Iloilo Seasonal Highlights 2025:

Festivals, Events and

Travel Tips

WORDS BY ROAMDRIFT TEAM

LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 9, 2025 | SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Moving with the rhythm of the seasons, the province of Iloilo blends sunlit shores, hidden lush escapes, and centuries-old traditions that weave through bustling streets and quiet corners alike.

Yet for many travelers, the island’s festivals, cultural events, and natural wonders can feel overwhelming to navigate without a guide.

Whether it’s your first journey or a return to familiar sights, this guide opens the door to Iloilo’s stories—from the thunder of drums during Dinagyang to the sweetness of mango-filled celebrations.

It also explores serene beaches and secret waterfalls, helping you uncover the experiences, sights, and flavors that make 2025 a year to remember in the Heart of the Philippines.

Iloilo Seasonal

Highlights 2025:

Festivals, Events and

Travel Tips

WORDS BY ROAMDRIFT TEAM

LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 9, 2025 | SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Moving with the rhythm of the seasons, the province of Iloilo blends sunlit shores, hidden lush escapes, and centuries-old traditions that weave through bustling streets and quiet corners alike.

Yet for many travelers, the island’s festivals, cultural events, and natural wonders can feel overwhelming to navigate without a guide.

Whether it’s your first journey or a return to familiar sights, this guide opens the door to Iloilo’s stories—from the thunder of drums during Dinagyang to the sweetness of mango-filled celebrations.

It also explores serene beaches and secret waterfalls, helping you uncover the experiences, sights, and flavors that make 2025 a year to remember in the Heart of the Philippines.

January:

Dinagyang Festival

When: Every fourth weekend of January
(January 24–26, 2025)

Where: Iloilo City

Highlights:

● The Dinagyang Festival electrifies Iloilo City with vibrant street dances and rhythmic drumbeats honoring the Santo Niño.

● Performers wear colorful, intricate costumes and compete in energetic, choreographed routines that fill the streets with motion and music.

● Spectators cheer and capture every moment, immersing themselves in the festival’s lively atmosphere and rich cultural traditions.

● Local vendors sell food, crafts, and souvenirs, adding flavor and color to the city’s unforgettable celebration.

February:

Paraw Regatta Festival

When: February 2025

Where: Iloilo City

Highlights:

● The Paraw Regatta Festival showcases Iloilo’s maritime heritage with a colorful sailboat race along the Iloilo Strait.

● Sailors skillfully navigate traditional paraws with vibrant sails, thrilling spectators who cheer from the shore.

● The celebration also features cultural performances, food fairs, and community events, bringing the city alive with tradition and seaside energy.

April:

Semana Sang Iloilo

When: April 2025

Where: Iloilo Capitol Grounds

Highlights:

● Semana Sang Iloilo is a week-long celebration showcasing the province’s rich history, culture, and traditions.

● Expect cultural exhibits, local crafts, and performances that highlight iloilo’s heritage.

May:

Guimaras Mango Festival

When: May 2025

Where: Guimaras Province

Highlights:

● The Guimaras Mango Festival celebrates the province’s world-famous sweet mangoes through vibrant events and local traditions.

● Tourists enjoy the sweetness of Guimaras mangoes during mango-eating contests, cultural performances, and showcases of local crafts.

June:

Rainy Season Adventures

When: June 2025

Highlights:

● During the rainy season in June, Iloilo offers rich indoor experiences that showcase its culture and history.

● Explore museums, art galleries, and heritage sites during this time, while enjoying cozy cafés, culinary classes, and cultural workshops, discovering the city’s traditions and colonial past.

Year-Round

Attractions in Iloilo

Iloilo offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a year-round destination.

● Iloilo Esplanade:
A scenic waterfront area featuring walking paths, parks, dining spots, and picturesque views along the river.

● Calle Real (JM Basa Street):
Calle Real, also known as JM Basa Street, showcases Iloilo City’s historic charm with preserved Spanish-era architecture, vibrant shops, and cultural landmarks.

● Jaro Cathedral:
A significant religious site in Iloilo, known for its historical architecture and the annual Jaro Fiesta.

● Miag-ao Church:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is renowned for its unique architecture and historical significance.

● Molo Church:
Known as the “Women’s Church,” this historic Gothic-Renaissance landmark in Iloilo City features elegant arches and statues of female saints.

● Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort:
A spiritual and recreational destination that offers panoramic views and a peaceful environment.

● Guimaras Island:
Just off Iloilo’s coast, Guimaras delights visitors with sun-kissed beaches, lush mango orchards, and a vibrant local culture.

● Islas de Gigantes:
A group of islands known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood.

January: Dinagyang Festival

When: Every fourth weekend of January (January 24–26, 2025)

Where: Iloilo City

Highlights:

● The Dinagyang Festival electrifies Iloilo City with vibrant street dances and rhythmic drumbeats honoring the Santo Niño.

● Performers wear colorful, intricate costumes and compete in energetic, choreographed routines that fill the streets with motion and music.

● Spectators cheer and capture every moment, immersing themselves in the festival’s lively atmosphere and rich cultural traditions.

● Local vendors sell food, crafts, and souvenirs, adding flavor and color to the city’s unforgettable celebration.

February: Paraw Regatta Festival

When: February 2025

Where: Iloilo City

● The Paraw Regatta Festival showcases Iloilo’s maritime heritage with a colorful sailboat race along the Iloilo Strait.

● Sailors skillfully navigate traditional paraws with vibrant sails, thrilling spectators who cheer from the shore.

● The celebration also features cultural performances, food fairs, and community events, bringing the city alive with tradition and seaside energy.

April: Semana Sang Iloilo

When: April 2025

Where: Iloilo Capitol Grounds

Highlights:

● Semana Sang Iloilo is a week-long celebration showcasing the province’s rich history, culture, and traditions.

● Expect cultural exhibits, local crafts, and performances that highlight Iloilo’s heritage.

May: Guimaras Mango Festival

When: May 2025

Where: Guimaras Province

Highlights:

● The Guimaras Mango Festival celebrates the province’s world-famous sweet mangoes through vibrant events and local traditions.

● Tourists enjoy the sweetness of Guimaras mangoes during mango-eating contests, cultural performances, and showcases of local crafts.

June: Rainy Season Adventures

When: June 2025

Highlights:

● During the rainy season in June, Iloilo offers rich indoor experiences that showcase its culture and history.

● Explore museums, art galleries, and heritage sites during this time, while enjoying cozy cafés, culinary classes, and cultural workshops, discovering the city’s traditions and colonial past.

Year-Round Attractions in Iloilo

Iloilo offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a year-round destination.

● Iloilo Esplanade:
A scenic waterfront area featuring walking paths, parks, dining spots, and picturesque views along the river.

● Calle Real (JM Basa Street):
Calle Real, also known as JM Basa Street, showcases Iloilo City’s historic charm with preserved Spanish-era architecture, vibrant shops, and cultural landmarks.

● Jaro Cathedral:
A significant religious site in Iloilo, known for its historical architecture and the annual Jaro Fiesta.

● Miag-ao Church:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is renowned for its unique architecture and historical significance.

● Molo Church:
Known as the “Women’s Church,” this historic Gothic-Renaissance landmark in Iloilo City features elegant arches and statues of female saints.

● Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort:
A spiritual and recreational destination that offers panoramic views and a peaceful environment.

● Guimaras Island:
Just off Iloilo’s coast, Guimaras delights visitors with sun-kissed beaches, lush mango orchards, and a vibrant local culture.

● Islas de Gigantes:
A group of islands known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood.

Travel Tips for Iloilo

● Best Time to Visit:

‣ For festival experiences, plan your trip around January for the Dinagyang Festival, when Iloilo bursts with vibrant street dancing and cultural performances.

‣ For sunny adventures and island-hopping, visit between March and May, the dry summer months perfect for exploring Islas de Gigantes or nearby Guimaras.

‣ For a calmer, more relaxed getaway, November to early February offers cool weather and fewer crowds, while June to October brings lush green scenery during the rainy season.

● Weather:

‣ The dry season from November to May offers sunny days and comfortable temperatures — ideal for sightseeing, festivals, and island-hopping.

‣ The wet season from June to October brings occasional rain and humidity but also lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

● Getting Around:

‣ Jeepneys are the most common and affordable way to travel within Iloilo City — they follow fixed routes and are perfect for short trips.

‣ Taxis and Grab (ride-hailing app) are convenient for faster, more comfortable rides around the city.

‣ Tricycles and motorbikes are ideal for short distances or exploring smaller towns and coastal areas.

‣ For nearby destinations like Guimaras Island or Islas de Gigantes, you can take ferries or pump boats from Iloilo’s ports.

● Accommodations:

‣ Iloilo offers a range of stays — from budget hostels and mid-range hotels in the city proper to luxury options in Mandurriao’s business district.

‣ Book early if visiting during January’s Dinagyang Festival, as hotels fill up quickly.

● Local Etiquette:

‣ Iloilo locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. Greet with a smile, respect religious sites, and support local businesses by purchasing handmade products and fresh produce.

● Activities:

‣ Beyond festivals, Iloilo is perfect for cultural tours, culinary experiences, and beach days.

‣ Let the province’s rich heritage and natural beauty guide your journey.

Weather Year-Round in Iloilo

Iloilo basks in a tropical climate that shifts gently between the dry and wet seasons, each bringing its own rhythm to the city and province.

● Dry Season (November–April):

‣ During these months, the skies are often clear, and the sun casts a warm, golden glow over the city’s heritage streets and sparkling coastlines.

‣ Humidity is lower, making it perfect for wandering through historic churches, strolling along the Iloilo River Esplanade, or venturing out to islands like Gigantes.

‣ Temperatures generally range from 24°C to 32°C, and gentle sea breezes refresh the afternoons.

‣ Festivals such as Dinagyang in January come alive under these sunlit skies, while March and April are ideal for beach days, island hopping, and scenic hikes.

● Wet Season (May–October):

‣ The wet season drapes Iloilo in lush greenery and dramatic skies.

‣ Rain showers can be frequent, especially from June to September, but they are usually brief and often give way to warm sunshine, turning the landscape vibrant and alive.

‣ Temperatures hover between 25°C and 33°C, with higher humidity creating a tropical embrace that enhances the aroma of local markets and fresh coastal breezes.

‣ This is a reflective season for travelers who enjoy quieter exploration, cozying up in cafes, visiting museums, or taking peaceful walks along the river while the rain drums gently on the pavements.

‣ Even in the wettest months, festivals like the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan in October sparkle with color and life, offering a rich cultural experience despite occasional showers.