Things to Do in Baguio

About Baguio

Perched a mile above sea level in the heart of the Cordillera mountains, Baguio awakens the senses with crisp pine-scented air and a cool embrace that feels worlds away from tropical heat. This mountain sanctuary has drawn seekers of respite and inspiration for over a century, weaving together indigenous heritage, colonial echoes, and a thriving creative spirit into something entirely its own. Here, mist-draped mornings and temperate evenings create a rhythm of life that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply.

Travel Tips

• Bring layers and a jacket year-round - Baguio's cool mountain climate averages 15-20°C (59-68°F) even in summer, and mornings/evenings can be quite chilly, especially from November to February when temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F).

• Travel midweek and avoid peak hours on Kennon Road - The winding mountain roads leading to Baguio experience heavy traffic on weekends and holidays; weekday trips are smoother, and Kennon Road is typically closed for maintenance on weekday mornings (around 8-11 AM).

• Book accommodations near Session Road for walkability - Staying in the city center allows you to walk to major attractions like Burnham Park, the public market, and numerous restaurants, saving you from dealing with limited parking and uphill terrain.

• Bargain politely at the public market and ukay-ukay stores - Haggling is expected and welcomed when shopping for fresh produce, souvenirs, and secondhand clothing, but keep negotiations friendly as Baguio vendors appreciate respectful customers.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Baguio is during the dry season from November to February, when temperatures range from a cool 15-20°C (59-68°F) and the city's pine-scented air is crisp and fog-draped, though you'll need to book accommodations months ahead for the Panagbenga (Baguio Flower Festival) in late February, which transforms Session Road into a parade of elaborate floral floats but also inflates hotel prices by 200-300%. March to May offers the warmest weather at 20-26°C with blooming flowers at the Botanical Garden and minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities at Mines View Park and Camp John Hay, though Holy Week (late March/early April) brings gridlock traffic as Manila residents flood the city for cool-weather respite. Avoid June through October when the southwest monsoon brings relentless rains (averaging 450-600mm monthly in July-August), frequent landslides along Kennon Road, and visibility-killing fog that obscures Baguio's famous mountain views, though budget travelers can score 40-50% discounts on hotels during these months. Mid-November through early December is the sweet spot for avoiding both crowds and rain while catching the onset of strawberry season in nearby La Trinidad, with pleasant 18°C days perfect for exploring Wright Park and Tam-Awan Village without the festival chaos or monsoon disruptions.