The season for Ber months has just started in September, just like the travel season, but not yet holiday crowds and Christmas prices. For many Filipinos, it’s a fascinating time to travel in the Philippines, as September is a low season for travel. Hotels are offering deals for the rainy season, places are less crowded and airlines are keeping sales to boost demand. The drawback is the weather—September is still in the rainy and typhoon season in the country. Smart booking and flexible dates however will make a Philippines getaway in September come off as a much better deal, especially when compared to peak season travel.
Why September Can Be a Good Month for Travel Deals
September is a nice month in between the busy summer months and the holiday time at the end of the year, so it is a good time to travel if you want the savings and flexibility of traveling.
The Love the Philippines website run by the Department of Tourism (DOT) currently features discounted rates available from DOT-accredited properties. Discounts advertised in offers can be up to 63% off depending on the hotel and the conditions for the booking, with some of them being available during the rainy season or before holidays.
This does not necessarily mean that all places will necessarily be less expensive. Fares and hotel charges continue to be fluid, especially during special events and around weekends and last minute demand. The most favourable travel deals for Ber months are generally available when travelers are able to compare a number of different travel dates instead of choosing one weekend.
Best September Getaways for Filipinos
Baguio for a Rainy-Season City Break
Baguio is an ideal destination for those travelers who like to enjoy cafés, restaurants, museums and indoor attractions besides sightseeing. September rain may put an end to your outdoor activities, but the cooler weather may also be appropriate for a laidback weekend.
The DOT’s current travel marketplace also has some hotel promotions during the rainy season and in advance of the holidays as well, such as the discounts of approximately 30-35% on selected offers.
Cebu and Bohol for Flexible Island Trips
September offers the perfect opportunity to explore Cebu with a flexible itinerary, as travelers can enjoy the diverse attractions, including food tours, city adventures, and heritage sites, while still enjoying the beaches.
Nearby Bohol can also be used for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities, but always make plans for island hopping and other marine activities based on the latest forecast.
In their recent domestic promotion, AirAsia promoted Cebu and Tagbilaran as routes that have the ₱600 Value Pack Lite, which offers 15kg checked baggage, seat selection, and is valid until September 30, 2026, for eligible domestic flights.
Check AirAsia’s current Philippine offer
Boracay Without Peak Holiday Crowds
September can be the different kind of Boracay from the dry season. Expect some rain and bigger waves on the water, but also be able to book some of the better properties on specials.
Currently, some accommodation promotions are available in Malay, Aklan and includes promotions that offer ‘savings’ (bookings with savings of more than 50%) on the DOT marketplace. Availability and conditions may vary, travelers should check final prices before paying.
September Travel Deals: How to Spend Less
Do not book a flight to a specific destination and take whichever airfare offers, but compare airfares first before booking the itinerary.
You can learn why flexibility is important from recent airline promotions. AirAsia Philippines made available August bookings starting at one-way base fare of ₱169 for certain future domestic trips, but that booking period is already closed. It shows how the aggressive advance-booking promotion that Filipino travellers should be aware of during the Ber months.
When checking out deals, look at the overall checkout cost, not the base checkout cost. What may seem a cheap deal can have a vastly different actual cost when it comes to baggage, seats, transfers, and cancellation of hotels.
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Don’t Ignore September Weather
Cheap fares are less valuable if an inflexible itinerary collapses because of severe weather.
June to November is the rainy season in the Philippines according to PAGASA. In addition, it notes that the country experiences on average approximately 20 tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) per year, with approximately 70% of the development of typhoons happening between July and October of the year.
PAGASA announced the onset of the rainy season for 2026 in June, and cautioned that Habagat, weather systems and tropical cyclones may bring heavy rains, flooding and other related hazards.
Flexible travel dates and accommodations that are refundable can then be considered for a September budget trip.
Check PAGASA weather and climate updates
FAQs
Is September a cheap month to travel in the Philippines?
It can be. September falls within the rainy season and outside the major Christmas travel peak, while some DOT-accredited hotels actively advertise rainy-season discounts.
Where should Filipinos travel in September?
Baguio, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay can all work, provided the itinerary matches current weather conditions and includes alternatives for rainy days.
Is Boracay worth visiting in September?
Yes for travelers prioritizing fewer crowds and potential accommodation savings, but September weather can affect beach and water activities.
Should I book a September trip early?
Monitor airline sales early, but prioritize flexible conditions. September is within the Philippines’ peak tropical-cyclone period, so plans may need to change.
