Weather & Seasons
Palawan is stunning year-round, but the dry season (November–May) offers the best island hopping conditions. Here's a month-by-month guide to all three major destinations.
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
quick answer
The best time to visit Palawan is November to May — the dry season. El Nido and Coron island hopping is calm and clear, ideal for snorkelling and lagoon exploration. December through March is peak season. The wet season (June–October) brings southwest monsoon rain and can make island hopping boats cancel — but prices drop 30–50% and the landscape turns lush green.
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Best months
November – May
Wet season
June – October
Temperature
26–34°C year-round
Calmest seas
December – March
Palawan's dry season (amihan/northeast monsoon) runs November through May. This is when island hopping conditions are best — calm seas, high visibility for snorkelling, and clear skies for lagoon and limestone karst photography. El Nido and Coron are at their most accessible.
Peak season is December through February, when Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron are fully booked. The Underground River tours near Puerto Princesa cap daily visitors — reservations weeks or months in advance are necessary during this period.
November and March–April offer excellent conditions with reduced competition for accommodation and tour slots. April and May can be hot (32–35°C) but remain dry. Palawan's humidity is slightly lower than other Philippine islands, making the heat more bearable.
The southwest monsoon (habagat) brings Palawan's wet season from June through October. Rain falls heavily — El Nido averages over 300 mm in some wet season months. Island hopping tours frequently cancel when waves exceed safe limits for bangka boats. The lagoons and beaches remain beautiful, but access is weather-dependent.
Coron is generally more sheltered than El Nido during the wet season, making it the better wet-season choice for divers and those with flexible itineraries. Its famous wreck diving is world-class year-round.
Typhoon risk exists June–November, with August–October being highest risk. Puerto Princesa's underground river (located on the west coast) remains accessible on most wet season days since river tours are calmer than open-sea island hopping.
El Nido: Best November–April. Tour A and B (lagoons and beaches) require calm seas. Tour C and D (caves and southern islands) slightly more sheltered. Avoid June–September for guaranteed access.
Coron: Good year-round for diving (wrecks in sheltered bays). Snorkelling tours to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon best November–April. Good even in some wet-season months.
Puerto Princesa: Best November–May for Underground River and Honda Bay. City-based activities (Palawan Wildlife Rescue, Crocodile Farm) accessible year-round.
Sabang (Underground River): Accessible year-round, though sea kayaking in Sabang Bay can cancel in rough weather. Book permits at least 2 weeks ahead during peak season.
questions & answers
What is the best month to visit El Nido, Palawan?
November and December are widely considered the best months — dry weather arrives, seas are calm, and Christmas peak hasn't fully kicked in. February–March is equally excellent. Avoid July–September for island hopping reliability.
Can I visit Palawan during the rainy season?
Yes, with flexibility. Coron diving and some Puerto Princesa activities are accessible year-round. El Nido island hopping is weather-dependent — tours cancel frequently June–September. Budget 20–30% less but expect disruptions.
Is Palawan affected by typhoons?
Palawan is less typhoon-prone than eastern Philippines, but typhoons do occur June–November, and when they do, boats stop and you may be stranded. PAGASA forecasts should be monitored; travel insurance is essential.
How hot is Palawan?
26–34°C year-round, with March–May being the hottest months. Palawan's humidity is moderate compared to Manila or Cebu. Sea breezes make beach time very pleasant.
When should I book the Puerto Princesa Underground River?
Book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (December–February). Permits are capped to 900 visitors per day. The Tourism Office in Puerto Princesa handles bookings, as do most hotels and tour operators.
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