The Philippines in July offers a different side of this island nation that many travelers miss. While this month falls squarely in the country’s rainy season, it creates lush green landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and a more authentic experience with fewer crowds.
The summer tourist rush has ended, leaving behind reasonable prices and a more relaxed atmosphere across the 7,000+ islands. For Indian travelers considering this tropical destination during monsoon season, here’s everything you need to know.
Is July a Good Time to Visit the Philippines?
Is July a good time to visit the Philippines? The simple answer is yes—if you come prepared for some rain and appreciate the benefits of off-peak travel.
Why You Should Visit?
The islands showcase their greenest, most vibrant landscapes during July. Rice terraces transform into emerald staircases climbing mountain sides, waterfalls reach their most impressive flow, and the countryside bursts with life.
The Philippines’ tourism in July benefits from significantly lower prices on flights, accommodations, and tours. Indian travelers can save 30-50% on hotels compared to peak season rates.
You’ll also enjoy popular attractions without long queues and crowded photos—places like White Beach in Boracay and El Nido in Palawan feel more relaxed and authentic.
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What to Look Out For?
When planning your trip to the Philippines in July, keep these potential challenges in mind:
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Sudden heavy downpours, particularly in the afternoon
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Flight and ferry cancellations during stormy weather
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Flooding in low-lying areas of Manila and other cities
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Limited visibility for diving and snorkeling after heavy rain
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Slippery hiking trails, especially in mountainous regions
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Higher humidity levels make it feel warmer than the actual temperature
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More mosquitoes and insects (bring repellent!)
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Some smaller tourist shops and services operate with reduced hours
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Rough seas that might affect island-hopping tours
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Limited access to remote islands during stormy periods
Overview of Weather in the Philippines in July
The weather in the Philippines in July varies significantly by region. Central Visayas (including Cebu and Bohol) typically experiences less rainfall than Manila and northern areas.
|
Weather Parameter |
Typical Range |
|---|---|
|
Average Temperature |
25°C – 31°C |
|
Average Rainfall |
200 – 400 mm (varies by region) |
|
Daily Wind Speed |
10 – 20 km/h |
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Humidity: Humidity levels typically range between 80-90%, creating a warm, sticky feeling even when temperatures aren’t extremely high.
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Sunshine: Despite the rainy season, most days still offer 4-6 hours of sunshine, with mornings generally clearer than afternoons.
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Best Things To Do in the Philippines in July
Island-Hopping in Cebu and Bohol
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Location: Central Visayas (Cebu and Bohol)
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Why It’s Great in July: These central islands receive significantly less rainfall than northern regions like Manila. The seas remain relatively calm, and many tour operators offer discounted rates during this off-peak season.
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What to Expect:
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Morning tours generally enjoy better weather; plan early departures
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Vibrant, lush vegetation on islands creates more dramatic scenery
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Smaller tour groups mean more personalized experiences
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Occasional rain showers may interrupt tours briefly
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More flexible booking options with last-minute availability
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Enjoy Lush Countryside Sightseeing
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Why It’s Great in July: The famous rice terraces of the northern Philippines reach their greenest, most photogenic state during July. The rain transforms these agricultural wonders into mirrors reflecting the sky.
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What to Expect:
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Brilliant green rice terraces filled with water and young rice plants
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Morning mist creating atmospheric conditions for photography
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Traditional farming activities visible as locals tend their fields
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Cooler temperatures in the highlands (bring a light jacket)
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Quieter trails and viewpoints with few other tourists
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Indoor Attractions in Manila
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Location: Metro Manila
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Why It’s Great in July: The capital offers countless weather-proof attractions perfect for rainy days, from world-class museums to massive shopping malls.
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What to Expect:
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National Museum complex with free admission to the main buildings
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Ayala Museum‘s gold collection and historical dioramas
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Mega-malls like SM Mall of Asia with entertainment centers
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Indoor theme parks and activity centers for families
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Rainy day promotions and discounts at many attractions
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Events in the Philippines in July
The Philippines’ tourism in July includes cultural festivals that showcase local traditions, history, and community spirit.
Sandugo Festival
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Date: Mid-July
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Venue: Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Commemorating the historic blood compact (sandugo) between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, this festival features colorful street dancing, historical reenactments, and trade fairs.
The month-long celebration peaks with a grand parade showcasing Bohol’s cultural heritage. Indian tourists will find the historical narrative fascinating, with parallels to India’s own colonial history.
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Kadayawan Festival (Preparations)
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Date: Festival in August, preparations throughout July
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Venue: Davao City, Mindanao
While the main Kadayawan Festival happens in August, July sees Davao City come alive with preparations. Streets get decorated, performers rehearse, and pre-festival mini-events take place throughout the month.
Indian visitors can witness the behind-the-scenes work that goes into major Filipino festivals and enjoy less crowded access to Davao’s attractions.
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Things to Know Before You Visit the Philippines in July
Planning a trip to the Philippines in July requires some special considerations. The rainy season creates both challenges and unique opportunities for travelers.
Travel Essentials
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Time Zone: Philippine Standard Time (PST) is GMT+8, which is 2.5 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).
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Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP); 1 INR ≈ 0.70 PHP (as of 2025).
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Country Code: +63
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Emergency Numbers: 911 for general emergencies, 117 for the Philippine National Police, 143 for the Red Cross.
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Visa: Indian citizens need a visa to visit the Philippines (for travels exceeding 2 weeks).
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Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English are the official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication easy for Indian travelers.
What to Wear in the Philippines in July?
What to wear in the Philippines in July should accommodate both warm temperatures and frequent rain showers:
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Quick-drying, lightweight clothes made of synthetic fabrics or thin cotton
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A reliable rain jacket or compact umbrella for daily use
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Waterproof footwear, like sandals or water-resistant walking shoes
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Sun protection (hat, sunglasses) for sunny intervals
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A light sweater for air-conditioned shopping malls and restaurants
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What to Pack?
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Waterproof phone case or pouch to protect electronics during sudden showers
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Insect repellent with DEET to ward off mosquitoes (more prevalent in the rainy season)
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Prescription medications plus basic first-aid supplies (including anti-diarrheal medication)
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Universal power adapter (Philippines uses Type A, B, and C plugs)
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Reusable water bottle (tap water isn’t potable; filtered water is widely available)
Transport
By Metro
Metro Manila’s rail system consists of three elevated lines: LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3. Trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
During July, trains offer welcome relief from rainy streets but can get extremely crowded during rush hours. Single-journey tickets or stored-value cards are available at all stations.
By Bus
Provincial buses connect major cities across the Philippines with varying levels of comfort. During July, expect occasional delays due to rain and traffic. Companies like Philtranco, Victory Liner, and DLTB operate extensive networks with online booking options.
By Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in major cities, with white official taxis using meters. The ride-hailing app Grab operates throughout urban areas and provides more reliable pricing, especially during rainy weather when taxi demand increases.
For Indian travelers, Grab offers the advantage of preset prices and no language barrier issues when explaining destinations.
By Cycle
Bike rentals are available in tourist areas like Intramuros (Manila) and Boracay. Several cities have begun implementing bike lanes, though July’s wet conditions make cycling challenging.
Some eco-tourism destinations like Bohol offer guided bicycle tours that adapt to weather conditions, providing rain gear when necessary.
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Where to Stay
Accommodations in the Philippines in July often offer significant discounts compared to peak season. Many properties provide special rainy season packages.
Budget Hotels
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Red Planet Manila Bay
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Location: Ermita, Manila
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Website:redplanethotels.com
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Price range: PHP 1,500-2,000/night (INR 2,100-2,800)
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Mad Monkey Hostel
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Location: Cebu City
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Website:madmonkeyhostels.com
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Price range: PHP 800-1,200/night (INR 1,100-1,700)
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Mid-range Hotels
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Quest Hotel
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Location: Cebu City
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Website:questhotelsandresorts.com
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Price range: PHP 3,000-4,000/night (INR 4,200-5,600)
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Azalea Hotels & Residences
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Location: Baguio City
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Website:azaleabaguio.com
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Price range: PHP 3,500-4,500/night (INR 4,900-6,300)
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Luxury Hotels
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Shangri-La Boracay
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Location: Boracay Island
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Website:shangri-la.com
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Price range: PHP 15,000-25,000/night (INR 21,000-35,000)
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Amanpulo
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What to Eat?
July’s weather makes warm, comforting Filipino dishes especially appealing:
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Sinigang (sour tamarind soup) – Try at Sentro 1771 in Manila for an upscale version or any local carinderia for authentic home-style cooking
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Lugaw (rice porridge) – Perfect rainy day comfort food available at Lugawan sa Tejeros in Makati
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Bulalo (beef marrow soup) – Leslie’s Restaurant in Tagaytay serves spectacular versions with lake views
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Lechon (roast pig) – CNT Lechon in Cebu City is a local favorite for this special dish
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Adobo (vinegar-soy marinated meat) – Café Adriatico in Manila serves a consistently excellent version
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FAQs
Is July a good time to visit the Philippines?
Yes, if you don’t mind occasional rain showers. July offers fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green scenery. Central islands like Cebu and Bohol receive less rainfall than Manila and northern regions.
How hot is the Philippines in July?
Philippines weather in July stays warm with temperatures typically between 25-31°C (77-88°F). The high humidity can make it feel warmer, while rain showers temporarily cool things down.
What is the average temperature in the Philippines in July?
The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C (77-88°F). Mountainous regions like Baguio are cooler (17-22°C), while lowland areas remain warm even during rain.
Can I do sightseeing in the Philippines in July?
Yes, most things to do in the Philippines in July are still possible with some planning. Schedule outdoor activities for mornings and keep indoor options ready for rainy afternoons.
What to wear in the Philippines in July?
What to wear in the Philippines in July includes light, quick-drying clothes and waterproof footwear. Carry a rain jacket, a light sweater for indoor use, and modest outfits for rural or religious sites.
Are tourist attractions open in the Philippines in July?
Yes, most tourist attractions in the Philippines are open in July. Some water activities may pause during heavy rain, but major sites like Intramuros and Chocolate Hills stay accessible.
Is it safe to travel to the Philippines in July?
Yes, it’s generally safe to travel to the Philippines in July, but monitor typhoon alerts. Things to avoid in the Philippines in July include remote islands during storms and unguided hikes.
How to plan a Philippines trip in July?
Plan a flexible Philippines trip in July with indoor backups and rain gear. Focus on central and southern islands, and book stays with free cancellation for weather-related changes.
What are the best places to visit in the Philippines in July?
The best places to visit in the Philippines in July include Cebu, Bohol, and Davao for lighter rain. Baguio, Boracay, and Manila also offer great weather and indoor options.
