Anilao is divable year-round, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Here's what to expect.
The dive season
The main season is November to May — the dry months. Within that window:
- November–February (Amihan / NE monsoon) — Cool, clear, consistent. Visibility 15–25m. Water temp 24–26°C. The most reliable months.
- March–May (peak season) — Visibility 20–30m. Water temp warms to 27–29°C. April and May are the year's clearest months. This is also when the Anilao Underwater Shootout happens, so book early.
- June–October (Habagat / SW monsoon) — Wet season. Visibility drops to 5–15m, surface conditions get choppy, and typhoons are possible. Many resorts stay open but expect cancelled boat dives on bad days.
Water temperature
| Months | Water temp | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | 24–26°C | 5mm full |
| Mar–May | 27–29°C | 3mm full or shorty |
| Jun–Oct | 27–29°C | 3mm — bring a windbreaker for the boat |
A 3mm full suit covers you year-round; a 5mm is more comfortable in January.
Visibility
- Dec–May: 15–30m typical. Cathedral Rock and Bahura Wall sometimes hit 30m+ on calm days.
- Jun–Oct: 5–15m. Muck sites stay productive — visibility matters less for macro photography.
What's in season
- Nudibranchs — year-round, but spring blooms peak February–April.
- Critters (mimic octopus, hairy frogfish, wonderpus) — year-round at Secret Bay and Basura. Dry season gives the cleanest macro photos.
- Pelagic action at Mainit Point and Mapating — strongest during the NE monsoon (Nov–Feb) when currents are most consistent.
When to avoid
- June–September typhoon window — boat dives often cancelled. Build buffer days into your trip.
- Holy Week (late March / April) — resorts fill up months in advance and rates spike.
- Anilao Underwater Shootout (usually April) — half the dive shops are booked solid.
One-line recommendation
If you can pick one window: late February to early April. Warm enough water for a 3mm, top visibility, every macro critter out, and you miss both the typhoon season and Holy Week.