Davao, being near the equatorial belt, is typhoon-free. Winds are very seldom stronger than force 4. However, the effects of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) characterized by widespread cloudiness, occasional thunderstorms and precipitations are felt here. Typhoons generally originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean which has the same latitudinal location as Mindanao. Their movements follow a northwesterly direction, sparing Mindanao from being directly hit by the typhoons that cross the country.

The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity and there are no wide fluctuations of the barometric air pressure. There are two seasons - the NE monsoon season "Amihan" (October to May) and the SW monsoon "Habagat" (June to September). The beginning and end of the seasons are normally transition periods.

Northeasterly winds are predominant during the NE monsoon season and this will be the best time for cruisers when the weather is pleasant and the chances of being caught in the path of typhoons are minimal. During March and April, the northeasterly trade winds are established and blow dominantly, affecting the eastern sections of the country.

The SW monsoon is the rainy season. Winds are predominantly southwesterly, humid and warmer, especially during the months from July to September where heavy rainfalls affect mostly the western sections of the country.

During the first week of October, I started feeling cooler northeasterly winds. The Easterly Waves have arrived! Briefly, these are wavelike perturbations embedded in the easterly current. It is more frequent during the transition period.

Now, I look forward to the Christmas holidays.