Many people from all over the world choose to spend their holidays in the Philippines to escape the cold and enjoy the country’s warm weather. But for many locals, the scorching Philippine heat can sometimes be unbearable.
While summer has always been a time for escapades and travel escapes to beat the heat, the best we can do during these trying times is to make the most out of our summer at home and look forward to better days.
For now, let’s collectively crank up our fans and air-conditioners as we check out the coldest places in the Philippines that we wish we could travel to right now.
1. Baguio
When you think of cold cities in the Philippines, Baguio is definitely the first thing that comes to mind. Nicknamed “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” the city is nestled in the mountainous Benguet region and enjoys cool weather than most cities in the country.
Baguio presents a seamless mix of urban and rural. While tourism made it an urbanized city, Baguio still boasts of many natural attractions that tourists keep coming back to.
Read more about Baguio.
2. Sagada
Located 5,300 feet above sea level, Sagada enjoys low temperatures all year round that even drop to 50°F during January and February. Surrounded by scenic Cordillera mountains, enveloped in the cold, crisp air, Sagada is the perfect wonderland for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Reaching Sagada takes up to 12 hours of commute coming from Manila, but the town’s beautiful attractions and comforting weather make it all worth it.
Discover more about Sagada.
3. Banaue
Located atop the province of Ifugao, Banaue is located almost 5,000 feet above sea level. Most popular for its iconic rice terraces, this place is a paradise of gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking sights.
For the best views of the picturesque rice terraces, you can visit one of the viewpoints in Banaue. You can also visit one of its local villages or museums to know more about its culture. If the cold doesn’t bother you anyway, you can try and take a dip in one of Banaue’s waterfall pools.
4. Tagaytay
With its proximity to Manila, Tagaytay has become a popular choice for those who seek quick weekend getaways. Many people from the metro escape to Tagaytay to enjoy a more serene locale, fresher air, and cooler temperature.
Just like Baguio, Tagaytay is highly urbanized and has seen many residential and commercial developments over the years. But the city is still more relaxed compared to Manila and its selection of activities and attractions still make it a great holiday destination.
Tagaytay is also one of our picks for the best places to live in the Philippines. Read more about it here.
5. Don Salvador Benedicto
Don Salvador Benedicto, or simply DSB, is considered as the country’s “Little Baguio.” Just like the Summer Capital, DSB boasts of cool temperature, verdant sceneries, and pine tree-lined roads. The town even has a lion statue similar to Baguio’s iconic landmark.
With pine-scented air and gorgeous mountain views, Don Salvador Benedicto is a great alternative to Baguio, especially when you want to avoid large crowds.
6. Canlaon City
While its cool, fresh breeze is definitely one of its selling points, the many natural attractions and interesting sights of Canlaon City truly make it worth a visit. The city is home to the majestic Mount Kanlaon and allows visitors a closer look at the highest peak of Negros.
The city is also dubbed as the “vegetable basket of the Visayas” because of its abundant harvests. Their rice and vegetable terraces have become one of the must-see marvels for those visiting the city.
7. Lake Sebu
The southern region of the Philippines has its own Summer Capital and that is Lake Sebu. Located in South Cotabato, there’s really more to this place than just postcard-worthy lakes and cooling winds.
Lake Sebu has resorts where travelers can lounge and enjoy the wonderful weather and scenery. The seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu are the locale’s most popular attractions. One can either hike up to view the falls or take a zipline to enjoy a bird’s eye view.
8. Itbayat
Unlike most of the places listed here, Itbayat in Batanes is not on a high-altitude setting. However, being located in the northernmost part of the country puts it furthest from the equator, allowing it to enjoy cooler winds. The temperature even drops up to 7°C during the months of November and February.
This part of Batanes is much more difficult to explore but getting there is truly a rewarding experience. A cooling breeze, amazing views, and raw natural beauty await those who journey to reach Itbayat.
9. Davao City
Davao is home to what is quite literally the top destination in the country, Mt. Apo. The tallest peak in the Philippines, travelers hiking Mt. Apo can bask in lush greeneries and a cool, refreshing breeze even during the hottest summer months.
The cool winds of Mt. Apo can actually be experienced throughout Davao City. This means vacationers who’d rather be spared from the challenging Mt. Apo hike can still delight in invigorating weather while enjoying Davao City’s many other attractions and activities.
Discover more about Davao.
10. Lantapan
There are many places in Bukidnon that experience cooler weather than the rest of the Philippines, but the coldest among them is Lantapan. Located 4,000 above sea level, the weather here is so cold that there are times that dew lingers until noon.
Lantapan is also the gateway to the second tallest peak in the Philippines following Mount Apo. Mount Dulang Dulang can be accessed through Brgy. Songco in Lantapan which is why this location sees a lot of mountaineers on their way to an exciting journey.
