Things to Do in Baguio in October

October Weather in Baguio

26°C (79°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect mild temperatures 16-26°C (61-79°F) - no need for heavy jackets or excessive layers, ideal for all-day outdoor activities
Minimal rainfall with only 45mm (1.8 inches) across 8 days - brief afternoon showers that clear quickly without disrupting plans
Peak strawberry and flower blooming season - strawberry farms offer fresh picking, flower gardens at their most vibrant
Clear mountain views on most days - Mount Pulag and surrounding peaks visible 80% of October days due to reduced cloud cover

Considerations

High domestic tourist season due to pleasant weather - accommodations fill quickly and prices increase 30-40% above August rates
Morning fog can persist until 9-10am, limiting early sunrise photography and mountain viewpoints
Weekend crowds at popular spots like Burnham Park and Session Road can make navigation difficult, especially during local holiday periods

Best Activities in October

Mount Pulag Sunrise Trekking

October offers the clearest skies for Mount Pulag's famous sea of clouds phenomenon. Cool 16°C (61°F) morning temperatures make the 2-hour pre-dawn hike comfortable, while minimal rainfall ensures trail safety. Cloud formation occurs 85% of October mornings due to perfect atmospheric conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed Department of Environment guides. Overnight camping packages typically cost ั3,500-4,500 per person. Start booking in August as October slots fill first due to ideal weather conditions.

Strawberry Farm Picking Tours

Peak harvest season runs throughout October when cool nights and mild days create perfect growing conditions. Strawberries are largest and sweetest during this month. La Trinidad strawberry fields offer morning picking sessions when temperatures are cool and fruit is firm.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for individual visits. Farm tours cost ั150-250 per person including picking basket. Best visited 7-10am before afternoon warmth affects fruit quality. Check current farm options in booking section below.

Baguio Cathedral and Downtown Walking Heritage Tours

October's mild temperatures 20-24°C (68-75°F) during midday make 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable. Cool mornings perfect for exploring Session Road, Baguio Cathedral, and Mansion House without excessive heat or heavy rain disruptions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is ideal in October weather, or join group tours typically ั800-1,200 per person. Licensed heritage guides available through city tourism office. Book cultural tours 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season.

Botanical Garden and Flower Market Photography

October marks peak blooming season for temperate flowers including roses, chrysanthemums, and seasonal blooms. Cool mornings with soft light and 75% humidity create ideal photography conditions. Botanical Garden displays are most vibrant during this month.

Booking Tip: Garden entry ั30 per person, no booking required. Professional photography permits ั200-300 for commercial shoots. Visit 6-8am for best lighting and fewer crowds. Flower market bustling early morning Tuesday-Sunday.

Camp John Hay Forest Trail Hiking

Perfect hiking weather with cool 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures and firm, dry trails. October's reduced rainfall means forest paths are accessible without mud concerns. Pine forest canopy provides natural cooling even during afternoon temperatures.

Booking Tip: Trail access ั50-100 per person depending on route. Guided nature walks ั500-800 per group available through Camp John Hay management. No advance booking needed for basic trails, but guided tours should be arranged 3-5 days ahead.

Traditional Market and Local Food Tours

October brings seasonal vegetables and cooler weather perfect for exploring Baguio Public Market's fresh produce sections. Morning temperatures 16-18°C (61-64°F) make crowded market areas comfortable. Seasonal specialties like ube, sweet potato, and mountain vegetables at peak freshness.

Booking Tip: Market entry free, food tours typically ั1,200-1,800 per person including tastings. Best visited early morning 6-9am when temperatures are coolest and selection is freshest. Book food tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed guides.

October Events & Festivals

Throughout October

Panagbenga Flower Festival Preparations

While the main festival occurs in February, October marks the beginning of flower cultivation and float preparation. Visitors can observe the behind-scenes preparation and flower growing process in local gardens and workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light fleece or sweater for 16°C (61°F) mornings - cotton hoodies work well for layering as temperatures rise to 26°C (79°F)

Waterproof hiking shoes with grip - morning dew and occasional light showers make trails slippery, especially on pine needle paths

Compact rain jacket or packable poncho - 8 rainy days with brief 20-30 minute afternoon showers that clear quickly

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 at 1,540m (5,050ft) elevation means stronger rays than sea level, even with mild temperatures

Breathable long pants for hiking - protect against pine needles and morning cool temperatures, but avoid heavy denim

Light cotton t-shirts for layering - 75% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday activities

Warm sleeping clothes if camping - nighttime temperatures can drop to 14°C (57°F) in higher elevation areas like Mount Pulag

Small daypack for hiking - comfortable for 2-4 hour trails without overheating in mild weather conditions

Camera with extra batteries - cold morning temperatures drain battery faster, and clear October skies offer excellent photo opportunities

Light gloves for early morning activities - helpful for sunrise hikes and photography when temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F)

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early September - October is peak season for domestic tourists escaping lowland heat, with weekend rates increasing 40% above weekday prices

Visit popular spots like Burnham Park and The Mansion before 8am or after 4pm to avoid peak domestic tourist crowds, especially on weekends when Metro Manila families arrive

Local buses from Manila are cheapest Tuesday-Thursday at ั400-500 versus ั700-900 on weekends - book Victory Liner or Genesis Transport 2 weeks ahead for October travel

Strawberry prices drop to ั80-120 per kilo directly from La Trinidad farms versus ั200-300 in Baguio city center - take jeepney route for 15-minute ride and significant savings

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes assuming warm Philippines weather - October mornings require layers as temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F)

Visiting only during weekends when domestic crowds peak - weekday visits offer 50% fewer crowds and better accommodation rates

Expecting constant cool weather - afternoon temperatures still reach 26°C (79°F), requiring sun protection and hydration during midday activities