Things to Do in Philippines in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Philippines
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Southwest monsoon brings fantastic surfing conditions on the Pacific coast - Siargao and Aurora Province get consistent swells peaking around 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft), with fewer crowds than the November-February peak season. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28°C (82°F).
- Rice terraces in the Cordilleras are at their most vibrant green as planting season progresses. The terraces around Banaue and Batad are flooded and reflecting light beautifully, creating that postcard-perfect scenery photographers chase. Morning mist adds drama to sunrise shots.
- Significantly lower accommodation prices compared to peak season December-February - you'll find rates dropped by 30-40% at beach resorts, and you actually have negotiating power. Mid-range hotels that cost ₱4,500-5,500 in January might run ₱2,800-3,500 now.
- Manila and major cities are noticeably less congested as many Filipino families save their travel for the summer school break that ended in May. Domestic flights have better availability and museums like the National Museum complex are pleasantly uncrowded on weekdays.
Considerations
- This is solidly rainy season for most of the country - while it's not constant downpours, expect afternoon thunderstorms that can last 1-2 hours and occasionally disrupt island-hopping schedules. Ferry cancellations happen maybe 2-3 times per week on rougher routes during weather systems.
- Palawan's famous lagoons and El Nido get choppy seas - tour operators sometimes cancel island-hopping trips when waves exceed 1 m (3.3 ft), which happens roughly 40% of June days. You might spend more time waiting around your hotel than you'd like.
- Visibility for diving and snorkeling drops to 10-15 m (33-49 ft) in many areas due to runoff and plankton blooms, compared to the crystal-clear 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility in dry season. Underwater photography becomes significantly more challenging.
Best Activities in June
Siargao Island surfing and island exploration
June brings the start of prime surf season with consistent southwest swells hitting Cloud 9 and other breaks. The island is quieter than the September-November peak, meaning you'll actually get waves without battling 30 other surfers. Water temperature is bath-like at 28°C (82°F), and the occasional rain shower cools things down nicely between sessions. Even non-surfers benefit - the island's lagoons and rock pools are less crowded, and accommodation is cheaper.
Banaue and Batad rice terraces trekking
The terraces are freshly planted and brilliantly green in June, creating that iconic stepped landscape you see in photos. The region gets afternoon rain, but morning treks from 6am-11am usually stay dry and temperatures are perfect for hiking at 18-24°C (64-75°F). The mist that rolls through valleys in early morning is actually spectacular for photography. Fewer tourists mean you'll have trails largely to yourself and can interact more meaningfully with Ifugao communities.
Manila museum and food hall circuit
June's afternoon rains make this the perfect month to dive deep into Manila's air-conditioned cultural spaces. The National Museum complex is free and genuinely world-class, and you'll have galleries nearly to yourself on weekday mornings. After museums, the city's new-generation food halls like Polilya and The Grid are hitting their stride, offering everything from traditional Kapampangan cuisine to modern Filipino fusion. The rainy weather actually makes the food crawl more enjoyable - you're not sweating through your shirt between stops.
Cebu canyoneering and waterfall exploration
This might sound counterintuitive, but June's rains actually enhance canyoneering experiences around Badian and Alegria. Waterfalls like Kawasan are flowing at impressive volumes, and the rivers are cool and refreshing. The adventure involves swimming, jumping, and scrambling through canyons - you're getting wet anyway, so the occasional rain doesn't matter. Water levels are monitored closely and operators cancel if conditions become unsafe, which gives you peace of mind.
Vigan heritage town exploration
The UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town is perfect for June because the historic core is compact and walkable between rain showers. The cobblestone streets look even more atmospheric when wet, and the preserved ancestral houses offer plenty of indoor exploration. June's smaller crowds mean you can actually photograph Calle Crisologo without dozens of other tourists in frame. The cooler, overcast weather makes walking and kalesa rides more comfortable than the brutal heat of March-May.
Davao food and fruit market tours
June brings durian season to Davao, and the city's markets overflow with the king of fruits plus mangosteen, rambutan, and lanzones. The city sits in a rain shadow and actually gets less precipitation than most of the country in June - around 120 mm (4.7 inches) versus the national average. Morning market tours let you taste exotic fruits you won't find elsewhere, and the cooler morning temperatures make the experience more pleasant. Davao's also significantly less touristy than Manila or Cebu, giving you a more authentic urban Filipino experience.
June Events & Festivals
Philippine Independence Day
June 12 marks independence from Spanish colonial rule, celebrated nationwide with flag ceremonies, parades, and cultural programs. Manila's Rizal Park hosts the main government ceremony, but smaller towns often have more intimate, authentic celebrations. It's worth experiencing if you're in the country, though expect government offices and some businesses to close. Banks and major attractions typically shut down for the holiday.
Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival
Tacloban City in Leyte hosts this festival celebrating Visayan warrior traditions with body-painted dancers and street performances. The festival usually happens around the last week of June, coinciding with the city's charter anniversary. It's one of the more authentic regional festivals that hasn't been completely overtaken by tourism, giving you genuine insight into Visayan culture and history.