August in Palawan mirrors July — southwest monsoon weather continues, El Nido's Bacuit Bay remains rough and island hopping is frequently cancelled, while Puerto Princesa, the Underground River, and Coron's land-accessible sites operate normally. European summer holidays drive a small increase in visitors. Prices are at their very lowest. For serious divers wanting uncrowded Coron wrecks at low-season rates, August can be rewarding — though conditions on the surface are sometimes rough, below 5 metres the water is clear and wreck visibility can be excellent.
24–31°C (75–88°F)
Air temp
28°C (82°F)
Sea temp
Very High
Rainfall
Low
Crowds
why go
what's on
National Heroes Day
Last Monday of AugustLast Monday of August is a Philippine national holiday — a brief domestic visitor surge over the long weekend.
travel tips
August wreck diving in Coron: below 10 metres the water is often calm and visibility is good even when the surface is rough. Experienced divers can have the Okikawa Maru, Taiei Maru, and other wrecks almost entirely to themselves in August.
Puerto Princesa's City Tour (Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch, public market, Iwahig Prison Farm) operates in any weather — a good way to spend a rain-heavy day when tours are cancelled.
Typhoon season is active in August. Monitor PAGASA (pagasa.dost.gov.ph) for weather updates during your trip — flights and inter-island ferries can be suspended with little notice.
common questions
August, like June and July, is one of the most challenging months for sea-based activities. It's not recommended for El Nido island hopping as a primary goal. However, for the Underground River, Coron wreck diving, Puerto Princesa city exploration, and wildlife — all with near-zero crowds and the lowest prices of the year — August works well for the right type of traveller.
August is within the Philippine typhoon season. Palawan's elongated north-south orientation means it can be affected by typhoons tracking westward from the Pacific. Typhoon direct hits are possible but not frequent — Palawan's geography offers some shelter from typical typhoon tracks, which generally move through Luzon or the Visayas. Monitor PAGASA daily.
The El Nido to Coron ferry (4–5 hours) runs on calmer days but may be suspended for extended periods during rough monsoon weather. In August, do not rely on this ferry connection — plan via Puerto Princesa instead (van to PP, then flight to Coron/USU airport), or fly directly between the destinations.
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