Sulu Islands, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Sulu Islands, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Sulu Islands, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Sulu Islands
- Important essentials for Sulu Islands
- Activities for Sulu Islands
- Sulu Islands in January: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in February: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in March: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in April: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in May: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in June: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in July: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in August: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in September: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in October: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands in November: weather and what to pack
- Sulu Islands 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 Sulu Islands, Philippines
Based on the climate and weather in Sulu Islands, the best time to go is March. See below for details.
Important essentials for Sulu Islands, Philippines
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sulu Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one should work in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Sulu Islands. 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.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Sulu Islands, Philippines by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Sulu Islands during January, you will probably see that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
February
February in Sulu Islands can be sweltering. 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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
March
If you go to Sulu Islands in March, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
April
If you vacation in Sulu Islands during April, you may see that it is really hot. 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). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
May
May is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
June
June is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
July
If you vacation in Sulu Islands during July, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot. 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). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
August
August in Sulu Islands can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will 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 things don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Sulu Islands in September, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters contaminants:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
October
In October, Sulu Islands is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and once in a while jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Sulu Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
November
November here is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
December
December for Sulu Islands is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Nkoringo, Uganda, Zhangye, China, Troy, Michigan, United States of America, Mae La Noi, Thailand, Toranmal, India, Tong'an, China, Kuria, Kiribati, Telaga Punggur, Indonesia, Northern Isaan, Thailand, Bălţi, Moldova, and England, England, United Kingdom.