Ilocos Norte, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Ilocos Norte, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Ilocos Norte, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Based on the climate and weather in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ilocos Norte, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Ilocos Norte, Philippines by month

January

If you go to Ilocos Norte in January, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Ilocos Norte is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March for Ilocos Norte is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

Traveling to Ilocos Norte in April, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May in Ilocos Norte is really hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to get the right type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June here is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you pick the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

July

July in Ilocos Norte is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you visit Ilocos Norte during August, you will probably find that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

September

If you are traveling to Ilocos Norte in September, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

October

If you vacation in Ilocos Norte during October, you are likely to notice that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

November in Ilocos Norte is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to pick the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

December

December in Ilocos Norte can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Philippines has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Norte. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Ilocos Norte is a province in the northernmost part of the Philippines. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and magnificent natural attractions. Visiting Ilocos Norte should be included in your travel bucket list as it offers numerous scenic and historical tourist spots. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ilocos Norte.

1. Paoay Church

Paoay Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered as one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in the Philippines. The massive coral stone church was built in the 18th century and has withstood several natural disasters, including earthquakes and typhoons.

2. Bangui Windmills

A structure with its gigantic wind turbines set by the shoreline of Bangui Bay off the coast of Ilocos Norte, the Bangui Windmills is one of the most recognizable tourist spots in the province. The windmills produce a significant portion of the region's electricity and are a tremendous engineering feat.

3. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

There is a lighthouse in Burgos town that has watched over Ilocos Norte's western coast since the Spanish colonial period. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a highlight, situated on a hilltop on the northwestern Ilocos coast, of Baroque architecture, whose design originated from a particular tower in Cordoba, Spain.

4. Sand Dunes

The La Paz Sand Dunes is a huge part of the experience of visiting Ilocos Norte. If you have never experienced sandboarding, then this is an experience that you should not miss! Every ride is a fun and enchanting journey, complete with swirls and dizzying turns. The sand dunes in Laoag are a popular setting for movies; the area has a lot of sand that encompasses about 85 square kilometers.

5. Malacañang of the North

Imelda Marcos' extravagant casa (home) is crammed with history and meaningful art. The Malacañang of the North is another stop to visit while in Ilocos Norte. It was once used as the Marcos family's official residence in the north. It is now a museum where one can access the family's luxuries through living space, libation galleries, wall art, old documentation, and Imelda's fabled shoe collection.

6. Kabigan Falls

Part of Barangay Balaoi in Pagudpud, Kabigan Falls is a 120-foot cascading waterfall that is nestled deep in the Ilocos Norte mountain range. Tourists enjoy trekking on the rolling hills and footpaths, mountainous trails, and crossing a refreshing shallow river before finally arriving at the breathtaking waterfall.

7. Suba Sand Dunes

Located in San Nicolas, Norte in Ilocos, Suba Sand Dunes is another popular sand dunes destination. Visitors can rent all-terrain vehicles to explore the vast expanse of the sand dunes or even ride a horse or try their hands at sandboarding.

In conclusion, Ilocos Norte has a lot to offer, from the historical structures to the stunning natural attractions. The province, being rich in culture and history, remains one of the most popular and off-the-beaten tourist spots in the Philippines. Don't forget to add these attractions mentioned above to your itinerary for a memorable trip to Ilocos Norte!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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