Zamboanga, Philippines: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Zamboanga, Philippines? If you're planning to go to Zamboanga, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Zamboanga
- Important essentials for Zamboanga
- Activities for Zamboanga
- Zamboanga in January: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in February: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in March: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in April: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in May: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in June: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in July: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in August: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in September: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in October: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga in November: weather and what to pack
- Zamboanga 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 Zamboanga, Philippines
Based on the climate and weather in Zamboanga, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Zamboanga, Philippines
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Zamboanga, 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
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
(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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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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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
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one works in most locations, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Zamboanga. 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.
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For families with young children
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Zamboanga, Philippines by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Zamboanga in January, you will notice that it is really hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
February
Traveling to Zamboanga in February, you will notice that it is really hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
March
If you go to Zamboanga in March, 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:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
April
April for Zamboanga is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. Even the best luggage can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
May
If you visit Zamboanga during May, you will probably see that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 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 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. The most durable luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
June
June in Zamboanga is consistently 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), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The best luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
July
If you vacation in Zamboanga during July, you will probably find 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 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The most durable luggage can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
August
If you go to Zamboanga in August, 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:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. The most durable suitcases can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
September
Traveling to Zamboanga in September, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the best suitcases can let water in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
October
If you visit Zamboanga during October, you are likely to notice 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 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the most durable luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
November
If you go to Zamboanga in November, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things stay dry. Even the best suitcases can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
December
If you go to Zamboanga in December, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
Activities for Zamboanga, Philippines
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Zamboanga.
If you are planning to see the heavenly Metropolitan Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Trousers
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to go to the must-see Taluksangay Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Zamboanga tourism authority.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Kuria, Kiribati, Pioche, Nevada, United States of America, Wartrail and New England, South Africa, Rizal, Philippines, Molise, Italy, Lelystad, Netherlands, Grand Island, New York, United States of America, Mari El, Russia, Westminster, California, United States of America, Papallacta, Ecuador, and Koszalin, Poland.