July is deep monsoon season in Palawan — similar conditions to June, with rough seas in El Nido's Bacuit Bay and frequent rainfall. European school summer holidays bring a modest increase in visitors compared to June, particularly to Puerto Princesa. El Nido island hopping remains weather-dependent and unreliable. The Underground River, Honda Bay, and Puerto Princesa's city attractions all operate normally. For those specifically interested in the UNESCO-listed cave river and Palawan's biodiversity, July works well at significant cost savings.
24–31°C (75–88°F)
Air temp
28°C (82°F)
Sea temp
Very High
Rainfall
Low
Crowds
why go
what's on
No major festivals
July is event-light in Palawan. Puerto Princesa's Baragatan Festival typically takes place in June — July is a quiet month for local events.
travel tips
If El Nido is your goal, check with your accommodation ahead of travel whether island hopping tours are running. Some July weeks have sufficient calm windows; others do not. Ask specifically about Tour A and Tour C, which visit the most sheltered lagoons.
Coron in July is slightly more accessible than El Nido — the Coron Bay and Lake sites (Kayangan, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda) are in a more sheltered position from the southwest monsoon. Wreck diving at Coron Bay can still run on calmer days.
July is an excellent month for Palawan's nature lodges and wildlife sanctuaries around Puerto Princesa — Irrawaddy dolphin watching, Palawan pangolin rescue visits, and night-sky stargazing in areas away from city light pollution.
common questions
For island-hopping-focused itineraries, July is a frustrating month. For travellers primarily interested in the Underground River, wildlife, Puerto Princesa, or Coron's land-accessible lakes, July offers exceptional value at low-season prices. Budget travellers and nature-focused visitors get the best of Palawan without the crowds.
In Coron, yes — wreck diving is possible on calmer days in July, and the bay itself is partially sheltered. In El Nido, dive sites are more exposed and conditions are rougher. Visibility can actually be good in Coron even during monsoon as the sites are below the surface swell. Check with local dive operators for current conditions.
Travel by van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is safe year-round (road-based). AirSWIFT flights may be affected by weather but generally operate with some delays. Once in El Nido, sea-based activities (island hopping, boat transfers) are subject to weather conditions — rough days mean staying on land. The town itself is safe and functional.
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