The climate of Davao City
Located on the southeastern coast of the island of Mindanao in the
Philippines,
Davao City lies within the tropical climate zone. This geographical placement subjects the city to the Af zone of the Köppen climate classification, better known as the tropical rainforest climate. Across the year, this climatic condition presents a dense pattern of high temperatures persistently hovering between 31°C (87.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). The fluctuation in the lower spectrum of the temperature sees a narrow range, oscillating from 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F).
Throughout the year, rainfall amounts signal a year-round rainy season, making this city a truly humid and wet tropical haven. Peak rainfall occurs in the month of
May with an amount of 220mm (8.66"), however, it noticeably drops to its lowest of 93mm (3.66") by the month of
March. Incidence of rainfall days also gently sway from 11 to 17 days per month, confirming a constant frequency across twelve months.
The consistency continues in sea temperatures, with minimal vacillation noted from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). In terms of sunlight, Davao City enjoys 11.7 hours to 12.5 hours of daylight each day, coupled with six to eight hours of sunshine to brighten the day. Despite these variations, the UV index persistently remains high, scoring an 11 to 12 across the year, indicating the need for proper sun protection.
The best time to visit Davao City
Given the tropical weather blanket covering
Davao City all year round, the preferred visiting period would be dependent on an individual's specific weather preference. The period from
March to
May sees sea temperatures at their warmest, ranging between 28.8°C (83.8°F) and 29.5°C (85.1°F), which is ideal for beach and water activities. Additionally, this period offers the most sunshine with seven to eight hours per day, complimenting outdoor pursuits.
For those keen on the warm sun but averse to heavy showers, March stands out with the least rainfall. The 93mm (3.66") average rainfall in this month makes it the driest period, compared to the peak rainfall month of May at 220mm (8.66").
The worst time to visit Davao City
When considering a period with relatively higher rainfall,
May and
June stand out as months capable of hampering outdoor plans. In these months, rainfall amounts reach their highest at 220mm (8.66") and 202mm (7.95"), respectively. Simultaneously, the number of rainfall days also peaks at 15 to 17 days in these two months, the highest frequency throughout the year.
Furthermore, the months of June and
July strongly retain heat with an average high temperature of 31°C (87.8°F), combined with consistently high UV index of 12.
Spring weather in Davao City
As
Davao City is situated near the equator, it does not experience the traditional spring season. However, illustratively from
March to
May, the weather conditions exhibit warmer sea temperatures, ranging from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F). This period also showcases a slight increase in average high temperatures to 32°C (89.6°F) and 33°C (91.4°F).
Sunshine hours are slightly higher at seven to eight hours a day, but rainfall amounts also start to climb, culminating at 220mm (8.66") in May.
Summer weather in Davao City
Similarly, the traditional summer months of
June to
August do not reflect the common characteristics of a temperate summer. However, this time experiences high average temperatures of 31°C (87.8°F) and rainfall amounts fluctuating from 202mm (7.95") to 192mm (7.56"). Simultaneously, sea temperatures seem to drop marginally from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 28.9°C (84°F). Sunshine hours also decrease to six hours per day and rainfall days increase to 15 to 17 days, indicating a wetter period.
Autumn weather in Davao City
In the months from
September to
November, while not technically autumn,
Davao City continues with its tropical weather pattern. Average high temperature remains steadily at 32°C (89.6°F), with sea temperature varying slightly from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Rainfall amounts jump from 195mm (7.68") to 147mm (5.79"), and the city continues to receive six hours of sunshine daily.
Winter weather in Davao City
During the
December to
February period, akin to winter in temperate regions,
Davao City continues to be warm with average high temperatures fluctuating between 31°C (87.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F). The sea temperature however drops to its lowest at 28.1°C (82.6°F) in February. Rainfall amounts recede from 114mm (4.49") in December to 93mm (3.66") by
March. Despite these changes, the city maintains its six hours of daily sunshine, while the UV index drops to 11, offering slightly safer sun exposure conditions.
Weather in January
Although similar to
December in temperatures,
January in
Davao City is distinct by a reasonable amount of rainfall. With a frequency of rainfall spanning to 13 days and amounting to 117mm (4.61"), this month experiences more wet days compared to the preceding one.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February has mere glimpses of slight variations in
Davao City's weather but stays close to the conditions experienced in the prior month. A notable difference lies in the decrease in rainfall days to 12, leading to a drop in the total rainfall to 118mm (4.65").
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Davao City moves into
March, it marks the beginning of a phase of slightly less wet days with only 11 rainy days. While there is a noticeable reduction in rainfall down to 93mm (3.66") from 118mm (4.65"), the city experiences increasing daylight.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Davao City stands out due to a significant increase in rainfall from 93mm (3.66") to 153mm (6.02"), contrary to the gradual decrement noticed in preceding months. Despite the increment in rainfall, the number of rainy days remains constant at 11, implying that the rain is heavier on these days compared to previous months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Transitioning into
May,
Davao City is marked by the heaviest rainfall of the year with a high of 220mm (8.66"), leading to 15 rainy days. Despite this, the city's consistently warm tropical climate continues, reflected in incrementally increased temperatures.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Despite the onset of the middle-year month of
June,
Davao City records a slight decline in rainfall totals to 202mm (7.95"). With 17 rainy days, the city observes the highest number of wet days in the year. The temperature range remains steady, keeping up with the city's consistently warm tropical climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Davao City once again experiences a decrease in rainfall to 165mm (6.5"), refining the city's tropical climate with fewer rainy days than the preceding month. This month follows the weather pattern familiar in preceding months, characterized by high UV Index readings and steady temperatures.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August comes with an increase in rainfall in
Davao City, experiencing a rise in total rainfall to 192mm (7.56"). The weather data suggest that the tropical ambiance remains consistent, maintaining the city's moderately high temperatures and UV Index.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Davao City sees a minor increase in rainfall levels from 192mm (7.56") in
August to 195mm (7.68"). With a constant number of 15 rainy days, the city's tropical weather equation remains pretty much unchanged. September maintains consistent metrics in temperature, UV Index, and daylight hours, sustaining the city's tropical climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October enters with a reduction in total rainfall from 195mm (7.68") in
September to 177mm (6.97"). Notwithstanding,
Davao City upholds its tropical environment with a consistent number of rainy days observed over both months. Milder changes in daylight hours, sunshine, and UV Index reinforce the city’s consistent tropical conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Davao City records a decrease in rainfall, with rainfall totals reducing to 147mm (5.79") in contrast to
October's 177mm (6.97"). With this drop, the city marks the end of a high rainfall phase, noting a decrease from 16 rainy days in October to 15 in November.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Ending its annual climatic journey,
December in
Davao City begins with a slight decrease in total rainfall to 114mm (4.49") compared to
November’s 147mm (5.79"). The favorable tropical climate prevails with consistent high temperatures completing the city’s temperature trends for the year.
Weather in December »