Diving in the Philippines in December

Conditions in December

December in the Philippines marks a delightful transition, bidding farewell to the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and welcoming the milder northeast monsoon (Amihan), particularly across the central and northern regions. This means you’re generally looking at incredibly pleasant weather topside, with less humidity and more sunshine. Think blue skies and gentle breezes, perfect for soaking up the rays between dives. Sea conditions are typically very calm, especially in the Visayas, which opens up access to many of the archipelago’s most celebrated dive sites. You can expect average water temperatures to hover comfortably between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F), making for wonderfully warm diving. This range is pretty consistent across most popular dive destinations, so you won’t need to worry about drastic temperature drops. Visibility is usually excellent during December, often exceeding 20 meters and frequently pushing past 30 meters in many areas, particularly away from river mouths or heavy coastal development.

While the Amihan generally brings calm seas, occasional stronger winds can sometimes affect specific, exposed areas, especially in the far north or eastern seaboasts. However, liveaboards are adept at navigating these conditions, offering sheltered alternatives or adjusting itineraries as needed. Currents, as always in the Philippines, can be varied. You’ll find gentle drifts in many protected bays and inner reefs, but exhilarating stronger currents are common on outer reefs, channels, and pinnacles – precisely where the big stuff tends to aggregate. These currents are often part and parcel of the healthy, nutrient-rich waters that fuel the incredible biodiversity here, so embrace them! Overall, December presents some of the most stable and enjoyable diving conditions of the year throughout much of the Philippine archipelago, making it a prime time to explore its underwater wonders.

What you will see

December diving in the Philippines is an absolute feast for the eyes, offering a spectacular array of marine life, from the smallest critters to awe-inspiring pelagics. This time of year often brings clearer water and consistent conditions, which can contribute to better sightings of larger marine animals. In places like Malapascua, December is still firmly within the prime season for thresher shark encounters at Monad Shoal. These elegant, long-tailed sharks are typically seen at dawn as they come to the cleaning stations, an unforgettable experience you won't want to miss. Along with the threshers, you might also spot hammerheads cruising by in the deeper blue. In the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, while it's still closed in December (it opens in March), other sites offer a taste of this pelagic action.

For manta ray enthusiasts, some regions can offer consistent sightings. While specific aggregations can vary, sites around Bohol and some parts of Palawan can surprise you with these graceful giants. The vibrant, healthy reefs throughout the Visayas are teeming with life. Expect to see schools of snappers, barracudas, and fusiliers swirling around pinnacles and walls. The macro diving in December is simply outstanding across the board. Places like Anilao, Dauin, and parts of Romblon are world-renowned critter hotspots, and December's stable conditions only make them more accessible. Look out for flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, frogfish (hairy, painted, giant – you name it!), various nudibranchs, seahorses, and countless species of shrimp and crab tucked into every cranny. The sheer density and variety of macro life in December are enough to enthrall even the most seasoned underwater photographers.

Beyond the individual species, December offers opportunities to observe healthy reef ecosystems in full swing. You’ll witness intricate predator-prey relationships, cleaning stations bustling with activity, and kaleidoscopic soft and hard coral gardens thriving under optimal conditions. Reef sharks, including blacktips and whitetips, are common residents on many healthy reefs throughout the archipelago, providing thrilling encounters. Keep an eye out for turtles – green, hawksbill, and olive ridley are frequently spotted gliding gracefully over the reefs. The combination of excellent visibility, comfortable water temperatures, and the seasonal consistency makes December an exceptional month for experiencing the full grandeur of the Philippines’ underwater biodiversity.

Top dive sites this month

For pelagic action and incredible shark encounters in December, you absolutely can’t beat Monad Shoal off Malapascua Island. This famous cleaning station remains a premier spot for consistent thresher shark sightings at dawn. While you're in the Malapascua area, don't miss Gato Island, a marine sanctuary offering fantastic macro life, sea snakes, and occasionally white-tip reef sharks. For a diverse mix of large and small, the sites around Balicasag Island in Bohol are excellent. You'll find strong currents attracting schools of jacks and barracudas, alongside beautiful coral gardens and plentiful turtles. The famous Black Forest and Richelieu Rock areas around Balicasag are particularly vibrant this time of year.

If macro photography is your passion, then Anilao in Batangas, Luzon, is a non-negotiable destination. December offers superb conditions to explore muck diving sites like Anilao Pier, The Secret Bay, and Kirby’s Rock, where you can find an endless array of critter life including frogfish, nudibranchs, mimic octopuses, and seahorses. Further south in the Visayas, Dauin near Dumaguete is another muck diving mecca. Its sandy slopes and artificial reefs are home to a phenomenal concentration of rare and unusual macro subjects, perfectly suited for the clear, calm waters of December. These sites offer a stark contrast to the pelagic-rich reefs but are equally captivating in their own right, providing a comprehensive diving experience that caters to all interests.

Practical tips for your trip

Considering the comfortable water temperatures of 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F) in December, most divers will find a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit perfectly adequate. If you’re prone to getting cold or plan on doing multiple dives a day, a 5mm suit might be a good idea for added comfort, but it’s rarely essential. This month is incredibly versatile and suits divers of all experience levels. Beginners will appreciate the generally calm conditions and excellent visibility in protected bays, while advanced divers can seek out exhilarating drift dives and challenging deep pelagic encounters. Liveaboard availability tends to be good in December, although the period leading up to and including Christmas and New Year can see higher demand and bookings, so plan ahead if you're traveling during that specific window. Booking well in advance is always recommended for premium liveaboards to secure your preferred itinerary.

When packing, consider light, breathable clothing for topside excursions, along with reef-safe sunscreen and a good hat. Ensure you have all necessary dive certifications and your logbook. Don't forget any personal medications, as local pharmacies might have limited stock of specialized items. While the weather is generally favorable, it's wise to pack a light rain jacket, just in case of an isolated shower. Be aware that travel within the Philippines can sometimes involve domestic flights and ferries, which, while generally efficient, can occasionally experience delays due to weather or operational issues. Always allow for buffer time in your itinerary, especially if you have connecting international flights. Embrace the laid-back pace, enjoy the incredible marine life, and prepare for an unforgettable dive adventure in the Philippines!