Philippines typhoon season — complete preparedness and safety guide
The Philippines averages 20 typhoons per year. What to know about typhoon season, PAGASA signals, evacuation and how to stay safe.
Typhoon season overview
The Philippines is the most typhoon-struck country in the world. The official typhoon season runs from June to November, but storms can occur in any month. On average, 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) each year, of which 8-10 make landfall. The deadliest months are September through November when the strongest super typhoons tend to form.
PAGASA warning system
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) uses a 5-level Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal system. Signal No. 1: 30-60 km/h winds expected within 36 hours. Signal No. 2: 61-120 km/h within 24 hours. Signal No. 3: 121-170 km/h within 18 hours. Signal No. 4: 171-220 km/h within 12 hours. Signal No. 5: >220 km/h within 12 hours (introduced after Haiyan). When Signal No. 3+ is raised, evacuations begin and classes/work are suspended.
Preparation checklist
Secure your home: board windows, clear gutters, secure loose outdoor items. Emergency kit: 3 days of water (4L per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, important documents in waterproof bags, fully charged power bank. Know your evacuation route and nearest evacuation centre. If you are in a flood-prone area, evacuate early — do not wait for the storm to arrive.
During the typhoon
Stay indoors away from windows. The eye of the storm brings a temporary calm — do not go outside, the other side of the eyewall follows with equally strong winds from the opposite direction. If floodwaters enter your home, move to the upper floor. Do not walk or drive through floodwater — it hides debris, open manholes and live electrical hazards. Monitor PAGASA bulletins and local government updates.
For tourists
If a typhoon is approaching during your trip: follow your hotel's instructions, stay in a sturdy concrete building (not a nipa hut or beach resort with light construction), keep your passport and valuables in a waterproof bag, ensure your travel insurance covers natural disasters. Domestic flights and ferries are cancelled well before landfall — expect 1-3 days of disruption. Consider rebooking if Signal No. 3+ is forecast for your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines? ▾
Supertyphoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda) in November 2013 is the strongest landfalling tropical cyclone in recorded history, with estimated sustained winds of 315 km/h. It killed over 6,000 people and devastated Tacloban.
Are some Philippine islands safer from typhoons? ▾
Mindanao, especially the southern part, lies below the main typhoon track and is less frequently hit. Palawan is also relatively sheltered. However, no part of the Philippines is completely immune — Typhoon Bopha struck Mindanao in 2012 and killed over 1,900 people.