Lumot Season in Boracay: Best Times to Avoid Green Algae

During a cooking class in Thailand, I met a couple who plan to visit the Philippines. One of the places I recommended was Boracay. I raved about its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.

A few weeks later, I checked on them, and to my surprise, they were disappointed.

They mentioned green plants were scattered along the beach. I was puzzled. I’d been to Boracay several times and never seen something like that.

Then, on my fourth visit, I saw them — green algae, or ‘lumot’ in Filipino.

I decided to dive deeper into this phenomenon, and I’d like to share what lumot season in Boracay is, when it happens, why it occurs, how we contribute to it, and the best times to visit Boracay to avoid it.

What is Lumot?

“Lumot” is the Filipino term for green algae, which tends to appear along Boracay’s shoreline at certain times of the year.

These algal blooms are most visible in shallow waters, forming long green strands that can look like tangled seaweed.

When I first saw it, I was hesitant to go into the water. I thought it wasn’t safe to swim.

I saw people passing through the algae, and I was told they were harmless. I slowly followed, and within just a few steps, there it was — the crystal-clear water of Boracay.

Why Does Lumot Season Occur?

The lumot season in Boracay usually happens due to a mix of natural and human-induced factors.

• Warm Sea Temperatures: The rise in sea temperatures, particularly from February to May, creates ideal conditions for algae to flourish. Warm waters are an invitation for green algae to bloom.

• Nutrient Runoff: Nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorus, running off from the land and increased human activity contribute to the algal bloom in Boracay.
  
  Nitrogen and phosphorus come from inadequate treatment of sewage, fertilizers, urine, sunscreen, and even animal wastes.
  
  In April of 2018, it was so bad that the government had to close Boracay for six months to rehabilitate it! (More about that later).

• Weather Patterns: Seasonal winds and currents, specifically during the Amihan season (northeast monsoon) may disperse algae throughout the shorelines.

I’ll talk about this more later but more than avoiding the lumot season in Boracay, we should also avoid contributing to it.

When is Lumot Season in Boracay?

The Boracay algae season tends to be most noticeable from February to May. This is the peak of Boracay lumot season, especially as the weather gets warmer.

This happens as sea temperatures rise from February onwards and during the transition between the Amihan (cool and dry) and Habagat (wet) seasons.

However, the exact timing of the lumot season can vary each year based on sea conditions.

This is why I never saw the green algae during my first three visits. I always visited during the off-season — once in September and twice in October in two different years.

Best Times to Avoid Green Algae

If you want to avoid the lumot season in Boracay, the best time to visit is between June and January. During these months, you’re less likely to run into lumot, especially as temperatures tend to be lower.

However, July to October can bring occasional typhoons.

November is the best month to visit. The skies are often clear, and it falls just before the peak tourist season of December and January, which sees larger crowds due to the long holiday breaks from Christmas to New Year.

Planning Your Trip

If the Boracay lumot season is a concern for you, stay in touch with local tourism websites, forums, and social media pages for real-time updates and photos.

Most hotels and resorts are also happy to inform potential guests about current conditions on the beach.

Tips During Lumot Season in Boracay

Even during lumot season, I’d still visit Boracay. Plus, there are less-affected areas like the most famous beach in Boracay, Puka Beach, and Diniwid Beach.

Due to their geographic locations, water currents, and lower tourist density, these beaches do not have or have low levels of green algae.

Alternative Activities

• Water Sports: Most water activities, except swimming, are not affected by the algae since they take place far from the shoreline. I’ve written a full guide on all the water activities here.

• Land Tour: You can also explore Boracay by taking a land tour. An e-trike can take you to less touristy spots like Puka Beach and Diniwid Beach. You can visit other beaches, Keyhole, or even a mangrove park. The best part is that the itinerary is completely up to you! Here’s a guide with sample itineraries.

• Dining and Nightlife: You can enjoy a wide variety of local and international foods in Boracay, especially seafood. I highly recommend visiting D Talipapa Market, handpicking your favorite seafood, and having it cooked to your liking at nearby restaurants.
  
  While nightlife in Boracay is not as wild as it was before the closure, you can still enjoy vibrant bars. You’re still on the beach, but in a way that’s much less harmful to the environment than before.

The 2018 Boracay Closure and Its Impact on Algae Issues

If you see pictures on the internet with massive algae bloom, chances are it was before Boracay’s closure before rehabilitation.

Boracay faced severe environmental degradation due to rapid, unregulated development. Tourism surged, leading to overdevelopment, and many establishments discharged untreated sewage directly into the sea.

This resulted in high levels of coliform bacteria and nutrient pollution, significantly deteriorating water quality and promoting algal blooms or lumot.

In response to escalating environmental issues, the Philippine government, led by President Rodrigo Duterte, ordered a six-month closure of Boracay in 2018.

This drastic move aimed to rehabilitate the island’s ecosystem, improve sewage and waste management, and implement sustainable tourism practices.

During the closure, infrastructure was upgraded, with more establishments connected to a central sewage system, and rehabilitation efforts included beach clean-ups, coral transplantation, and reforestation projects.

Post-rehabilitation, Boracay’s environment significantly improved, with clearer waters and healthier marine life attracting tourists once again.

I never visited Boracay before its closure—I avoided it on purpose because of its reputation for being overcrowded and a heavy party destination. When I finally visited in 2019, it was a different story.

The crowds were smaller, and the island’s natural beauty had been restored. It was truly stunning again.

How to Prevent Algae Blooms

• Avoid urinating in the ocean to prevent contributing nutrients that lead to algae growth. Use restrooms before swimming or worst-case, use facilities in nearby establishments.

• Choose reef-safe sunscreens free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Wear protective clothing, such as rash guards and hats, to reduce sunscreen use.

• Swim during early mornings or late afternoons to minimize sunscreen needs. Use shade like umbrellas to avoid peak sun hours.

• Follow Local Guidelines. Participate in briefings, and stay on designated paths to protect marine ecosystems.

• Choose accommodations that use sustainable practices and book tours with operators committed to environmental conservation.

• Minimize the use of personal care products like lotions before swimming. Dispose of trash properly to keep it out of the ocean.

• Learn about the local ecosystem to understand how your actions impact it and contribute to algae blooms. Share these tips with others to help reduce environmental impact during visits.
  

Wrap Up: Algal Bloom in Boracay

Boracay is still one of the most beautiful beach destinations you can visit. Knowing about the lumot season will help you enjoy it at its best.

To avoid the green algae, plan your visit between June and January. But even if you visit during lumot season, you can still make the most of your time there.

Travel isn’t just about perfect moments. It’s about embracing every experience — whether it’s the flawless white sands or the surprise of lumot.

Have you been to Boracay before, or are you planning a trip soon? I’d love to hear your stories or help you with your plans. Drop a comment, and I’ll get back to you!