Palawan in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Palawan

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

235 mm (9.3 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Lush emerald landscapes at peak beauty - waterfalls at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River are 40% fuller than dry season
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - beachfront resorts in El Nido drop rates by 30-50% from peak season
Minimal crowds at major attractions - Underground River tours have 60% fewer visitors, allowing longer exploration time
Perfect surfing conditions on the eastern coast - consistent 1.5-2.5m (5-8ft) swells at Duli Beach with offshore winds

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms lasting 1-3 hours typically between 2-5pm limit outdoor activities
Some island hopping tours cancelled 20-30% of days due to rough seas exceeding 1.5m (5ft) wave heights
High humidity at 82% makes hiking feel significantly more strenuous, especially trails above 300m (984ft) elevation

Best Activities in July

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Cave Tours

July's rainfall creates the most spectacular underground waterfalls and crystal formations. The river runs deeper, revealing chambers often dry in peak season. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon storms and offer the best lighting for photography. Cave temperature stays cool at 24°C (75°F) providing relief from outside humidity.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through accredited operators only. Tours cost ₱1,500-2,200 including transfers. Choose morning slots - afternoon tours often delayed by weather. All operators must be DOT-accredited with proper insurance.

El Nido Lagoon Kayaking Adventures

Rainy season creates perfect kayaking conditions - calm lagoons protected from ocean swells, fewer tourists, and dramatic storm cloud backdrops for photos. Big and Small Lagoon waters are warmer at 28°C (82°F). Best done 9am-1pm before afternoon storms arrive.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range ₱2,800-4,200 including gear and guide. Book with operators offering covered boats for weather protection. Look for tours that include multiple lagoons to maximize your time window.

Coron Wreck Diving Expeditions

July offers the year's best wreck diving visibility at 15-25m (49-82ft) due to plankton blooms and calmer seas inside Philippines Bay. Water temperature peaks at 29°C (84°F). Rain reduces surface boat traffic, making dive sites less crowded. Afternoon storms rarely affect underwater activities.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives cost ₱3,500-5,000 with equipment. Choose PADI-certified operators with Nitrox capabilities. Book 5-7 days ahead as some operators reduce schedules during rainy season.

Firefly Watching Tours in Iwahig

Peak firefly season coincides with July rains. Thousands of fireflies illuminate mangrove trees creating nature's best light show. Rain-washed air provides clearer visibility, and cooler evening temperatures at 26°C (79°F) make boat tours comfortable. Most active 7-9pm.

Booking Tip: Evening tours cost ₱800-1,200 per person including boat transfers. Book Easttimor-day at Puerto Princesa - operators only confirm tours based on weather conditions. Bring waterproof phone case for photos.

Mount Tapyas Sunrise Hiking

July's cloud cover creates dramatic sunrise conditions with layers of mist over Philippines Bay. Trail is more challenging when wet but rewards hikers with cooler temperatures. Start 5am to reach 210m (689ft) summit by 6:15am before heat builds. Post-storm morning air offers 30km+ (18+ mile) visibility.

Booking Tip: Free activity requiring no booking. Hire local guides at base for ₱300-500 for safety on wet trails. Bring headlamps and non-slip hiking shoes. Descent easier after sunrise provides better trail visibility.

Traditional Filipino Cooking Classes

Perfect rainy day activity when outdoor tours are cancelled. July is peak season for tropical fruits like rambutan, durian, and mangosteen. Learn to cook with monsoon vegetables and fresh seafood. Classes run 3-4 hours in air-conditioned kitchens offering respite from humidity.

Booking Tip: Classes cost ₱2,500-4,000 including ingredients and meal. Book through hotels or cultural centers. Popular during afternoon storm hours (2-5pm). Look for classes including market tours in covered areas.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Baragatan Festival in Puerto Princesa

Palawan's largest cultural celebration featuring street dancing, local food festivals, and traditional crafts. Despite occasional rain interruptions, covered venues keep most events running. Experience authentic Palawan culture with performances by indigenous tribes and local artists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing in synthetic materials - cotton stays wet for hours in 82% humidity

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - sudden downpours can soak belongings in minutes

Non-slip hiking shoes with good tread - wet limestone paths become extremely slippery

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 9 burns skin in under 15 minutes even when cloudy

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - strong winds during storms make umbrellas useless

Waterproof watch or fitness tracker - helpful for timing activities around storm patterns

Electrolyte tablets or powder - heavy sweating in high humidity depletes minerals quickly

Antifungal foot powder - wet conditions promote fungal growth in closed shoes

Mosquito repellent with 20%+ DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito populations

Zip-lock bags for keeping documents dry - even covered boats can get splashed during transfers

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with covered terraces or good indoor common areas - you'll spend 2-3 hours daily sheltering from storms and need comfortable spaces

Carry ₱500 in small bills for habal-habal motorcycle taxis - they're the only transport that runs during heavy rains when jeepneys stop

Download offline maps before arriving - cell towers often go down during strong storms and GPS becomes essential for navigation

Local bancas (boats) operate different schedules in July - morning departures (7-9am) have 85% success rate versus 50% for afternoon tours

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only flip-flops - you need closed-toe shoes with grip for wet surfaces and hiking

Booking back-to-back island tours - build in buffer days as 20-30% of boat tours get cancelled due to weather

Expecting constant rain - storms are intense but brief, most days still offer 6-8 hours of good weather for activities