When To Go · Destination Guide

Anilao + Batangas (Verde Island Passage)

Macro mecca near Manila, with reef walls and Verde Island day trips

Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 23 sources

When to go

Best time to visit Anilao + Batangas (Verde Island Passage)

Anilao is diveable yearround, but the most predictable conditions usually line up with the Philippines' dry season.

Best overall window

Dry season with more reliable weather and warmer water around 26°C to 30°C.

Outside that window

Wet season and higher storm risk. Seas can be choppy and visibility can drop after heavy rain.

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Best	Overall - Feb: Best	Overall - Mar: Best	Overall - Apr: Best	Overall - May: Best	Overall - Jun: Good	Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs	Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs	Overall - Sep: Tradeoffs	Overall - Oct: Tradeoffs	Overall - Nov: Good	Overall - Dec: Best

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Peak visibility for reefs and wide angle
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Freedive
Dec to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
The dry season usually brings steadier visibility and calmer seas for reef scenes and Verde Island Passage walls.
Macro and muck critter hunting
Best for Scuba
Year-round
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Anilao's macro life is a yearround draw.
Blackwater-style night dives
Best for Scuba
Jan to Mar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Some operators schedule blackwater dives in calmer periods to target pelagic juveniles and unusual planktonic life.
Current-driven schooling fish at Verde Island
Best for Scuba, Freedive
Dec to May
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
When current runs along walls and pinnacles, divers may see larger schools out in the blue.
Rainy-season value and fewer crowds
Best for Scuba
Jun to Oct
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Room rates and boat availability can improve, but plan carefully for rain, runoff, and potential typhoon disruptions.

If you want quiet resorts and flexible schedules, choose midweek travel outside major Philippine holidays.

Jun, Nov: Transition months. Conditions can be excellent, but expect variability and occasional rain.
Jul to Oct: Wet season and higher storm risk. Seas can be choppy and visibility can drop after heavy rain.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.