Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Palawan has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (November-May) and the wet season (June-October). Unlike most of the Philippines, Palawan is partly sheltered from Pacific typhoons by Luzon and the Visayas, but it can still be affected by typhoons and southwest monsoon rains. Average temperatures range from 27-33°C year-round with high humidity. The Calamianes (Coron area) and El Nido can have slightly different weather patterns from southern Palawan and Puerto Princesa.
Best time to visit
Best: November to April
Best Reason: The dry season brings calm seas, blue skies, and excellent visibility for diving and island-hopping. December to February is peak season with the most reliable weather but highest prices and largest crowds.
Peak Season: December to February
Avoid: June to September
Avoid Reason: The typhoon season (June-September) brings heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas that cancel most boat tours and island-hopping activities. Some operators shut down entirely during this period.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
27°C/81°F
Peak dry season with clear skies and calm seas. Best diving visibility of the year. Busy with tourists.
February
27°C/81°F
Excellent dry season weather continues. Chinese New Year brings additional visitors from Asia.
March
29°C/84°F
Late dry season with great weather and starting to thin out. One of the best months for good conditions and lower crowds.
April
30°C/86°F
Hot and dry with very calm seas. Holy Week brings Filipino domestic tourists but international visitors are fewer.
May
31°C/88°F
Getting hotter and occasionally stormy at the end of the month as southwest monsoon approaches. Last comfortable month before wet season.
June
29°C/84°F
Southwest monsoon begins. Increasing rain and wind. Many tours still operate but cancellations become common.
July
28°C/82°F
Wet season with heavy rainfall and rougher seas. Most boat tours are cancelled frequently. Low season rates.
August
28°C/82°F
Peak of wet season. Typhoon risk increases. Least recommended month to visit Palawan.
September
28°C/82°F
Typhoon season continues. Very low tourism. Some accommodation and tour operators may be closed.
October
28°C/82°F
Weather beginning to improve toward end of month but still unpredictable. Tubbataha diving season closes.
November
27°C/81°F
Dry season begins — weather rapidly improves. Early arrival before peak crowds builds and prices rise.
December
26°C/79°F
Excellent weather with calm seas. Christmas festivities add to the atmosphere. Very busy with both tourists and domestic travelers.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Dry_season
Months: November to May
Clear skies, calm seas, and excellent diving visibility. The ideal time for island-hopping, underwater photography, and beach activities. Temperatures are warm (27-33°C) with cooling northeast trade winds.
Wet_season
Months: June to October
Expect afternoon rainfall, occasional storms, and rougher seas that disrupt boat tours. Some days are still sunny in the mornings. Tourism significantly drops.
Shoulder
Months: March to May, October to November
Shoulder seasons offer a good balance of decent weather with lower prices and crowds. March-May is particularly recommended as seas are calm and skies are generally clear.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December to February (and Holy Week in March/April)
- Shoulder Season
- March to May, November
- Low Season
- June to October
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Pista'y Dayat Festival (Puerto Princesa)
Annual city fiesta celebrating Puerto Princesa's founding with parades, cultural shows, and food festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Catholic Holy Week observances with processions through Puerto Princesa and El Nido towns
Oktoberfest Puerto Princesa
Beer and food festival at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum
Pasko Festival
Christmas season celebrations with lights, markets, and events throughout Palawan