Things to Do in Angeles City in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Angeles City
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season begins - November marks the transition from wet to dry season in Angeles City, meaning you'll get warm days around 30°C (86°F) with minimal rainfall (only about 5 mm or 0.2 inches for the month). The 10 rainy days are typically brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, not the all-day downpours of August or September.
- Comfortable evenings - Once the sun sets, temperatures drop to a pleasant 23°C (73°F), making evening walks along Fields Avenue and outdoor dining actually enjoyable. The 70% humidity is noticeable but manageable compared to the oppressive 85%+ you'd experience during peak wet season.
- Lower accommodation prices - November sits in shoulder season before the December-February tourist rush. Hotels and short-term rentals typically run 20-30% cheaper than peak season rates, and you can often negotiate walk-in rates at mid-range properties. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best selection without paying premium prices.
- Mount Pinatubo accessibility - The trails to Pinatubo's crater lake are in excellent condition after the wet season ends, with lush vegetation and the lake at good water levels. The 14 km (8.7 mile) round-trip hike is far more comfortable in November's weather than during the scorching March-May hot season when temperatures hit 35°C+ (95°F+).
Considerations
- Inconsistent weather patterns - While November is technically early dry season, you're still catching the tail end of the transition period. Those 10 rainy days mean roughly one in three days might see a shower, usually between 2-5pm. Not a deal-breaker, but enough that you shouldn't plan critical outdoor activities without backup options.
- UV intensity remains high - That UV index of 8 is classified as very high, meaning you can get seriously burned in under 20 minutes without protection. The pleasant temperatures trick people into underestimating sun exposure, especially during midday hours from 11am-3pm when the index peaks.
- Not ideal for beach activities - Angeles City sits 80 km (50 miles) inland from the nearest decent beaches at Subic Bay. November's variable weather makes beach day trips less reliable than visiting coastal destinations during this month. If beaches are your priority, you're better off in Boracay or Palawan during November.
Best Activities in November
Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake Treks
November is genuinely one of the two best months for this trek, alongside October. The 7 km (4.3 mile) 4x4 ride through lahar fields followed by the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) hike to the crater is spectacular right now - vegetation is green from recent rains, the turquoise crater lake is full, and temperatures are cool enough for comfortable hiking. You'll start around 5-6am to avoid midday heat, returning by early afternoon before any potential showers. The trail involves river crossings and uneven terrain, so actual hiking time is about 1.5-2 hours each way.
Walking Street Food Tours
The evening temperature drop to 23°C (73°F) makes November perfect for exploring Angeles City's street food scene on foot. The Balibago area and surrounding streets come alive after 6pm when the heat breaks. You'll cover roughly 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) over 2-3 hours, sampling sisig (the local Pampanga specialty), grilled meats, halo-halo, and various Filipino snacks. The lower humidity compared to wet season means you're not drenched in sweat while eating, which honestly makes a difference.
Clark Museum and Historical Site Tours
November's variable weather makes indoor-outdoor combination activities smart planning. The Clark Museum, former Clark Air Base sites, and various war memorials offer air-conditioned exhibits plus outdoor areas you can explore during dry spells. The history here is substantial - Clark was the largest US Air Force base outside America until Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption. Plan 3-4 hours for a thorough visit. The UV index of 8 means you'll appreciate ducking into museums during midday hours.
Nayong Pilipino Cultural Park Visits
This 40-hectare park showcasing miniature replicas of Philippine landmarks works well in November because you can strategically plan around weather. Morning visits (7-10am) give you cooler temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) for outdoor exploration, with the option to retreat to covered pavilions if afternoon showers arrive. The park is less crowded mid-week in November compared to December holiday season. You'll need 2-3 hours to see the main areas comfortably.
Sandbox at Alviera Adventure Activities
The Sandbox adventure park at Alviera, about 20 km (12 miles) from Angeles City, offers activities like the roller coaster zipline, aerial walk, and giant swing. November's dry conditions mean these outdoor activities operate reliably, though afternoon showers might cause temporary closures. The 30°C (86°F) daytime temps are warm but manageable for active pursuits, especially compared to the brutal March-May heat. Plan a half-day visit, typically 3-4 hours including travel time.
Pampanga Culinary Heritage Cooking Classes
November is ideal for indoor cooking experiences when you want to avoid midday heat or escape afternoon showers. Pampanga province, where Angeles City is located, is considered the culinary capital of the Philippines. Classes typically run 3-4 hours, teaching dishes like sisig, kare-kare, or tocino. You'll work in air-conditioned or well-ventilated kitchens, then eat your creations - perfect for those 10 potentially rainy days when outdoor plans need alternatives.
November Events & Festivals
Dia de los Muertos Observances
Early November sees All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2) observances throughout Angeles City. Families visit cemeteries to clean graves, light candles, and hold overnight vigils. While not as elaborate as Mexican celebrations, the Filipino version involves substantial family gatherings and food sharing. Worth experiencing if you're interested in local Catholic traditions - the main public cemetery on MacArthur Highway becomes extremely crowded but offers genuine cultural insight.