Known as the City of Pines, Baguio is the Philippines' most popular cold weather destination. Its temperatures average 18 degrees on a January evening, with its weather dipping to an all-time low in February 2021 at 9 degrees.

While Baguio has become significantly urbanized, it still provides a much-needed rural atmosphere for vacationers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily Manila life.

Christmas season is the best time to reap what Baguio has to sow, including its iconic parks, the BenCab museum, and cafes along Session Road.

Sagada is your ideal destination if you’re looking for somewhere more remote. This tranquil town rests atop the Mountain Province of the Cordillera Administrative Region, with evening temperatures dropping to 10 degrees year-round.

Here, you’ll wake up to sunny yet chilly mornings, perfect for a cup of locally brewed coffee or hot chocolate. Regarding what Sagada offers, it’s an inexplicable haven for being one with nature, chock-full of scenic mountain valleys, rock formations, caves, waterfalls, and rice terraces.

Perhaps Sagada’s most alluring attraction is its hanging coffins, evidence of 2,000-year-old Igorot burial traditions that you’ll have to see to believe.

While not as cool as Baguio or Sagada, Davao temperatures reach a breezy 22 degrees—perfect for exploring its mountains and green landscapes. Davao City is home to Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country that only veteran trekkers dare climb.

Mt. Apo’s cool winds seep into the territory below it, so you can easily enjoy the fresh breeze without having to conquer all 9,000 feet of its glory. Instead, you can visit the Philippine Eagle Center, home to dozens of forest-dwelling birds, the Roxas Night Market for a midnight snack, or Crocodile Park, which speaks for itself.

Tagaytay is an evident fan favorite, as it’s just a hop and skip away from Metro Manila by car. It’s ideal for weekend getaways and the occasional whiff of fresh air. Much like Baguio, Tagaytay is highly urbanized, but is relatively freer of the chaotic energy in Metro Manila.

Here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Taal Volcano while having lunch at The Teahouse at Qi Wellness, Taza Fresh Table, Leslie’s, Buon Giorno Caffe and Bistro, and Bulalo Point Turo-Turo.

Tagaytay is now also home to Sky Ranch, an amusement park with thrilling rides like the Drop Tower and Log Coaster.

Art lovers may want to detour to the Museo Orlina, a privately owned display of pioneering glassworks by Ramon Orlina.

If you’re looking for something “quirky,” Puzzle Mansion might capture your interest, as it houses 1,028 completed sets—one of the most extensive jigsaw puzzle collections globally.

If you’re looking for the feel of Baguio without the overwhelming number of tourists, Don Salvador Benedicto (occasionally known as Little Baguio) is the place to be. Temperatures drop to 16 degrees, and the aroma of pine trees will surround you.

You can also visit the Malatan-og Falls and take a dip in its challengingly chilly waters or view it from one of DSB’s viewing decks. Another excellent spot for sightseeing is Jomax Peak, a campsite and picnic spot.

If you’re up for a workout, consider trekking to Mayana Peak, a 15-minute drive from DSB’s city center.

Regarding cool weather destinations, Canalon City gives DSB a run for its money. This “vegetable basket of Negros” is abundant in agricultural harvests and home to Mt. Kanlaon, the city’s most popular attraction.

You can get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring mountain by hiking along the Makawiwili Ridge or the “Saddle in the Sky.”

Visitors who make time to go to the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) Farm can behold the famous1,300-year-old balete tree.

Lake Sebu is a highland town in South Cotabato recognized by UNESCO as a cultural landscape. This postcard-worthy vacation destination boasts year-round temperatures of 25 degrees and below, and it’s adorned with waterfalls, rivers, springs, and, of course, lakes.

The town has three lakes: Lake Sebu, Lake Lahit, and Lake Seloton. The lakes are connected by seven waterfalls, two bridged via zipline.

For early-morning risers, we recommend renting a boat on the lake for a spectacular view of the pink lotus flowers and lily pads.

Unlike most other cold weather destinations in the Philippines, Itbayat isn’t in a high-altitude setting. Instead, it’s a collection of gargantuan, uplifted coral reefs, creating a unique landscape of rolling hills and inviting temperatures as low as 7 degrees.

Itbayat is reminiscent of English moors, removing you from any typical “Filipino” environment. You can visit Paganaman Port to see the small lagoon and several swimming holes.

The town’s sole beach, Bach of Kaxobcan, was formed after a landslide occurred on one side of the area’s cliffs. It’s a small, white-sand beach rife with natural swimming holes—truly picturesque and one-of-a-kind.

Lantapan is the coldest area in Bukidnon, located 4,000 feet above sea level. Its provincial capital, Malaybalay, is yet another Little Baguio, sporting beautiful trees and cold fog.

Climbers can access Mount Dulang Dulang from Barangay Songco within Lantapan. If you’re more interested in forestry, the Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF) provides opportunities to learn about sustainable ecological agriculture and enjoy delicious local delicacies.

Another must-visit just a few minutes away from the city center is Chukoohills Cafe and Resto, located next to beautiful rice fields, mountain ranges, and fruit and vegetable farms.

Batanes isn’t just the Cow Capital of the Philippines—it’s cool-aired, with temperatures averaging 22 degrees. It’s located in the northernmost part of the Philippines, so you’ll feel a relaxing breeze throughout the day.

You can tour the city by bike—a perfect way to enjoy the cold air. Most city bikes cost 25 pesos an hour.

If you are, in fact, a fan of the region’s many cows, you can walk the rolling hills of Naidi and Vayang, enjoying a beautiful expanse of pasture lands.

In Batanes, there’s no better way to wind down at the end of the day than by enjoying local delicacies. You’ll get the best bang for your buck at Pension Ivatan Restaurant, which highlights the best of Ivatan cuisine. We recommend ordering the Ivatan Platter and Diban (flying fish).