Philippines in July: Weather, Rates, and More

The weather in the Philippines in July is rainy, hot, and humid. Temperatures range between 24°C to 34°C, and the majority of places receive a minimum of 10 days of rainfall. Thankfully, the rains don’t affect all the regions equally and the central and east regions like Cebu, Leyte, and Samar, are spared. In July, the country also experiences periodic cyclones, but these usually pass through the southern regions (Mindanao islands) or the Northern Luzon islands, making the above-mentioned regions a safe option for a memorable beach holiday in the Philippines in July.

If you’re visiting the country hoping to explore the capital Manila, or Palawan Island with its paradisiacal Puerto Princesa National Park, be aware that these regions experience heavy rainfalls throughout July. The streets are often clogged with water and the islands barely receive any sunshine. To explore these locations, consider January to May instead, which is the best time to visit the Philippines.

• Breezy weather: The rains bring a cool, gentle breeze coupled with an earthy smell and cozy atmosphere. It might not be the most ideal weather in the Philippines for exploration or for taking a beach tour in the Philippines, (unless you head to the islands we mentioned above) but it does have its unique charm
• Fewer crowds: The peak season in the Philippines is from December to May, with crowds at their maximum in April and May. Further, schools start in June in the Philippines so the local crowds also disperse by July, giving you tranquillity in the country’s scenic attractions, which otherwise can be brimming with sightseers.
• Interesting festivals: Celebrate the Sandugo festival in the city of Boho, held annually on the third or fourth Sunday of July. Make sure to tour Bohol, as it is also one of the best regions to visit in July and the vibrant festival with grand street parades, pageants, concerts, and firework displays gives you further push to spend some days here when you visit the Philippines in July.
• Lower rates: The country is generally an affordable country to travel to, but—partly because of the weather in the Philippines in July— it becomes much cheaper this month. Since foreign tourists as well as locals don’t prefer the rainy season, ticket prices and luxurious accommodations will be at their lowest during July.

When you’re in the Philippines in July, you may have to restrict the itinerary to places with less rainfall and wind. Consider an average of 10 to 15 days of precipitation in the month. Best part? Many scenic places fall under this specification, like the Cebu province and its gorgeous Malapascua and Bohol island. Malapascua is world-renowned for its incredible scuba diving locations where you can swim with thresher sharks. It’s pristine Bounty Beach and Hidden Beach makes it an ideal beachside vacation coupled with thrilling activities.

Bohol, on the other hand, is famous for its heritage sites, otherworldly landscapes (like the Chocolate Hills), and the charming festival of Sadungo held annually in July. The temperatures in the month hover around 30°C in both of these locations. Downpours are common, but only last for a short while.

Further east, the islands of Samar and Siarago are waiting. Samar is the third-largest island in the Philippines and is notable for its iconic cave systems and waterfalls. Besides natural beauty, the island is home to San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines which offers stunning views of the San Juanico Strait and connects Samar to the neighboring island of Leyte.

From Samar, take a 3-hour ferry ride to the beautiful Siargao island, also known as the “surfing capital of the Philippines''. The region is perfect for sunbathing, adventurous sports, and picturesque lagoons which visitors describe as nothing short of a magical sight on Earth.

When you’re traveling to the Philippines in July, rain gear like boots, a coat, and an umbrella are a must to carry at all times. Some places also get very hot, so carry a water bottle with you. Breathable, cotton clothes are the ideal attire, but the weather can get chilly after rain so also carry a pullover or a sweater to keep yourself warm.

Travelers looking for peace and quiet will enjoy visiting the Philippines in July. The precipitation can dissuade a few but know that not all parts of the country are affected equally. Some islands and regions receive short downpours and ample amounts of sunshine. As rains can sometimes delay plans, be sure to schedule a few buffer days into your itinerary. And if you’re facing any problems, our travel experts are always here to help. They can also create a custom-made trip to the Philippines in July based on your preferences and conditions. For more information, feel free to go through our Philippines travel guide.