Things to Do in Baguio in January

January Weather in Baguio

19°C (66°F) High Temp

11°C (52°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 2 rainy days - perfect for outdoor activities and mountain hiking without mud or slippery trails
Coolest temperatures of the year (11-19°C/52-66°F) make walking around the city comfortable all day without overheating
Crystal clear mountain views - the dry air and low humidity create exceptional visibility for photography at scenic spots like Mine's View Park
Peak strawberry and flower season - local strawberry farms are at their most productive, and Panagbenga Festival preparations begin with flower gardens in full bloom

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular spots like Burnham Park get crowded, especially weekends
Morning temperatures can drop to 11°C (52°F) requiring warm layers that many tropical travelers don't pack
Traffic congestion worsens significantly due to tourist influx - expect 30-45 minute delays on Session Road during peak hours (10am-2pm, 5pm-8pm)

Best Activities in January

Strawberry Farm Tours and Picking

January is peak strawberry harvest season in La Trinidad Valley. The cool weather produces the sweetest berries, and farms like those in the Strawberry Fields area are at maximum productivity. Early morning visits (7am-9am) offer the best picking conditions and avoid afternoon crowds. The 11-19°C temperature range is ideal for spending hours outdoors without overheating.

Booking Tip: Visit independently or book farm tours through local operators. Entry fees typically ₱20-50 per person, strawberry picking costs ₱300-500 per kilogram. Go early morning for best selection and cooler temperatures. Many farms offer jam-making workshops for ₱200-400 additional.

Mountain Hiking and Nature Walks

January's dry conditions make trails to Mount Yangbew, Temple of Leah viewpoint, and ecological parks like Botanical Garden accessible without mud. The cool 19°C maximum means you can hike midday without excessive sweating. Clear skies provide spectacular views of the Cordillera mountain range that are often obscured during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Most trails are accessible independently. Guided nature walks cost ₱500-1,200 per person for half-day tours. Book through eco-tourism offices or guesthouses. Bring layers as mountain temperatures can vary 8-10 degrees between valleys and peaks. Start early (6am-8am) for best visibility.

Night Market Food Tours

January's cool evenings (11-15°C) make outdoor eating comfortable at Harrison Road night market and Good Taste Cafe area. This is perfect weather for trying local specialties like pinikpikan, bagnet, and Cordillera coffee without the heat making you lose appetite. Evening temperatures require light jackets, creating cozy dining atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration works best, though some guesthouses organize group food walks for ₱800-1,500 per person. Night markets operate 6pm-11pm. Bring cash - most vendors don't accept cards. Budget ₱300-600 per person for full meal sampling various stalls.

Flower Garden and Photography Tours

Pre-Panagbenga Festival period means flower gardens are being prepared with peak blooms. January's clear, dry conditions provide perfect lighting for photography at Botanical Garden, Mines View Park, and local flower farms. The low humidity prevents camera lens fogging that's common in other months.

Booking Tip: Garden entry fees range ₱30-80 per person. Photography tours through local guides cost ₱1,000-2,500 per half day. Book 5-7 days ahead as this coincides with festival preparations. Best light conditions are 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm when temperatures are coolest.

Coffee Farm and Processing Tours

January is post-harvest season for Cordillera coffee, making it ideal for learning about processing and tasting fresh roasts. The cool, dry weather is perfect for walking through mountainside farms in Tuba and Tublay areas. Many farms offer roasting workshops that are comfortable in 15-19°C temperatures.

Booking Tip: Coffee farm tours cost ₱400-900 per person including tastings. Some offer roasting workshops for ₱800-1,500 additional. Book through Benguet tourism office or directly with farms. Tours typically last 3-4 hours. Transportation to farms costs ₱200-400 per person in shared jeepneys.

Cultural Village and Handicraft Tours

January's comfortable temperatures make walking through cultural sites like Tam-awan Village enjoyable all day. The dry conditions are ideal for outdoor cultural demonstrations and handicraft workshops. This is also when many artisans prepare crafts for upcoming festivals, offering visitors insight into traditional preparation processes.

Booking Tip: Village entry fees range ₱60-120 per person. Handicraft workshops cost ₱300-800 depending on complexity. Cultural performances are scheduled 10am, 2pm, and 4pm on weekends. Book cultural tours through local operators for ₱800-1,500 per person including transportation.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

Panagbenga Festival Preparations

While the main festival is in February-March, January is when flower gardens are prepared and float construction begins. Visitors can watch artisans creating parade floats and see gardens being arranged. This behind-the-scenes access offers unique photo opportunities and cultural insight.

Throughout January

Strawberry Season Peak

La Trinidad's strawberry harvest reaches its peak in January. Many farms host picking events and strawberry-themed activities. Local restaurants feature special strawberry menus, and the Strawberry Festival preparations begin with farm tours and tasting events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm jacket or fleece - temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F) in early mornings and can feel colder due to mountain wind

Layered clothing system - temperature swings of 8°C (14°F) daily mean you'll need to add/remove layers frequently

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - even in dry season, morning dew makes surfaces slippery until 9am

Light scarf or neck warmer - mountain winds make it feel 3-5°C colder than actual temperature, especially at viewpoints

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 plus mountain altitude increases sun exposure, even on cool days

Small backpack - you'll constantly be adding/removing layers as you move between sunny and shaded areas

Cash in small bills - many local vendors, jeepneys, and farm entry fees require exact change in ₱20-100 denominations

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries faster, and you'll take many photos in the clear conditions

Reusable water bottle - dry mountain air causes dehydration even when temperatures feel cool

Light rain jacket - while only 2 rainy days expected, mountain weather can change quickly and briefly

Insider Knowledge

Avoid weekends if possible - Saturday/Sunday crowds are 3x larger than weekdays, and traffic on Kennon Road can add 45 minutes each way to your journey

Book accommodation by early December - January is peak season and prices jump 40-60% after New Year's Day, with budget places often fully booked

Shop for winter clothes in Baguio rather than packing heavy items - Ukay-ukay stores on Session Road sell quality jackets for ₱200-500, much cheaper than airline baggage fees

Take advantage of 'tanghalian' (lunch) pricing - many restaurants offer lunch specials 11am-2pm that cost 30-40% less than dinner portions of the same dishes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold 11°C (52°F) feels in the mountains - many tropical visitors get sick from inadequate warm clothing, especially during early morning activities

Not booking strawberry farm visits in advance - popular farms like those in La Trinidad fill up quickly on weekends and may close early when strawberries sell out

Driving to Baguio on Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings - traffic can add 2-3 hours to the normal 5-6 hour Manila journey during peak tourist season