Tagaytay, officially the City of Tagaytay (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Tagaytay),

is a 2nd class city in the Philippines.

According to the 2015 census,

it has a population of 71,181 people. ^[3]

It is one of the country’s most popular destinations for domestic tourism

because of its scenery and cooler climate provided by its altitude.

Tagaytay overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas

and provides views of Taal Volcano Island

in the middle of the lake through various vantage points situated in the city.

Tagaytay is relatively close to the capital city of Manila,

only 59 kilometres (37 miles) away via Aguinaldo Highway,

providing an easy escape for the locals from the heat of the huge metropolis.

Topography

The southern and eastern portions of Tagaytay

are covered by hills and mountains which is generally forests,

pine trees and open grasslands.

The city lies along Tagaytay Ridge,

a ridge stretching about 32 kilometres (20 mi)

from Mount Batulao in the west to Mount Sungay in the east

with elevations averaging about 610 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level.^[7]

Mount Sungay, in Tagaytay,

is the highest point of the province of Cavite at 709 metres (2,326 ft).^[8]

The ridge, which overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas province,

is the edge of Taal Caldera.

The 25-by-30-kilometre (16 mi × 19 mi) wide cavity

is partially filled by Taal Lake.^[9]

Tagaytay’s built-up areas including the urban center

is situated in the relatively level top of the caldera rim

but beyond the edge are deep ravines that drop steeply to Taal Lake.

The portions adjoining the municipalities of Mendez,

Indang, Amadeo, Silang and Alfonso

are level to nearly level areas interspersed with very gently sloping surface.

Across the southern edge of the lake

on the opposite side of the city is Mount Macolod,

the highest point of the Taal Caldera rim.

Climate

Tagaytay has a more moderate version of a tropical monsoon climate (Köppen climate classification: Am) characterized by relatively milder temperatures compared to Manila, lower humidity and abundant rainfall. The city has an average temperature of 21.5 °C (70.7 °F). With its high elevation, the city gets misty at times and is relatively cooler during the months of December, January and February. Like most areas in the province of Cavite, the city has two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The climate has made the city ideal for sports, picnics, conferences, honeymoons, country homes, and spiritual retreats.

Humidity

Tagaytay has an average humidity of 78%

which makes the city cooler than Metro Manila

where relative humidity exceeds 81%.

Northeasterly winds prevail in the City from October to April.

Winds come from southwest from May to September.

The cool Tagaytay breeze has made the city ideal

for casual and competitive kite flying.