Things to Do in Philippines in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Philippines
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Lower prices across the board - July sits in the shoulder season sweet spot where hotels in Manila and Cebu typically run 30-40% cheaper than December-April rates, and you'll actually have bargaining power with tricycle drivers and boat operators who aren't swamped with tourists
- Manageable crowds at major sites - you can visit Intramuros, Chocolate Hills, or Mayon Volcano viewpoints without the elbow-to-elbow experience of peak season. Museums and heritage sites in Vigan and Manila feel like you've got them mostly to yourself on weekdays
- Excellent diving and snorkeling conditions in most regions - water visibility in Anilao, Moalboal, and Coron stays solid at 15-25 m (49-82 ft) despite occasional rain, and water temperatures hover around a comfortable 28-29°C (82-84°F). The rain actually keeps things cooler topside
- Mango season is still going strong - Philippine mangoes are legitimately world-class, and July catches the tail end of peak season. You'll find them everywhere from street vendors at ₱60-100 per kilo to hotel breakfast buffets, and they're at that perfect sweetness level
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story because afternoon downpours can hit hard and fast, lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Island hopping tours get cancelled maybe 2-3 days per week in July when seas get choppy, and you need genuine flexibility in your itinerary
- Typhoon season is ramping up - July marks the beginning of serious typhoon activity, and while direct hits are relatively rare, you might deal with a day or two of heavy rain and wind if a storm passes nearby. Flight delays and cancellations happen, especially on smaller island routes
- Some island destinations become legitimately difficult - places like Siargao and parts of Palawan see rougher seas that make boat transfers uncomfortable or impossible. If surfing big waves isn't your thing, you'll find Siargao's Cloud 9 too intense, and bangka boats to remote islands feel genuinely sketchy in choppy conditions
Best Activities in July
Manila Heritage Walking Tours
July's overcast conditions actually make walking around Intramuros and Binondo infinitely more pleasant than the brutal March-May heat. The 70% humidity is noticeable but manageable in the morning (7-10am), and you'll appreciate the cloud cover when exploring the Spanish colonial walls and Chinese temples. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, giving you a solid 4-5 hour window. The crowds are thin enough that you can actually photograph San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago without dozens of people in your frame.
Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces Trekking
The rice terraces are actually spectacular in July because the rice is growing and everything is intensely green after the June plantings. The terraces are full of water, creating those iconic mirror reflections that photographers chase. Yes, you'll likely get rained on during your trek, but the trails are still passable and the mist rolling through the mountains creates genuinely dramatic scenery. Temperatures up in the Cordilleras sit around 18-22°C (64-72°F), which feels refreshing compared to lowland humidity.
Cebu and Moalboal Freediving and Snorkeling
July offers some of the year's best underwater visibility in Cebu waters, typically 18-25 m (59-82 ft), and the sardine run at Moalboal is in full swing. Water temps around 28°C (82°F) mean you're comfortable in just a rashguard for extended sessions. The occasional rain actually works in your favor because it keeps surface temperatures cooler and reduces the number of day-trippers from resorts. Pescador Island and the Moalboal house reef are accessible most days unless a weather system moves through.
Palawan Underground River and El Nido Lagoon Tours
The Underground River in Puerto Princesa runs well in July with higher water levels making the cave formations more dramatic, though you'll want to book this early in your trip in case weather forces a reschedule. El Nido's lagoons (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon) are stunning when it's overcast because the light is softer and the limestone cliffs look more dramatic. That said, expect 1-2 days per week where tours get cancelled due to rough seas, so build in buffer days.
Manila and Makati Food Market Tours
July is actually perfect for food tours because you're hungry despite the humidity, and the rain drives you naturally toward covered markets and air-conditioned restaurants. Mercato Centrale and Legazpi Sunday Market are in full swing, and you'll find seasonal fruits like lanzones and durian starting to appear. The evening food scene (6-10pm) works beautifully because temperatures drop to around 24-26°C (75-79°F) and the rain usually clears by dinner time. You'll eat better in July than peak season because restaurants aren't rushed.
Bohol Countryside and Chocolate Hills Cycling
The Chocolate Hills are actually still quite green in July, transitioning from the rainy season lushness to their famous brown color (which happens more in August-September). Cycling through the Bohol countryside in July works well in early morning (6-9am) before heat and humidity peak. The roads around Loboc River and the tarsier sanctuary are quiet, and you'll see actual rural Filipino life - rice harvesting, carabao in fields, kids heading to school. Just know that afternoon rain is likely, so tours typically finish by noon.
July Events & Festivals
Kadayawan Festival Preparation (Davao)
While the main Kadayawan Festival happens in mid-August, July in Davao sees the build-up with street decorations going up, practice performances in public squares, and fruit markets overflowing with durian, mangosteen, and pomelo. You'll catch a more authentic glimpse of the preparations than the festival itself, and hotels are still reasonably priced. Worth visiting if you're in Mindanao anyway, but not worth a special trip just for July.
Local Town Fiestas
July sees dozens of small-town fiestas across the archipelago celebrating patron saints. These aren't tourist events - they're genuine community celebrations with street dancing, lechon (roasted pig), and neighbors opening their homes to visitors. You'll stumble into them randomly in places like Batangas, Pampanga, and Ilocos regions. The experience is authentic but unpredictable - you need flexibility and openness to joining in.