Weather
June is the start of the rainy season in the Philippines, which runs until October. The rains begin in the north and sweep through the country, although some places remain quite sheltered and relatively dry. Even in areas with daily rainfall, it doesn't rain too heavily or for very long. With the rain comes cooler temperatures, but humidity can be high when the sun is out. Expect temperatures of between 77°F and 91°F (25°C and 32°C) in June.
The exception to the above is when a typhoon hits, bringing exceptionally heavy rain and intense winds. 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 June, and be prepared to change your plans at short notice if a typhoon is on its way.
Crowds & Costs
June is the low season for travel to the Philippines as most international travelers prefer to come in the dry season. Locals tend to be back at school and work after vacations in May and the start of the new school year in June. If you travel to the Philippines in June, you might find good deals on accommodation and transport, and costs will be lower than earlier in the year.
Where to Go
If you're looking for a relatively dry beach destination in June, set your sights on Palawan, the southern Visayas, or Mindanao, especially Camiguin Island, north of the mainland. Palawan and the Visayas are less likely to experience typhoons than other parts of the country, and Mindanao has the least rainfall throughout the rainy season. Palawan is a top-rated destination, so June is a good time to go and experience the white sand beaches and rocky islands without the crowds. El Nido and Coron, in western Palawan, are especially beautiful, and when the weather's clear, you can cruise between karst rock formations jutting out of the sea.
The islands of the southern Visayas are also relatively sheltered from the rains: Cebu, Bohol, Pescador, Apo, and Negros. Cebu City is a great jumping-off point for island-hopping adventures, and short ferry rides between the islands mean it would be easy to change your plans at short notice if you had to. Bohol is a beautiful island because as well as its beaches, it has the Chocolate Hills. These conical mounds are unlike anything you're likely to have seen before and are a good hiking destination when the weather's fine.
Fewer international travelers venture to Mindanao, the Philippines' southern island, partly because of its poor reputation for safety. Still, the riskiest parts of the island are the west and the south, where a long-running insurgency is ongoing. The area around the northern city of Cagayan de Oro is quite peaceful, and pretty volcanic Camiguin Island offers laid-back resorts on white-sand beaches.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
While the Philippines is most famous as an outdoorsy destination, you can enjoy some fantastic city sightseeing in Manila, the capital city. Escape the rain by ducking into a church or a museum. Don't miss the 16th-century Intramuros area with its Spanish colonial-era buildings and the neighboring Fort Santiago. Cycling tours are a great way of getting around, too. The Binondo area is also worth visiting—it's the oldest Chinatown in the world. Meanwhile, check out the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Casa Manila Museum, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Sarao Motors Factory, displaying classic Filipino jeepney vehicles.
Meanwhile, if you find yourself on Bohol, before or after checking out the Chocolate Hills, animal lovers will want to complete a circuit in the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Walking quietly, snap plenty of pics (without the flash), and learn a thing or two about this small, nocturnal, and emotionally-delicate primate.
Events in June
Baragatan Festival, Puerto Princesa. This month-long festival celebrates Palawan's unique culture with a float parade, dancing, music, and a beauty pageant.
Pintados-Kasadyaan, Tacloban. This month-long festival in the city of Tacloban is semi-religious and celebrates the ancient body-painting traditions of local warriors. As with most Filipino festivals, expect street parades, dancing, music, and colorful costumes.
Traveling to the Philippines in June? Check out these great itineraries
Secrets of Palawan - 6 Days. Go deep into the Philippines' "last frontier" to discover beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls that few travelers explore. See endemic cockatoos in their natural habitat, snorkel coral reefs, and meet the indigenous Batak people.
Philippines Island Hopping: Manila, Siquijor, Bohol & Moalboal - 10 Days. From Manila, you'll cover three of the Philippines' most idyllic islands: Siquijor, Bohol, and Cebu.
More Helpful Information
The Philippines in May
The Philippines in July
Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines
How Many Days to Spend in the Philippines