Things to Do in Palawan in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Palawan
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season sweet spot with minimal rainfall - you're looking at maybe 10 days with any rain at all, and most of those are brief afternoon showers that clear within 20-30 minutes. The 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) monthly total is about as dry as Palawan gets.
- Calm seas in Honda Bay and around El Nido make this one of the best months for island hopping - visibility for snorkeling typically reaches 15-20 m (49-66 ft), and boat operators can access spots that get choppy later in the year.
- July sits right between Philippine school holidays and the international August rush, so you'll find accommodations 20-30% cheaper than peak season while attractions feel noticeably less crowded - the Underground River permits are actually available with 3-4 days notice instead of the usual 2-week advance booking.
- The 29°C (84°F) highs are genuinely comfortable for outdoor activities if you time things right - start island tours at 7am and you'll have 3-4 hours of perfect conditions before the midday heat kicks in around 11am.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is real and it affects how the temperature feels - 29°C (84°F) on paper sounds mild, but you'll be sweating through shirts within 15 minutes of any activity. The air conditioning in your room will become your best friend by midday.
- July is technically still typhoon season for the Philippines, and while Palawan sits outside the main typhoon belt, you might see 2-3 days of variable weather if a system passes north of the island - this rarely cancels trips but can make boat rides choppier than expected.
- The UV index of 8 is no joke at this latitude - you'll burn in under 20 minutes without protection, and that's on a partly cloudy day. Reapplying sunscreen becomes a legitimate every-90-minutes task if you're island hopping.
Best Activities in July
El Nido Island Hopping Tours
July gives you the calmest seas you'll find all year for exploring the Bacuit Archipelago. The southwest monsoon hasn't arrived yet, so Tours A through D all run without weather cancellations - visibility underwater typically hits 15-20 m (49-66 ft) at spots like Shimizu Island and Helicopter Island. You'll have the lagoons practically to yourself in early morning departures, before the 11am crowd arrives. The 24-29°C (75-84°F) water temperature means you can snorkel comfortably for 45-60 minutes without a wetsuit.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tours
The dry conditions in July mean the river flow is slower and more predictable, making the 45-minute paddle boat journey smoother than during wetter months. The limestone formations are fully visible without the high water levels that can obscure them later in the year. Worth noting that July's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually book permits 3-4 days out instead of the usual 2-week advance requirement during peak season. The cave stays a constant 24°C (75°F) inside, which feels refreshingly cool after the humid morning boat ride to Sabang.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Closer to Puerto Princesa than El Nido, Honda Bay offers calmer, shallower waters perfect for families or less confident swimmers. July's dry weather means near-guaranteed departures to Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island - the sandbars at Luli are fully exposed during low tide, creating that postcard-worthy walk-on-water effect. The proximity to the city means you can do a half-day tour and still have afternoon hours for other activities, unlike the full-day commitment El Nido requires.
Port Barton Beach and Snorkeling
The middle-ground option between El Nido's crowds and Puerto Princesa's city vibe, Port Barton in July offers what locals call the glass sea effect - mornings so calm you can see straight to the bottom at 4-5 m (13-16 ft) depth while still standing on the beach. The reef systems at Exotic Island and Aquarium Reef are particularly vibrant in July when plankton blooms haven't yet reduced visibility. This is genuinely one of the last spots in Palawan where you can show up without reservations and arrange a boat tour on the beach for the next morning.
Nacpan Beach Day Trips
The 4 km (2.5 mile) stretch of white sand between Nacpan and Calitang beaches sees almost no development and minimal crowds even in July. The dry season means the 45-minute tricycle ride from El Nido town is actually pleasant on the now-paved road - a huge improvement from the dusty nightmare it was a few years back. July's southwest winds create small, consistent waves perfect for bodyboarding or just floating, while the palm-shaded areas offer genuine relief from that UV index of 8. Pack your own food and drinks since the few beach shacks charge resort prices.
Sabang Mangrove Paddle Tours
The calmer July conditions make paddling through the Sabang mangrove forest actually relaxing instead of fighting current and wind. The 1.5-hour guided paddle gives you close-up views of monitor lizards, kingfishers, and the occasional macaque without the motor noise of boat tours. Early morning departures at 6:30am catch the mangroves in that golden light, and you'll likely have the waterways to yourself before the Underground River tour groups arrive around 9am. The shade from the mangrove canopy makes this one of the few outdoor July activities where you're not constantly reapplying sunscreen.
July Events & Festivals
Baragatan sa Palawan
This provincial founding anniversary celebration typically runs for a week in late June into early July, though exact dates shift year to year. You'll see cultural performances, tribal dance competitions, and a street parade in Puerto Princesa showcasing the seven indigenous groups of Palawan. The night market at the Capitol grounds expands during Baragatan with food stalls selling traditional dishes you won't find in restaurants - look for tamilok (woodworm) and crocodile sisig if you're feeling adventurous. The cultural village setup near the Immaculate Conception Cathedral gives you a condensed introduction to Palawan's indigenous communities without trekking to remote villages.