Things to Do in Angeles in December

December Weather in Angeles

32°C (90°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 3 rainy days and 45mm (1.8 inches) total precipitation means outdoor activities proceed as planned
Cool mornings and evenings (21°C/70°F) make walking tours and night markets comfortable, while afternoons stay warm at 32°C (90°F) for pool activities
New Year's Eve celebrations transform Clark Freeport Zone into the region's biggest party destination with outdoor concerts and fireworks that would be impossible during rainy season
Lower humidity at 65% compared to wet season's 85% makes the heat more tolerable and reduces the sticky, oppressive feeling common in other months

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% above October rates, with many hotels requiring 3-night minimum stays
Intense UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor sightseeing to early morning (6-9am) and late afternoon (4-7pm)
Strong easterly winds averaging 25 km/h (15.5 mph) can make outdoor dining uncomfortable and create dust issues when visiting Mount Pinatubo

Best Activities in December

Mount Pinatubo 4WD Crater Tours

December's dry conditions make the 28km (17.4 mile) 4WD journey to the crater lake possible - roads are impassable during wet season. Morning temperatures of 21°C (70°F) at the 1,486m (4,875 ft) summit provide relief from lowland heat. Clear skies offer unobstructed views of the turquoise crater lake that's impossible to see through wet season clouds.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as December is peak season. Tours typically cost ₱3,500-4,500 per person including 4WD transport and guide. Choose early morning departures (5am) to avoid afternoon heat and secure parking spots. Look for operators with proper permits and insurance coverage.

Clark Freeport Zone Heritage Walking Tours

Former US Air Base sites are best explored in December's lower humidity (65% vs 85% in wet season). Cool mornings and evenings allow comfortable 3-4 hour walking tours of abandoned military buildings, the old runway, and war memorials. Dry conditions mean access to usually-muddy outdoor exhibits and aircraft displays.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with tricycle transport costing ₱150-200 per hour. Guided historical tours run ₱800-1,200 per person. Start early morning (7am) or late afternoon (4pm) to avoid peak UV. Book through visitor centers for certified historical guides.

Subic Bay Marine Wildlife Tours

December's clear waters and calm seas (thanks to dry season conditions) provide optimal visibility for dolphin watching and snorkeling. Ocean temperatures remain warm at 28°C (82°F) while air temperatures make boat travel comfortable. This is peak season for spotting spinner dolphins and pilot whales migrating through Subic Bay.

Booking Tip: Marine tours cost ₱2,800-3,800 per person for full-day trips. Book 5-7 days ahead as December has limited boat availability. Morning departures (7am) offer best wildlife viewing and calmer seas. Choose operators with marine park permits and life jacket certification.

Bamboo Organ Cultural Tours

Las Piñas' famous 200-year-old bamboo organ sounds best in December's dry air - humidity damages the bamboo pipes during wet season. The 30-minute concerts held Wednesdays and weekends showcase the instrument's unique sound in optimal acoustic conditions. Cool evening temperatures make the non-air-conditioned church comfortable for extended listening.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets cost ₱100-200 per person. Church tours are free but donations expected. Visit Wednesday evenings (6pm) or weekend afternoons (2pm) for scheduled performances. No advance booking needed but arrive 15 minutes early for seating. Combine with nearby heritage house tours.

Pampanga Culinary Heritage Tours

December marks harvest season for local ingredients making this the optimal time for authentic Kapampangan cuisine experiences. Outdoor cooking demonstrations and market tours are comfortable in morning temperatures of 21°C (70°F). Traditional Christmas dishes like bibingka and puto bumbong are prepared fresh daily during this season.

Booking Tip: Food tours range ₱1,500-2,500 per person including tastings and transport between venues. Book through local tourism offices for authentic experiences. Morning tours (8am-12pm) offer freshest ingredients and comfortable temperatures. Look for tours including traditional cooking workshops and market visits.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Activities

December's stable weather conditions and minimal rainfall create perfect flying weather for hot air balloons and ultralight aircraft. Clear morning skies and light winds make this the premier month for aerial activities over Central Luzon rice fields. Ground festivals feature outdoor concerts and food stalls comfortable in evening temperatures.

Booking Tip: Balloon rides cost ₱6,000-8,000 per person and must be booked weeks in advance for December flights. Festival entry is ₱150-300 per day. Early morning flights (5:30am) offer best weather conditions and sunrise views. Check festival dates as they vary yearly but typically occur mid-December.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival

Central Luzon's premier aviation festival featuring hot air balloons, ultralight aircraft demonstrations, and outdoor concerts. December's stable weather conditions make this the only viable time for safe balloon operations. Ground activities include local food vendors, craft exhibitions, and evening fireworks displays.

Late December

New Year's Eve Clark Countdown

Clark Freeport Zone hosts the region's largest New Year's celebration with outdoor concerts on the former runway, fireworks over the parade grounds, and food festivals. The dry weather ensures events proceed as scheduled, unlike wet season celebrations that often move indoors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 requiring reapplication every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for morning Mount Pinatubo tours where temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at altitude

Sturdy hiking boots for 4WD tours - Mount Pinatubo's rocky terrain requires ankle support even in dry conditions

Light rain jacket or windbreaker for the 3 potential rainy days and strong 25 km/h (15.5 mph) easterly winds

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps heat in 65% humidity conditions

Power bank and phone case for day-long Mount Pinatubo tours where charging isn't available for 8-10 hours

Comfortable walking shoes for heritage tours covering 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) on concrete and gravel surfaces

Swimwear for hotel pools and Subic Bay marine activities in 28°C (82°F) water temperatures

Light sweater for evening outdoor dining when temperatures drop to 21°C (70°F)

Dust mask or bandana for Mount Pinatubo's dusty 4WD roads - December's dry conditions create significant dust clouds

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before October 15th to secure December rates - prices jump 40-60% after this date due to New Year's demand and many properties implement 3-night minimum stays

Schedule outdoor activities between 6-9am and 4-7pm to avoid peak UV hours - locals take extended lunch breaks indoors from 11am-3pm during December's intense sun

Carry cash in small denominations (₱20, ₱50 notes) as Mount Pinatubo tour operators and heritage site vendors rarely accept cards or large bills in rural areas

Download offline maps before Mount Pinatubo tours as cell coverage disappears 45 minutes into the 4WD journey and GPS becomes essential for emergency situations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Mount Pinatubo's morning cold - tourists wearing shorts and t-shirts at the 1,486m (4,875 ft) summit are miserable in 15°C (59°F) temperatures with strong winds

Booking same-day hot air balloon rides during festival season - December flights sell out weeks in advance and weather delays can't accommodate walk-in requests

Ignoring UV protection because of pleasant morning temperatures - the 21°C (70°F) morning air masks intense UV that causes severe sunburn within 30 minutes