Things to Do in Baguio in September

September Weather in Baguio

24°C (75°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

320mm (12.6 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation rates of the year - hotel prices drop 40-50% compared to peak season (December-February), making luxury resorts accessible on mid-range budgets
Lush, vibrant landscapes at their absolute peak - waterfalls like Sekumpul are at maximum flow, rice terraces are emerald green, and botanical gardens are in full bloom
Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions - you'll often have Session Road, Burnham Park, and even popular viewpoints mostly to yourself during weekdays
Perfect weather for cozy indoor activities - ideal time to explore Baguio's café culture, museums, and covered markets without the usual crowds competing for tables

Considerations

Heavy daily rainfall (18 out of 31 days) with afternoon downpours lasting 2-4 hours - outdoor hiking and sightseeing plans frequently disrupted
Roads to popular spots like Mines View Park and La Trinidad strawberry farms often become muddy and slippery, making some attractions temporarily inaccessible
High humidity at 85% makes the cool mountain air feel muggy and uncomfortable - clothes take forever to dry and mold can be an issue in accommodations

Best Activities in September

Covered Market Food Tours

September is peak harvest season in the Cordillera region, making Baguio's covered markets like the City Market burst with fresh strawberries, vegetables, and local delicacies. The rainy weather makes indoor food exploration perfect, and vendors are less rushed with fewer tourists around. You'll find the season's best ube, sweet potatoes, and other highland produce at rock-bottom prices.

Booking Tip: Join morning food walking tours (typically ₱1,500-2,500 per person) that focus on covered areas. Book 3-5 days ahead through local operators who know which stalls have the best seasonal offerings. Look for tours that include tastings of at least 8-10 local specialties.

Museum and Cultural Center Visits

Rainy September is the perfect time to dive deep into Cordillera culture at BenCab Museum, Tam-awan Village, and the Baguio Museum. With fewer visitors, you can spend quality time with exhibits and often get impromptu conversations with local artists. Many cultural centers offer weaving and pottery workshops during the rainy season when outdoor activities are limited.

Booking Tip: Museum passes typically cost ₱300-500 per site. Many offer combined tickets during low season. Book cultural workshops 1 week ahead (₱1,200-2,000 for half-day sessions) as they fill up when weather keeps people indoors.

Café and Coffee Shop Hopping

Baguio's legendary café culture shines in September when cool, rainy weather makes cozy indoor spaces irresistible. Local coffee roasters showcase their best beans during this season, and you'll actually find seats at popular spots that are usually packed. The atmosphere is perfect for trying Cordillera coffee varieties while watching rain fall on pine trees.

Booking Tip: No booking needed, but budget ₱200-400 per café for coffee and pastries. Start your café crawl after 10am when morning rain usually stops. Focus on areas like Session Road, Upper Session, and Assumption Road where cafés are close together.

Indoor Adventure Activities

September's weather makes indoor climbing walls, bowling alleys, and recreational centers extremely popular with both locals and the few tourists around. Tree Top Adventure offers ziplines with covered platforms, and several indoor adventure parks have opened to cater to rainy season visitors. The cool weather makes indoor activities more comfortable than usual.

Booking Tip: Indoor adventure packages typically cost ₱800-1,500 per person. Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead. Look for operators offering 'rainy day packages' that combine multiple indoor activities. Many offer discounts during September's low season.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

The cool, humid September weather is ideal for spa treatments and wellness activities. Many resorts offer special rainy season packages combining hot stone massages, herbal baths, and meditation sessions. The sound of rain on pine trees creates a naturally relaxing atmosphere that enhances the wellness experience.

Booking Tip: Spa packages range from ₱2,000-5,000 for half-day treatments. Book 5-7 days ahead as locals also frequent spas during rainy season. Look for packages that include use of indoor facilities like saunas and hot tubs. Many offer 20-30% September discounts.

Handicraft Workshop Tours

September is traditionally when local artisans focus on indoor crafting before the busy season begins. Woodcarving, weaving, and silversmithing workshops are readily available, and masters have more time to teach with fewer tourists around. The cool weather makes working with materials like wood and textiles more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Handicraft workshops typically cost ₱1,000-2,500 for 3-4 hour sessions including materials. Book 1 week ahead through cultural centers or local artisan cooperatives. Look for workshops that let you take home your creations.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Baguio Blooms Festival

A smaller, more intimate flower festival celebrating September's peak blooming season in Baguio's gardens and parks. Unlike the crowded Panagbenga in February, this focuses on indoor flower arrangements and greenhouse tours, perfect for rainy weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - September brings 320mm (12.6 inches) of rain over 18 days, with afternoon downpours lasting 2-4 hours

Quick-dry hiking boots with good grip - paths around Mines View Park and botanical gardens become muddy and slippery

Moisture-wicking synthetic clothing - 85% humidity means cotton stays wet for hours after rain

Compact umbrella for walking between covered areas - essential for navigating Session Road and market areas

Waterproof phone case - protects devices during sudden downpours while taking photos

Light fleece or sweater for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) and feel cooler when wet

Antifungal powder - high humidity creates perfect conditions for athlete's foot in closed shoes

Plastic bags for wet clothes - keeps dry items separate in your luggage

Waterproof backpack cover - protects electronics and documents during outdoor exploration

Extra socks and underwear - everything takes longer to dry in 85% humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Local students return to universities in September, so internet cafés and affordable eateries around university areas reopen with student-friendly prices after summer break

Many local families visit Baguio during September weekends to escape lowland heat, so book accommodations by Wednesday for weekend stays to avoid being shut out

The best time for outdoor activities is 7-9am before daily rains begin - locals start hiking and jogging very early during rainy season

September is when local artists and craftspeople have the most time to teach workshops since tourist season hasn't started - perfect time to learn traditional Cordillera crafts at a relaxed pace

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning full-day outdoor itineraries without indoor backup plans - rain typically starts between 1-3pm and lasts until evening, stranding unprepared tourists

Bringing only cotton clothing - synthetic fabrics dry much faster in September's 85% humidity and frequent rain

Not checking road conditions to attractions like Mines View Park - some viewpoints become inaccessible during heavy rain periods and tourists waste transportation costs