Weather Guide

Palawan Weather & Climate Guide 2025

Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Palawan.

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.

Best Time to Visit

Months to Avoid

June to September

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.

Climate Overview

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.

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

27°C/81°F
Peak dry season with clear skies and calm seas. Best diving visibility of the year. Busy with tourists.

Feb

27°C/81°F
Excellent dry season weather continues. Chinese New Year brings additional visitors from Asia.

Mar

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.

Apr

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.

Jun

29°C/84°F
Southwest monsoon begins. Increasing rain and wind. Many tours still operate but cancellations become common.

Jul

28°C/82°F
Wet season with heavy rainfall and rougher seas. Most boat tours are cancelled frequently. Low season rates.

Aug

28°C/82°F
Peak of wet season. Typhoon risk increases. Least recommended month to visit Palawan.

Sep

28°C/82°F
Typhoon season continues. Very low tourism. Some accommodation and tour operators may be closed.

Oct

28°C/82°F
Weather beginning to improve toward end of month but still unpredictable. Tubbataha diving season closes.

Nov

27°C/81°F
Dry season begins — weather rapidly improves. Early arrival before peak crowds builds and prices rise.

Dec

26°C/79°F
Excellent weather with calm seas. Christmas festivities add to the atmosphere. Very busy with both tourists and domestic travelers.
🌤️

Seasonal Planning Guide

Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.

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Seasonal Breakdown

Detailed information for each season.

🌸 Spring

March - May

Warming temperatures, blooming flowers. Great for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Tips: Layer clothing for variable temperatures. Book accommodations early for spring holidays.

☀️ Summer

June - August

Hot temperatures, peak tourist season. Long days but can be uncomfortable midday.

Tips: Start early, rest midday. Stay hydrated. Book air-conditioned accommodations.

🍂 Fall

September - November

Cooling temperatures, fewer crowds. Excellent for cultural exploration and comfortable sightseeing.

Tips: Pack layers. Check for local festivals and harvest celebrations.

❄️ Winter

December - February

Cool to cold temperatures, low season for tourism. May have rain or snow depending on region.

Tips: Pack warm layers. Some attractions may have reduced hours. Best prices on accommodation.

What to Pack

Seasonal packing recommendations.

Year-Round Essentials

  • Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Basic first aid kit

Hot Weather Additions

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Extra sun protection
  • Cooling towel
  • Light colors to reflect heat
  • Sandals with back straps

Cool Weather Additions

  • Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm accessories (if winter)

Events & Crowd Levels

Plan around busy periods and special events.

🔴 High Season

December to February (and Holy Week in March/April)

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

March to May, November

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

June to October

Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.

Major Events & Holidays

January
Pista'y Dayat Festival (Puerto Princesa)

Annual city fiesta celebrating Puerto Princesa's founding with parades, cultural shows, and food festivals

March/April
Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Catholic Holy Week observances with processions through Puerto Princesa and El Nido towns

October
Oktoberfest Puerto Princesa

Beer and food festival at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum

November-December
Pasko Festival

Christmas season celebrations with lights, markets, and events throughout Palawan

Plan Your Perfect Palawan Trip

Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.

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