Things to Do in Baguio in December

December Weather in Baguio

25°C (77°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect sweater weather with daytime temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) - ideal for walking without overheating
Driest month of the year with only 8mm (0.3 inches) rainfall and just 2 rainy days - no muddy hiking trails
Peak flower season at Burnham Park and Botanical Garden with vibrant blooms thriving in cool, dry conditions
Christmas season atmosphere with local festivities, holiday markets, and decorated Session Road creating festive energy

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular spots like Mines View Park get crowded by 9am
Morning fog can reduce visibility at scenic viewpoints until 10-11am, affecting sunrise photography opportunities
Cool evenings dropping to 15°C (59°F) require layered clothing - many visitors underpack warm items

Best Activities in December

Early Morning Hiking at Mount Pulag National Park

December's dry conditions and clear skies create perfect visibility for the famous sea of clouds phenomenon. Cool 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures make the challenging 2-3 hour ascent comfortable, while minimal rainfall means trails are stable and safe. The dry season also offers the best chance of clear summit views extending across Luzon.

Booking Tip: Book permits and guides 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed tour operators as December is peak season. Tours typically cost ₱2,500-4,000 per person including transportation from Baguio. Look for operators with proper Department of Tourism accreditation. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Strawberry Farm Tours in La Trinidad Valley

December marks peak strawberry harvest season when the cool, dry weather produces the sweetest berries. Temperature range of 18-22°C (64-72°F) is optimal for berry picking without wilting heat. The dry conditions also mean easier access to farm areas and better photo opportunities among the red-ripe fields.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning 7-9am for coolest temperatures and freshest picking. Entry fees typically ₱50-100 per person plus ₱300-500 per kilogram picked. Book through registered agritourism operators for safety and quality assurance. Current farm tour options available in booking section below.

Session Road Night Market Food Walking Tours

December's cool evenings make extended outdoor eating comfortable without sticky humidity. The Christmas season brings special holiday treats like bibingka and puto bumbong alongside Cordillera favorites. Cool 16-18°C (61-64°F) evening temperatures mean you can enjoy hot soups and grilled meats without overheating.

Booking Tip: Join guided food tours starting around 6pm when temperatures cool down. Tours typically cost ₱1,500-2,500 per person including 8-10 food stops. Look for guides with local culinary knowledge and food safety protocols. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Temple Hopping and Cultural Heritage Walks

Cool December weather perfect for extended walking between Baguio Cathedral, Bell Church, and various Buddhist temples. The 20-23°C (68-73°F) daytime temperatures allow comfortable exploration without heat exhaustion, while clear skies provide excellent photography lighting for architectural details.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, but cultural tours with local historians cost ₱800-1,200 per person and provide deeper context. Start early (8am) to avoid afternoon crowds at major temples. Book cultural guides through registered tourism operators listed in booking section below.

Botanical Garden and Burnham Park Photography Tours

December's peak flowering season combined with perfect lighting conditions create ideal photography opportunities. Cool, dry weather keeps flowers vibrant longer, while the 65% humidity prevents lens fogging. Morning fog clears by 10am, revealing crystal-clear mountain backdrops for landscape shots.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost ₱1,800-3,000 per person including equipment guidance. Early morning 6-9am sessions capture best light and fewer crowds. Book with photographers familiar with seasonal flower patterns. Current photography tour options available in booking section below.

Traditional Weaving and Craft Workshop Tours

December's comfortable indoor temperatures make extended craft sessions enjoyable without needing air conditioning. This is also the season when local artisans prepare inventory for Christmas sales, meaning more workshops are available and artisans have peak energy for teaching.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshops typically cost ₱1,200-2,000 per person including materials. Book with registered cultural centers that support local artisan communities. Morning sessions 9am-12pm work best when lighting is optimal for detailed work. See current craft workshop options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Baguio Flower Festival Planning Season

December marks the intensive preparation period for February's Panagbenga Festival, with flower farms in full bloom and artisans creating float decorations. Visitors can witness behind-the-scenes preparation and visit farms at peak flowering season.

Mid December through early January

Christmas Market at Session Road

Local vendors set up holiday stalls selling Cordillera crafts, seasonal foods, and Christmas decorations. The cool weather makes evening market browsing comfortable, with live acoustic performances most weekends.

December 31st

New Year's Eve Countdown at Burnham Park

Annual outdoor celebration taking advantage of December's pleasant evening weather. Local bands perform while families gather for picnics in the cool air - something impossible during hot months elsewhere in the Philippines.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light wool sweater or fleece jacket for 15°C (59°F) evenings - cotton hoodies won't provide adequate warmth

Layering pieces like cardigans and light scarves for temperature swings from 15-25°C (59-77°F)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - December's dry conditions mean less mud but still uneven mountain terrain

Light rain jacket despite low rainfall - occasional mountain drizzle can appear suddenly

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 plus high altitude increases burn risk during clear days

Warm sleepwear as accommodations may not have heating for 15°C (59°F) nights

Camera with lens cloth - morning fog can create condensation issues until 10am

Cash in small bills - many strawberry farms and local vendors don't accept cards

Reusable water bottle - cool weather means less sweating but high altitude increases dehydration risk

Power bank - cold weather drains phone batteries faster during outdoor photography sessions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 1st - December prices jump 40-60% and good options sell out by mid-November due to Christmas bookings

Visit viewpoints after 10:30am when morning fog lifts completely - locals know Mines View Park before 10am is usually just white mist

December strawberries are genuinely sweetest due to cool weather stress - don't skip farm visits thinking it's just tourist marketing

Bring extra layers for jeepney rides - these open vehicles feel much colder at 1,540m (5,050 ft) altitude than ground level temperatures suggest

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving at scenic viewpoints before 10am expecting clear views - morning fog blocks most mountain vistas until mid-morning

Packing only summer clothes assuming tropical Philippines weather - December nights drop to 15°C (59°F) and many visitors end up buying overpriced jackets locally

Booking accommodation last-minute in December - this is peak season with 60% higher prices and limited availability after Thanksgiving