As easy as it is to say that anytime is the best time to visit a beach in the Philippines—because friendly locals, rich cultural heritage, breathtaking sights, and delicious food are available here all year round—your enjoyment may be based on timing. Timing is a factor that can manifest in everything from the weather, to the number of people surrounding you, to the funds that you have in your pocket.

Though the Philippines may be known for its sunny—and sometimes searing-hot—climate, the months of June, July, and August bring upon it a seasonal onslaught of rain. On the upside, this means the weather’s cooler, and residents and tourists alike can worry less about incurring sunburn, heat exhaustion, or stroke. But rain, strong wind, and thunderstorms might also mean more time cooped up indoors, and less time spent on the beaches, hike sites, or heritage spots that the country is known for.

Of the two so-called “diving capitals” of the Philippines, the nearest to the big cities of Luzon is Anilao, in Batangas. It may seem like diving is the preferred activity in the province, what with the diving courses and diving expeditions that abound in an Anilao alone.

Whether you’re a true blue (aquamarine?) lover of the sea or you’re hitting the shores simply because you’re hoping to spend a portion of your remaining summer vacation in a place you’ve never been to before, going to the beach is bound to be an experience you won’t soon forget.