Best time to visit Palawan for good weather
When is the best weather in Palawan? Monthly breakdown of temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours — ranked by what actually matters for your trip.
Best month
January
The driest and most popular month — ideal conditions but peak prices and maximum crowds at El Nido.
↑The driest month of the year at just 30mm — El Nido boat tours to the Big and Small Lagoons run every day without cancellations, and the water is at its clearest and calmest
↑Temperatures are perfect: 29°C with low humidity makes touring the limestone islands genuinely comfortable rather than punishing
↑The full range of island-hopping tours, kayaking, snorkelling, and diving all operate at maximum capacity — this is Palawan at its most functional
All months ranked — Good weather
Best match
The driest and most popular month — ideal conditions but peak prices and maximum crowds at El Nido.
#1 for good weather
Best match
The driest month of the year — near-zero rainfall, exceptional water clarity, and peak demand from every direction.
#2 for good weather
Best match
Peak season builds through December — excellent dry conditions, Christmas atmosphere, and prices rising sharply.
#3 for good weather
Best match
The dry season returns — boat tours resume fully, conditions improve rapidly, and prices rise with them.
#4 for good weather
Best match
Still excellent dry season conditions — slightly less crowded than Jan–Feb and heat beginning to build.
#5 for good weather
Best match
The hot shoulder between dry season and rains — still viable, slightly cheaper, noticeably warmer.
#6 for good weather
Strong option
The rainy season begins but remains manageable — good value, fewer crowds, and boat tours still mostly running.
#7 for good weather
Strong option
Monsoon arrives — heavy rain, rough seas, and a significant portion of El Nido boat tours cancelled.
#8 for good weather
Strong option
The monsoon eases but remains significant — a transitional month with improving conditions and low prices.
#9 for good weather
Avoid
Still deep monsoon — slightly less rain than August but typhoon season continues; avoid unless intentional.
#10 for good weather
Avoid
The heaviest month of the monsoon — most El Nido boat tours cancelled, typhoon risk real, strongly avoid.
#11 for good weather
Avoid
The wettest month of the year — 270mm, maximum typhoon risk, El Nido tours essentially suspended.
#12 for good weather