Learning the Tagalog names of the months is a simple but meaningful way to deepen your understanding of Filipino language and culture. Whether you’re studying Tagalog, planning a trip to the Philippines, or teaching vocabulary to kids, knowing the buwan ng taon helps you communicate more naturally with Filipino speakers.
Below is a complete guide to the 12 months in Tagalog, along with pronunciation, major holidays, and example sentences.
The 12 Months in Tagalog
Here are the English and Tagalog names of the months, plus easy pronunciation guides:
Enero – January (eh-NEH-roh)
Pebrero – February (peb-REH-roh)
Marso – March (MAR-soh)
Abril – April (ab-RIL)
Mayo – May (MAH-yoh)
Hunyo – June (HOON-yoh)
Hulyo – July (HOOL-yoh)
Agosto – August (ah-GOS-toh)
Setyembre – September (set-YEM-breh)
Oktubre – October (ok-TOO-breh)
Nobyembre – November (nob-YEM-breh)
Disyembre – December (dees-YEM-breh)
These names are widely used across the Philippines and appear in calendars, school lessons, holidays, and everyday conversations.
Major Philippine Holidays by Month
The Philippines celebrates a mix of cultural, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year. Many are rooted in Christian traditions, while others highlight local festivals and national heroes.
January
- Araw ng Bagong Taon – New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
- Bagong Taon ng mga Tsino – Chinese New Year (movable)
February
- Paraw Regatta – boat‑racing festival in Iloilo
- Taytay Hamaka Festival – celebration of craftsmanship and artistry
March
- Huwebes Santo – Maundy Thursday
- Biyernes Santo – Good Friday
- Black Saturday – special non‑working holiday
April
- Araw ng Kagitingan – Day of Valor (Apr 9)
- Eid al‑Fitr – end of Ramadan (movable)
May
- Araw ng Paggawa – Labor Day (May 1)
June
- Araw ng Kalayaan – Independence Day (Jun 12)
- Panagbenga Festival highlights continue to attract tourists
July
- Eid al‑Adha – Feast of Sacrifice (movable)
August
- Ninoy Aquino Day – Aug 23 (or nearest Monday)
- Araw ng mga Bayani – National Heroes’ Day (last Monday)
- Kadayawan sa Davao – major cultural festival
September
- Some observances of Marian feasts
- Occasional movable Islamic holidays
October
- Lanzones Festival – Camiguin Island celebration
November
- Undás / Todos los Santos – All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
- Araw ng mga Kaluluwa – All Souls’ Day (Nov 2)
- Araw ni Andrés Bonifacio – Bonifacio Day (Nov 30)
December
- Kapistahan ng Immaculate Conception – Dec 8
- Bisperas ng Pasko – Christmas Eve (Dec 24)
- Araw ng Pasko – Christmas Day (Dec 25)
- Araw ni Dr. Jose Rizal – Rizal Day (Dec 30)
Example Sentences Using Months in Tagalog
“Ang Enero ay aking paboritong buwan.”
January is my favorite month.
“Ang Panagbenga Festival ay isang magandang pagdiriwang.”
The Panagbenga Festival is a wonderful celebration.
“Ang Sinulog Festival ay isang magandang pagdiriwang sa Cebu.”
The Sinulog Festival is a wonderful celebration in Cebu.
“Ang Ati‑Atihan Festival ay ginaganap tuwing Enero.”
The Ati‑Atihan Festival is held every January.
“Ang Kadayawan sa Davao ay isang makulay na pagdiriwang.”
Kadayawan in Davao is a vibrant celebration.
Additional Vocabulary
Taon – year
Buwan – month
Araw – day
Linggo – week
Kalendaryo – calendar
Panahon – season
Conclusion
Learning the Tagalog names of the months — along with holidays and festivals — gives you a deeper appreciation of Filipino culture and traditions. Whether you’re studying the language or connecting with Filipino friends and family, these words help you communicate more naturally and meaningfully.