Overview: Benguet’s coldest moment of 2025
La Trinidad in Benguet registered its lowest temperature of the year on Sunday, December 28, 2025, dipping to 12.1 degrees Celsius (°C). This marks the coldest reading so far in the 2025 season, narrowly beating the previous low of 12.4°C recorded on December 4 in the same municipality. The chill underscores a persistent cool spell common to highland areas during the Christmas season, when higher elevations in the Cordillera often attract cooler air currents.
What this means for local weather and residents
Temperatures this low are not unusual for Benguet’s highland towns, but hitting 12.1°C signals a notable trend for late December. While the drop may feel refreshing to some, it also prompts warnings for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Local weather observers note that the persistent cool pattern could extend into the new year, especially with clear skies and light winds typical of highland climates in the dry season’s onset.
Impact on agriculture and daily life
Farmers in Benguet, a key agricultural hub known for temperate crops like vegetables and flowers, often monitor night-time temperatures closely. While frosts are not always widespread in the Philippines, extended periods of chilly nights can affect plant growth, soil moisture, and irrigation needs. Growers in La Trinidad and nearby municipalities may adjust cover practices, safeguard young seedlings, and optimize watering schedules to protect crops during the colder spell. For residents, thicker clothing, heated beverages, and increased indoor heating use can help cope with the lower nighttime temperatures.
Weather context and seasonal expectations
December cool snaps are a recurring feature in Benguet’s mountain terrain. The 12.1°C reading, while chilly, is still well above freezing, so frost is unlikely to form on most days. Meteorologists caution that rapid temperature fluctuations can occur with passing cold fronts, so residents should stay tuned to official advisories for any frost or wind warnings. As the Christmas season continues, a pattern of cooler evenings and mild daytime warmth is expected to persist in the Cordillera region.
Tips for staying warm and safe
- Layer clothing: thermal undergarments, sweaters, and windproof jackets help maintain body warmth during cool nights.
- Protect vulnerable individuals: ensure seniors and young children have warm, dry blankets and essential shelter.
- Home heating and insulation: seal gaps, use safe space heaters where appropriate, and keep indoor air circulated.
- Hydration and skin care: dry air can affect skin and mucous membranes, so stay hydrated and moisturize.
Looking ahead: staying informed
As the Christmas period unfolds, residents and visitors should monitor updates from local weather agencies regarding any shifts in temperature, wind, or precipitation. While a single low reading like 12.1°C is noteworthy, it’s the trends over several days that inform practical decisions for farming schedules, travel plans, and outdoor activities.
