you may find yourself enjoying peaceful dive sites with just a handful of fellow underwater explorers.
Dauin: A Paradise for Macro Lovers
Dauin is internationally known for its world-class muck diving, and fortunately, tiny marine life doesn’t follow tourist seasons.
Throughout the Green Season, photographers and marine life enthusiasts continue searching for frogfish, nudibranchs, flamboyant cuttlefish, octopus, ghost pipefish, seahorses, shrimp, and countless other fascinating critters hiding in the volcanic sand.
Just offshore, Apo Island continues to impress with its healthy coral reefs, sea turtles, schooling fish, and colourful walls that have made it one of the Philippines’ most celebrated marine sanctuaries.
Malapascua: Home of the Thresher Sharks
One of the questions we receive most often is:
“Can I still see thresher sharks during the Green Season?”
Absolutely.
Malapascua remains one of the very few places in the world where divers have the opportunity to encounter pelagic thresher sharks throughout the year.
Early morning dives to Kimud Shoal continue to offer unforgettable shark encounters, while nearby sites such as Gato Island showcase caves, reefs, sea snakes, macro life, and vibrant coral gardens.
Cabilao: Quiet Reefs, Incredible Marine Life
For divers looking to escape the crowds, Cabilao becomes even more special during the Green Season.
Its healthy reefs, dramatic walls, schools of jackfish, turtles, pygmy seahorses, and colourful macro life continue to delight underwater photographers and recreational divers alike.
With fewer boats visiting the island, many dives feel wonderfully peaceful—just you, your dive guide, and the incredible marine life.
Travel Smarter, Dive Happier
Some of the best dive holidays aren’t always during peak travel periods.
Travelling during the Green Season often means a more relaxed experience, easier bookings, and the chance to enjoy the Philippines at a slower pace.
As always, our experienced teams monitor local weather and sea conditions every day. Safety remains our highest priority, and dive schedules are adjusted whenever necessary to ensure the best possible experience for our guests.
Discover the Philippines Beyond the Weather Forecast
The Green Season is one of the Philippines’ best-kept travel secrets.
Rather than avoiding the calendar because of the words “rainy season,” consider looking a little deeper. You may discover quieter reefs, vibrant marine life, warm tropical waters, and a more authentic side of the Philippines.
Whether you’re searching for tiny macro critters in Dauin, unforgettable thresher shark encounters in Malapascua, or colourful reefs in Cabilao, you’ll find that adventure doesn’t stop when Habagat begins.
Sometimes, the best diving happens when fewer people think to look for it.
We’d love to welcome you to experience it for yourself.
Dive with a Smile.
Disclaimer: Weather is naturally unpredictable, and sea conditions can vary from day to day. While our destinations often enjoy excellent diving during the Green Season, our team continuously monitors local forecasts and adjusts dive schedules whenever necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests.
