Seasons and diving in the Philippines: Coron, Siargao, why are the seasons almost reversed between the West and East of the country?

Philippines Underwater
Mar 25
3 min read

Amihan: the Northeast Wind

The word “Amihan” traditionally refers to a cool, dry wind coming from the northeast.

In Philippine culture, it is associated with cooler temperatures, clear skies, and calmer conditions.

Historically, fishermen and seafarers used this term to anticipate favorable sea conditions, especially along protected coastlines.

Today, Amihan remains synonymous with the dry and stable season, making it particularly sought after for activities such as diving and travel.

Habagat: the Southwest Wind

The word “Habagat” refers to a warm, humid wind coming from the southwest.

It is traditionally associated with heavy rains, a tropical and humid atmosphere, and more unstable weather conditions.

In local traditions, Habagat signals a more challenging season for navigation, with rougher seas and rapidly changing weather.

Today, it is the term used to describe the rainy season in the western Philippines.

The terms Amihan and Habagat originate from Philippine languages, mainly Tagalog, and have been used for centuries by local communities to describe prevailing winds and seasonal patterns.

A Deep Connection to Maritime Life

These two words are more than just meteorological terms.

They come from ancestral knowledge passed down through generations of sailors, fishermen, and coastal communities.

Before modern weather forecasting, these winds were essential for: planning inter-island journeys, organizing fishing activities, anticipating seasonal changes.

When talking about diving or traveling to the Philippines, two terms constantly come up: Amihan and Habagat .

But what many travellers don't know is that these seasons do not impact the country in the same way in all regions.

Even better: conditions are almost reversed between the west (Coron, Palawan) and the east (Siargao, Surigao Del Norte) .

Understanding this phenomenon means being able to travel intelligently… and choose the right spot at the right time.

Amihan: perfect conditions to the west… exposed to the east

The Amihan , the northeast monsoon (November to May), brings regular winds from the Pacific.

In Coron and throughout the Palawan region:

The islands are protected by their geographical position.
the sea is calm and stable
Visibility is excellent

Result: it's the best season for diving in Coron.

Conversely, on the Siargao side, on the Pacific coast:

the winds hit the coasts directly
The sea is becoming rougher.
conditions may be more difficult

This is precisely what makes surfers so happy, with world-renowned spots like Cloud 9.

Habagat: calm in the east, more unstable in the west

The Habagat (June to October), southwest monsoon, completely reverses the situation.

In Coron:

The sea may become rougher.
Rainfall is more frequent
visibility varies more

Diving is still possible, but more dependent on weather conditions.

Meanwhile, in Siargao:

The island is sheltered from the prevailing winds.
the sea becomes calmer
conditions are improving significantly

This is often a better time to explore the islands, lagoons and snorkeling spots around Siargao.

Why are the seasons reversed?

It can all be explained by the geography of the Philippines.

The archipelago is exposed:

To the west: to the South China Sea
to the east: to the Pacific Ocean

Result :

The Amihan winds arrive from the east → they first impact Siargao
The Habagat winds arrive from the west → they have a greater impact on Palawan

The islands therefore play a role as a natural barrier, creating protected areas… and others that are exposed.

The secret: follow the seasons intelligently

This is where the Philippines become an incredible destination.

Because in reality, there is almost always an area with good conditions.

From November to May (Amihan)

Preferred location: Coron, Palawan, west coast of the country

From June to October (Habagat)

Priority should be given to: Siargao and the east coast of the country

And what about diving in all of this?

Good news: marine biodiversity is present all year round throughout the archipelago.

But conditions have an influence:

visibility
access to sites
diving comfort

Hence the importance of choosing the right region according to the season.

Conclusion: a year-round destination… if you know where to go

The Philippines offer a unique opportunity:

Adapt your trip to the seasons rather than being subject to them.

Wreck diving in Coron during the Amihan
Exploration, surfing or island hopping in Siargao during the Habagat

It is this complementarity that makes the Philippines one of the best destinations in the world all year round.

Plan your trip wisely

At Philippines Underwater, we help you to:

choose the best destination according to the season
optimize your diving conditions
to build a coherent route between Coron and Siargao for example