Ilocos Sur, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Ilocos Sur, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Ilocos Sur, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ilocos Sur, Philippines

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you visit Ilocos Sur during January, you may find that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel 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 Sur. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 necessary kind. The majority of 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 works in most places.

February

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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 repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

March

March here can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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 repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you get the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April in this region is really 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

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: 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 Sur. 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to get the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect 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 pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

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

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel 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 Sur. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

June in Ilocos Sur 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

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

July

July in Ilocos Sur can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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 frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Check that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

August in Ilocos Sur is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

September

September in Ilocos Sur is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel 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 Sur. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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. Make sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

October

October in Ilocos Sur is really 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

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, 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 Sur. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow 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. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

November

If you go to Ilocos Sur in November, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like 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. Be careful to choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

December

December here 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

    Given current world events, Philippines has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ilocos Sur. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option 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. Take care to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

What to do in Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Ilocos Sur, located in the Northern region of the Philippines, is known for its rich history and preserved cultural heritage. The province offers a unique experience for tourists who are interested in exploring the beauty of the Philippines' colonial past. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ilocos Sur.

1. Calle Crisologo - Known as one of the most beautiful streets in the Philippines, Calle Crisologo is a cobblestone street lined with Spanish-era houses where visitors can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the picturesque view. You can find souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés along the street that offer local delicacies.

2. Vigan Cathedral - The St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Vigan Cathedral, is a significant historical landmark built in 1641. This beautiful church underwent several renovations, and its features showcase a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Chinese designs. It’s located at the center of Vigan City and surrounded by historical structures.

3. Bantay Bell Tower - The Bantay Bell Tower is another famous landmark in Ilocos Sur, situated on a hill overlooking the city. The tower was built in 1591 and was once used as a watchtower during the Spanish colonial era. It has a magnificent view of the surrounding areas, and visitors can climb up to the top for a closer look.

4. Baluarte - Baluarte is a 20-hectare zoo and wildlife sanctuary owned by Ilocos Sur's Governor, Luis "Chavit" Singson. It is home to various exotic animals like tigers, lions, zebras, and birds. Visitors can also watch animal shows and ride a small train around the park.

5. Pagburnayan - Vigan’s Pagburnayan is a local pottery industry that is centuries old. It is located in Vigan itself and is famous for the earthenware pots, jars, and dishes that the artisan’s mold from their hands. Visitors can watch how locals create pottery products and even try making them.

6. Syquia Mansion Museum - The Syquia Mansion Museum is a well-preserved ancestral mansion of the late President Elpidio Quirino. The mansion highlights Quirino’s life during his time, and it showcases his collections of antiques, artworks, and memorabilia. Tourists can marvel and get a glimpse of the luxury and grandeur of the past presidential house.

7. Paoay Church - Located in the town of Paoay, this church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the best examples of Baroque-style architecture in the country. It was built in 1694 and has thick walls made of coral stone and bricks.

A trip to Ilocos Sur will surely satisfy history buffs, food lovers, and nature enthusiasts. A walk down the beautiful Calle Crisologo or a visit to the historic Paoay Church will take you back in time. A day at the Baluarte zoo or Pagburnayan will immerse you in the province's culture and nature. Overall, Ilocos Sur offers tourists the perfect blend of culture and nature in one unforgettable experience.

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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