Weather
July is the rainy season in the Philippines, which runs until October. The rains tend to be heaviest in July and August, but they're not uniform throughout the country. They begin in the north and sweep through the country, although some places remain quite sheltered and relatively dry, with nothing much more than short bursts. Expect temperatures between 77°F and 91°F (25°C and 32°C) this month.
However, it's important to be aware of the risk of typhoons. These can occur at any time of year (and are increasingly unpredictable with climate change) but are most likely between June and September. Keep an eye on local weather reports if you're traveling to the Philippines in July, and be prepared to change your plans at short notice if a typhoon is on its way. You don't want to be caught in the heavy winds and rain!
Crowds & Costs
July is the low season for travel to the Philippines as most international travelers prefer to come in the dry season. Locals don't travel much domestically in July because the new school year starts in June. If you do travel to the Philippines this month, you might get a good deal on accommodation and transport, and costs will be lower than earlier in the year.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Because the Philippines is made up of many islands and mountains, the rainy season doesn't impact everywhere in the same way. If you want a beach vacation and are willing to put up with the odd shower, head to Cebu, Samar, or Leyte in July. These islands are in the center and east of the archipelago and aren't as affected by the rains. Cebu and Leyte have great beaches and infrastructure, while Samar is a bit more "rugged," with isolated sandy bays that are fun to seek out on a motorbike.
When choosing places to go in the Philippines in July, be aware that the rain can make it difficult to access some parts of the country. Rural areas may be affected by mud and landslides on the roads, while domestic flights may be canceled or delayed when the rain is heavy. Build some buffer days into your itinerary if you're venturing to more remote parts of the Philippines this month.
What to Do
When it's raining out, you may as well get wet, right? White-water rafting is a fun activity you can enjoy in the Philippines, and it's generally more fun when the water levels are higher. Head to the city of Cagayan de Oro, in northern Mindanao, to raft on the Cagayan de Oro River, which is at its best between June and December. Both beginner and more experienced rafters will find this river suitable for them, as there are around 60 rapids along its 55-mile (90-km) length (it's the longest river in the Philippines).
Mindanao is another part of the country less affected by the rains, so it's already a great place to check out in July. Head to Camiguin Island for a peaceful beach paradise before or after rafting adventures. Although Mindanao has a poor safety reputation due to a long-running insurgency, the north of the large island is on par with the rest of the Philippines regarding safety.
More Helpful Information
The Philippines in June
The Philippines in August
Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines
How Many Days to Spend in the Philippines