Santo Tomas, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Santo Tomas, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Santo Tomas, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Santo Tomas
- Important essentials for Santo Tomas
- Activities for Santo Tomas
- Santo Tomas in January: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in February: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in March: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in April: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in May: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in June: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in July: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in August: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in September: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in October: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in November: weather and what to pack
- Santo Tomas in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Santo Tomas, Philippines
Based on the climate and weather in Santo Tomas, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Santo Tomas, Philippines
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Santo Tomas, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one should work in most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Santo Tomas. 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.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Santo Tomas, Philippines by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Santo Tomas in January, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
February
If you are traveling to Santo Tomas in February, you will notice that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
March
March in this region is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
April
If you are traveling to Santo Tomas in April, you will notice that it can be sizzling. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
May
In May, Santo Tomas is sweltering. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) and regularly jump into the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Santo Tomas, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, since these often get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
June
If you are traveling to Santo Tomas in June, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Santo Tomas during July, you will probably see that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
August
In August, Santo Tomas is consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Santo Tomas, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
September
In September, Santo Tomas is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Santo Tomas, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
October
If you visit Santo Tomas during October, you may find that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
November
Traveling to Santo Tomas in November, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
December
Traveling to Santo Tomas in December, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
Activities for Santo Tomas, Philippines
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Santo Tomas.
If you go to a temple, such as National Shrine of St. Padre Pio, wear:
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