June is the heart of Palawan's monsoon season. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain, rough seas in El Nido's Bacuit Bay, and frequent tour cancellations. El Nido is at its least accessible for island hopping — many operators suspend tours for days at a time. Puerto Princesa, however, remains fully functional and the Underground River can be visited year-round. Prices are at their lowest. For those focused on the Underground River, Puerto Princesa's wildlife (Palawan pangolin, bearcat), and overland attractions, June offers exceptional value.
24–31°C (75–88°F)
Air temp
28°C (82°F)
Sea temp
Very High
Rainfall
Low
Crowds
why go
what's on
Philippine Independence Day
12 June12 June is a national holiday. Some domestic visitors arrive for a long weekend. El Nido sees a brief uptick in Filipino visitors before the monsoon's low season returns.
travel tips
If El Nido is your primary goal and you're visiting in June, book with a flexible return policy. Island hopping cancellations are common — sometimes entire days at a time. Have alternative land activities ready.
Puerto Princesa is a better June base than El Nido — accessible by road to the Underground River, Honda Bay (partially sheltered), Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center (where rescued pangolins and bearcat are kept), and good city food options.
The El Nido to Coron ferry does NOT run reliably in June — rough Sulu Sea conditions frequently suspend the service. Fly or plan via Puerto Princesa if trying to combine both destinations.
common questions
Yes, but island hopping is frequently cancelled due to rough seas. El Nido Town and its restaurants remain open, overland excursions (waterfalls, hiking) are possible, and there are some calm windows when tours run — but you cannot reliably plan island hopping in June. Flexibility and realistic expectations are essential.
Absolutely. The Underground River (8.2km navigable cave river, UNESCO World Heritage) is accessible year-round and unaffected by monsoon sea conditions. Tours depart from Sabang by boat (45-minute ride from Puerto Princesa). The cave itself is extraordinary — prehistoric formations, massive chambers, and resident cave swiftlets. Book permits in advance at the Underground River booking office.
Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa is partly sheltered and can be visited on calmer days for island hopping and snorkelling. The bay is on the east side of the Palawan peninsula and faces east — it receives less southwest monsoon swell than El Nido (which faces southwest). Ask locally about current Honda Bay conditions.
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