Baguio - Things to Do in Baguio in April

Things to Do in Baguio in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Baguio

27°C (81°F) High Temp
15°C (59°F) Low Temp
45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall
68% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Coolest temperatures of the year - mornings drop to 15°C (59°F), perfect for hiking and outdoor activities without the December-February crowds
  • Minimal rainfall with only 4 rainy days - ideal for flower viewing as April is peak bloom season for temperate flowers that thrive in Baguio's cool climate
  • Crystal clear mountain views - April's dry air provides the clearest visibility all year for panoramic shots of the Cordillera mountains
  • Lower accommodation rates compared to peak season (December-February) but still excellent weather - save 30-40% on hotel costs while enjoying optimal conditions

Considerations

  • UV intensity reaches dangerous levels (index 9) at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude - sunburn happens in 15 minutes without protection despite cool air temperatures
  • Extreme temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between morning and afternoon require multiple clothing layers and constant outfit adjustments
  • Crowded weekends as Metro Manila residents escape summer heat - Saturday morning traffic to Baguio increases travel time by 2-3 hours

Best Activities in April

Strawberry Farm Tours and Flower Garden Visits

April is peak harvest season for Baguio's famous strawberries, with the largest and sweetest berries of the year. Cool morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) make picking comfortable, while temperate flowers like roses, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums reach full bloom. Morning tours (7-10am) offer the best picking and photography conditions before afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Book strawberry farm visits for weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Farm entry typically costs ₱30-50 per person plus picking fees. Most farms open at sunrise (6am). Book combined flower garden and farm tours 5-7 days ahead through local operators.

Sunrise Mountain Trekking

April's dry conditions and clear skies create perfect visibility for sunrise treks. Cool morning temperatures make hiking comfortable, while the 9am-4pm heat window provides clear timing boundaries. Mount Ulap and Taal Vista Lodge trails offer spectacular Cordillera range views impossible during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Start treks at 4:30am to reach viewpoints by 6am sunrise. Guided treks typically cost ₱1,500-2,500 per person including transport. Book mountain guides 10-14 days ahead as April is prime hiking season. See current guided trek options in booking section below.

Heritage Walking Tours

Cool April mornings are ideal for exploring Baguio's American colonial architecture and cultural sites. The 15°C (59°F) morning temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, while clear skies provide excellent photography lighting for historic buildings and city vistas.

Booking Tip: Schedule walking tours for 8am-11am before afternoon heat peaks. Heritage tours typically cost ₱800-1,200 per person. Book cultural walking tours 3-5 days ahead through certified local guides who provide historical context.

Night Market Food Tours

April evenings cool to perfect temperatures for outdoor dining at Baguio's famous night markets. The dry weather ensures consistent market operations, while cool mountain air enhances the experience of trying local specialties like longganisa, bagnet, and strawberry taho.

Booking Tip: Night markets operate 6pm-11pm with peak activity 7-9pm. Food tours typically cost ₱1,000-1,800 per person including tastings. Book food walking tours 3-7 days ahead through local operators who know the best stalls and seasonal specialties.

Pine Forest Photography Sessions

April's crystal-clear air and minimal fog create ideal conditions for capturing Baguio's iconic pine forests. Morning golden hour (6-8am) combined with cool temperatures produces the best lighting, while dry conditions ensure accessible forest trails.

Booking Tip: Photography tours run 6am-10am for optimal lighting. Guided photo tours typically cost ₱2,000-3,000 per person including equipment tips and location access. Book photography guides 7-10 days ahead, especially for weekend shoots.

Golf Course Experiences

April offers perfect golfing weather with cool mornings, minimal rain, and excellent course conditions. Baguio's high-altitude courses provide unique mountain golf experiences with panoramic views, while the dry season ensures consistent course conditions and comfortable play.

Booking Tip: Tee times between 7am-11am offer coolest temperatures. Green fees typically range ₱2,500-4,500 on weekdays, ₱3,500-6,000 weekends. Book tee times 5-14 days ahead, especially for weekend play during April's popular season.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Panagbenga Flower Festival Extended Activities

While the main festival occurs in February-March, many flower displays, garden exhibitions, and floral arrangements remain through April. Local flower farms extend their showcase periods, and many hotels maintain special flower garden displays throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F) daily, requiring t-shirts, long sleeves, and light jacket
SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 9 at altitude causes burns in 15 minutes despite cool air temperatures
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - mountain trails can be steep and rocky, especially for sunrise treks
Light rain jacket or umbrella - while only 4 rainy days expected, mountain weather changes quickly
Warm sleeping clothes - mornings drop to 15°C (59°F), and mountain accommodations may not have heating
Polarized sunglasses - bright mountain sun reflects intensely off light-colored surfaces and morning dew
Portable phone charger - cold morning temperatures drain batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively
Cash in small bills - many local farms, markets, and small operators don't accept cards or need exact change
Moisturizer and lip balm - 68% humidity is lower than Manila, and mountain air can be drying
Reusable water bottle - high altitude and UV exposure increase dehydration risk, and it reduces plastic waste

Insider Knowledge

Visit strawberry farms on weekdays before 9am - weekends see crowds from Manila, and afternoon heat affects berry quality. Local farms like those in La Trinidad offer better prices and experiences than tourist-focused operations
Book accommodations near Session Road or Burnham Park - these central locations let you walk to most attractions and avoid the challenging parking situation that worsens in April as visitor numbers increase
Bring exact change for jeepneys and local transport - drivers often can't break large bills, and April's increased tourist traffic makes this more problematic. Jeepney fares are typically ₱12-15 within the city
Pack layers you can carry easily - the 12°C (22°F) temperature swing means you'll constantly add/remove clothing. A light backpack is essential for day trips and hiking excursions

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating UV exposure - tourists often skip sunscreen because cool mountain air doesn't feel hot, then suffer severe burns from high-altitude UV intensity
Arriving Saturday morning without accommodation bookings - weekend traffic from Manila can add 3+ hours to travel time, and many places fill up with domestic tourists escaping summer heat
Wearing only light clothing for morning activities - 15°C (59°F) sunrise temperatures require warm layers that many tropical visitors don't expect in the Philippines

Explore Activities in Baguio