Things to Do in Baguio in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Baguio
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak strawberry season means you'll find incredibly fresh berries at every market and farm - prices drop to ₱50-80 per kilo compared to ₱150+ in other months, and the PCA Strawberry Farm and various pick-your-own operations are at their busiest with the sweetest fruit
- Panagbenga Festival aftermath means significantly fewer crowds than February-March but you still get the flower displays at Burnham Park and the botanical gardens are in full bloom - accommodations cost 30-40% less than peak festival rates while the city still looks spectacular
- The cool mountain weather at 1,500m (4,920 ft) elevation makes July one of the most comfortable months for hiking and outdoor activities - while Manila swelters at 32°C (90°F) with oppressive humidity, Baguio stays pleasantly cool enough for sweaters in the evening
- July marks the start of Baguio's vegetable harvest season, so the public market overflows with incredibly fresh lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage at prices 40-50% lower than lowland cities - this is when local restaurants serve their best farm-to-table dishes
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days can be unpredictable and disruptive - afternoon downpours typically hit between 2-5pm and can last 45-90 minutes, occasionally forcing cancellation of outdoor plans and making the already notorious Kennon Road even more hazardous with potential landslides
- The humidity at 70% combined with frequent fog creates that damp, penetrating cold that makes 16°C (61°F) feel much colder than the thermometer suggests - your clothes never quite dry completely and accommodation without proper heating can feel uncomfortably clammy
- School vacation season in the Philippines means Filipino families flood Baguio on weekends, particularly Friday-Sunday, causing traffic congestion on Session Road, longer restaurant wait times, and making popular spots like Mines View Park crowded despite this being shoulder season for international tourists
Best Activities in July
Strawberry Farm Visits and Agricultural Tours
July is peak harvest season, making this the absolute best month to visit working strawberry farms in La Trinidad, just 15-20 minutes from central Baguio. The berries are at their sweetest, farms offer pick-your-own experiences for ₱100-150 per person with unlimited eating while picking, and you'll see the full agricultural operation in action. The cool morning temperatures between 16-18°C (61-64°F) make early visits particularly pleasant, and the occasional afternoon rain actually enhances the experience rather than ruining it since you're often under covered areas. This is genuinely a July-specific advantage - by September the season winds down significantly.
Mountain Hiking and Nature Trail Exploration
The combination of cool temperatures and lush post-rain vegetation makes July ideal for tackling Baguio's mountain trails. Mount Ulap (1,846m/6,056 ft) offers sunrise hikes that start at a comfortable 14°C (57°F), Mount Costa provides moderate 2-3 hour treks through pine forests, and the Eco Trail system around Camp John Hay stays pleasantly cool even at midday. The humidity keeps everything green and vibrant, though you'll want to finish hikes by 1-2pm before afternoon rains typically start. The UV index of 8 is deceptively strong at this elevation despite cooler air temperatures.
Public Market and Food Scene Exploration
July's vegetable harvest transforms the Baguio City Public Market into an absolute feast for food lovers. The market operates daily from 6am-6pm but hits peak energy between 7-10am when farmers bring fresh produce straight from the fields. This is when you'll find the famous Baguio vegetables - lettuce, carrots, broccoli, sayote - at their freshest and cheapest. The cool weather makes wandering the crowded market aisles much more comfortable than in warmer months, and the morning fog adds atmospheric charm. Combine this with breakfast at the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant area where locals eat, sampling pinikpikan soup and other Cordillera dishes that use the fresh market ingredients.
Cafe Hopping and Creative Space Tours
Baguio's famous cafe culture thrives in July when the cool, occasionally rainy weather makes spending hours in cozy coffee shops absolutely perfect. The city has developed a serious specialty coffee scene with local roasters using Benguet-grown beans. Session Road, Leonard Wood Road, and the areas around Burnham Park host dozens of independent cafes where ₱120-180 gets you excellent pour-over coffee and the city's signature ube pastries. The variable weather actually enhances the experience - watching fog roll through the windows while you're warm inside with good coffee is quintessentially Baguio. Many cafes also function as art galleries and creative spaces, reflecting the city's artistic community.
Indoor Cultural Attractions and Museum Visits
July's unpredictable afternoon weather makes having solid indoor backup plans essential, and Baguio delivers with genuinely interesting cultural sites. The BenCab Museum showcases contemporary Philippine art in a stunning building with mountain views, the Baguio Museum covers Cordillera indigenous culture, and The Mansion (the Philippine President's official summer residence) offers grounds tours when not in official use. These spots stay comfortable regardless of weather, and the cooler temperatures make the walks between gallery rooms more pleasant than in hot months. The UV index of 8 means even indoor sightseeing benefits from Baguio's naturally filtered light through frequent cloud cover.
Horseback Riding at Wright Park and Camp John Hay
The cool July weather makes horseback riding particularly enjoyable, and Wright Park's tree-lined bridle paths offer scenic rides through pine forests at comfortable temperatures. Rates run ₱150-300 for 30-minute guided rides depending on route length. The horses are well-accustomed to the weather, and light rain actually makes the experience more atmospheric rather than uncomfortable. Camp John Hay also offers longer trail rides through its expansive grounds. The combination of cool air, occasional mist, and pine scent creates a genuinely memorable experience that's much more pleasant than attempting this in hot, dry months.
July Events & Festivals
Philippine-American Friendship Day Celebrations
July 4th brings low-key commemorative events around Camp John Hay and the American historical sites in Baguio, reflecting the city's history as an American colonial hill station. While not a major festival, you'll find special programs at the historical markers, occasional cultural performances, and some restaurants offering American-Filipino fusion specials. It's more of a local observance than tourist event, but worth noting if you're interested in the historical layers of the city.