Best Time to Visit La Union: Weather, Surf and Festivals

Go between November and March. It's mostly dry, the surf is at its best and the sunsets are clear. The catch is that everyone else knows this too, so the other months are worth a look if you hate crowds.

Prices, fares and schedules in this post were checked in October 2026. They change often, especially with fuel surcharges and the seasons, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you travel.

November to April: dry season

La Union has a clear dry season from about November to April and a wet season for the rest of the year. The dry months bring calm, sunny days and the most reliable travel conditions.

May to October: wet season

Expect afternoon storms and heavier rain, especially from July. In return, prices are often lower and the beaches are quieter.

Typhoons

Historical PAGASA data shows typhoon landfalls in this part of Luzon peaking around July, October and November. They can do real damage: Typhoon Emong in late July 2025 hit tourism hard in San Juan, San Fernando and Bacnotan. Check the forecast before you travel, and don't drive through heavy rain.

Photo: Zy.takes.photos, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The main surf season at Urbiztondo runs from around October to March, when the northeast monsoon (amihan) brings offshore winds and the most consistent waves. December and January are the peak, and the lineup is at its most crowded.

From about July to September, the southwest monsoon (habagat) brings onshore winds and typhoons, but also the small waves beginners want. Read our beginner surfing guide for more.

San Juan is busiest from December to May and on long weekends and holidays, when rooms book out and prices rise. Summer weekends in April and May are packed and loud.

Midweek is the answer. It's calmer, it's cheaper, and the shoulder months are better still.

Photo: patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The La Union Surfing Break is the province's biggest surf and beach festival, held in San Juan in late October or over the All Saints' long weekend. It ran 3 to 5 November in 2023 and 1 to 3 November in 2024. In 2025 the main days were 24 to 26 October at Waves Point in Barangay Panicsican, with more in Bacnotan and events running to 2 November.

The 2026 dates hadn't been announced when we checked, so watch the provincial tourism office's channels. Rooms in San Juan fill up fast during the festival. Book early, or stay in San Fernando and ride in.

Pindangan Festival, San Fernando

San Fernando celebrates its cityhood anniversary on 20 March, with the Pindangan Festival and city fiesta running through March.

International surf contests

January is WSL month. In 2026, the World Junior Championships ran 11 to 18 January and the La Union International Pro, a longboard event, ran 20 to 24 January at Urbiztondo. Dates change each year, and San Juan books out around them.

What is the best month to visit La Union?

November to March for dry weather and good surf. Go midweek to avoid the crowds.

When is the rainy season in La Union?

Roughly May to October, with the heaviest rain and typhoon risk from July.

When is the La Union Surfing Break?

Usually late October or early November. The 2026 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.

Plan your trip with our La Union itinerary and the La Union travel guide.

Cover photo: Rhemsie Nieva, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons