Seasons in the Philippines

Seasons in the Philippines

The Philippines is known for its tropical climate, which is characterized by two major seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season is further divided into two: the cool and warm dry season. The cool dry season, also known as the northeast monsoon or amihan, typically starts in October and ends in March. The warm dry season, on the other hand, starts at the tail end of the El Niño phenomenon, which is a weather pattern characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific.

Weather Patterns during the Cool Dry Season

The cool dry season is often associated with the northeast monsoon, also known as the northeast wind, which brings cooler and drier weather. During this period, the high pressure area over Siberia weakens, leading to a shift in wind patterns from northeasterly to easterly, and an increase in air temperature over most parts of the country.

The Wet Season

The wet season in the Philippines, also known as the southwest monsoon, typically starts in June and lasts until November. During this period, the prevailing winds bring heavy rains to the country, with the rainiest month usually being August. The wet season is characterized by the dominance of southwesterly winds, which bring more rainfall compared to the dry season.

The Dry Season and El Niño

The dry season in the Philippines, particularly the warm dry season, is influenced by the El Niño phenomenon. El Niño is a weather pattern characterized by warmer-than-average water temperatures in the tropical Pacific. When El Niño occurs, it can lead to a reduction in rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions in many parts of the Philippines, which can have negative impacts on various sectors such as agriculture, energy, and public safety.

In conclusion, the Philippines experiences two major seasons: the rainy season and the dry season, with the dry season further divided into the cool and warm dry seasons. The weather patterns during these seasons are influenced by various factors such as the northeast monsoon, the southwest monsoon, and the El Niño phenomenon. Understanding these seasonal variations can help in planning travel and activities in the Philippines.