Things to Do in Angeles City in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Angeles City
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits right in the dry season sweet spot - you're looking at maybe 5mm (0.2 inches) of rain for the entire month, which means those afternoon showers that plague the summer months are basically gone. You can actually plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the sky.
- The temperature range of 23-29°C (73-84°F) is about as comfortable as Angeles City gets. Mornings are genuinely pleasant for walking around, and even midday heat is manageable if you're not doing anything too strenuous. Locals call this 'aircon weather' because you might actually turn off the AC at night.
- December falls outside the main Filipino holiday rush (which hits hard in January) but catches the tail end of Western tourist season, meaning you get decent availability at hotels and restaurants without the ghost-town vibe of peak rainy season. Prices haven't hit their January-February peak yet.
- The 70% humidity, while still present, is noticeably lower than the 85-90% you'd experience June through October. Your clothes actually dry overnight, camera lenses don't fog up constantly, and that sticky feeling that defines tropical climates is dialed back considerably.
Considerations
- December is technically still tourist season, which means Fields Avenue and the main entertainment districts are busier than they'd be in, say, September. You're not fighting crowds exactly, but expect more foreigners at the popular spots, and accommodation prices run about 20-30% higher than low season rates.
- The UV index of 8 is no joke - you're close to the equator and December's clear skies mean there's nothing filtering that sun. You'll burn in under 20 minutes without protection, and by 11am-3pm, being outside without shade gets genuinely uncomfortable even for people who handle heat well.
- While rainfall is minimal, those 10 rainy days tend to be unpredictable. When it does rain, it's usually a brief downpour that floods streets for 30-45 minutes before draining. Not trip-ruining, but worth noting if you're planning day trips to places like Mount Pinatubo where weather matters more.
Best Activities in December
Mount Pinatubo 4x4 and Hiking Tours
December is actually the prime month for the Pinatubo trek - the lahar fields are completely dry, the crater lake is at its most brilliant turquoise, and you won't be slogging through mud like you would in rainy season. The 14 km (8.7 mile) round trip involves about 2 hours of 4x4 riding through volcanic ash fields followed by a 2 km (1.2 mile) hike to the crater rim. Start times are typically 4-5am to avoid midday heat, and you'll be back by noon. The dry conditions mean the 4x4 portion is dusty but fast - bring a bandana for your face.
Clark Freeport Zone Outdoor Activities
The former US Air Force base turned economic zone is about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Angeles and December weather makes it ideal for the outdoor activities here - hot air balloon rides, go-karting, and cycling around the sprawling, well-maintained grounds. The area has actual trees and green space, which is rare around Angeles City proper. Morning balloon rides (6-7am) offer views of Mount Arayat and Pinatubo in clear December air. The go-kart tracks and shooting ranges are outdoors, so the lower humidity compared to summer months makes a real difference.
Subic Bay Beach and Water Sports
About 80 km (50 miles) west of Angeles, Subic Bay is where locals go when they want actual beaches - Angeles itself is landlocked. December's calm seas and minimal rainfall make this the best month for the drive over. The bay offers jet skiing, parasailing, and island hopping tours to Grande Island. Water visibility for snorkeling peaks in December at 10-15 m (33-49 ft) compared to 3-5 m (10-16 ft) in rainy season. It's a full day trip, leaving around 7am and returning by 6-7pm.
Angeles City Food Market Tours
December evenings are genuinely pleasant for walking around, which makes this the ideal time to explore the street food scene. The main public market (Jenra Mall area) and the night food stalls along MacArthur Highway come alive from 6pm onwards. You're looking at sisig (the local specialty - crispy pork with onions and chili), balut if you're adventurous, and endless grilled meat skewers for 20-50 PHP per item. The lack of rain means vendors set up more elaborate setups, and the cooler evening temperatures make standing around eating more comfortable than the sweltering summer months.
Sandbox at Alviera Adventure Park Activities
This adventure park about 20 km (12.4 miles) from Angeles opened in 2022 and offers ziplines, ATV rides, and a massive wave pool. December is actually their peak month because the wave pool is outdoors and you want sunny, dry weather for this. The zipline network covers 1.2 km (0.75 miles) and includes a Superman-style line that's genuinely thrilling. The ATV trails wind through 10 hectares (25 acres) of former farmland. Plan for 4-5 hours to hit the main attractions.
Angeles City Nightlife District Walking Tours
Look, this is why most people come to Angeles, so let's be direct about it. Fields Avenue and the Walking Street area are the main entertainment districts, and December weather makes the outdoor bar setup actually pleasant - you're not sweating through your shirt just sitting at a table. The area is a several-block zone of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that's unlike anywhere else in the Philippines. Evening temperatures around 25°C (77°F) mean the open-air venues are comfortable, and the lack of rain means the streets aren't flooded. Most venues open around 5-6pm and run until 2-3am.
December Events & Festivals
Giant Lantern Festival Viewing Trips
While the actual festival happens in nearby San Fernando (15 km or 9.3 miles away), mid-December is when the famous parol (giant lanterns) are displayed. These aren't your typical Christmas decorations - they're 6 m (20 ft) diameter mechanical light shows with thousands of bulbs synchronized to music. Many hotels and tour operators organize evening trips to see them. It's genuinely spectacular and worth the 30-minute drive.
Simbang Gabi Dawn Masses
Starting December 16, these pre-dawn Catholic masses (around 4-5am) happen across the Philippines for nine consecutive days leading to Christmas. Even if you're not religious, the atmosphere outside churches afterward is interesting - vendors set up selling bibingka (rice cakes) and puto bumbong (purple rice dessert), and there's a community energy that's unique. Several churches in Angeles participate, with San Agustin Parish being the most accessible for visitors.