Best Time to Visit Palawan: Month-by-Month Weather & Season Guide
The best time to visit Palawan is November to April (dry season) when seas are calm and skies are clear. Peak season is December–March with optimal island hopping conditions. Whale shark season in Puerto Princesa runs April–October. May and October offer excellent shoulder season conditions with smaller crowds and lower prices.
Palawan's weather is the single most important factor in planning your trip. Get the timing right and you'll have flat seas, 10-metre underwater visibility, and empty beaches. This guide breaks down every month so you can choose the best time for the experiences that matter to you.
Palawan's Two Seasons
Palawan has two distinct seasons: the dry season (Amihan) from November to April, and the wet season (Habagat) from May to October. The transition months — May and October — offer excellent conditions at lower prices with smaller crowds.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Conditions | Temp | Island Hopping | Whale Sharks | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, calm, clear | 26–30°C | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
| February | Dry, calm, clear | 26–30°C | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
| March | Dry, very calm | 27–32°C | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
| April | Hot, dry, calm | 28–33°C | ✅ Very good | ✅ Active | 🟡 High |
| May | Shoulder, some rain | 27–32°C | ✅ Good | ✅ Active | 🟢 Low |
| June | Wet season begins | 26–31°C | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| July | Rain, some swells | 25–30°C | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| August | Rain, some swells | 25–30°C | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| September | Improving, still wet | 25–30°C | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| October | Shoulder, improving | 26–31°C | ✅ Good | ✅ Active | 🟢 Low |
| November | Dry season begins | 26–30°C | ✅ Very good | ✅ Active | 🟡 Medium |
| December | Dry, calm, festive | 25–29°C | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
Best Time for Port Barton Island Hopping
Port Barton island hopping operates year-round, but best conditions are December to April. Seas are flat, visibility reaches 8–15 metres, and turtle sightings at Turtle Point are most frequent. January and February offer the most consistent calm-water days.
The low season (June–September) has a hidden advantage — you'll often have the islands almost entirely to yourself. Tour Z's flexible counter-clockwise route is particularly valuable in wet season, as guides select sheltered stops based on real-time conditions each morning.
Best Time for Whale Sharks in Puerto Princesa
Whale sharks are present in Puerto Princesa's open ocean from April to October, with peak activity in June–August. Unlike Oslob in Cebu, Puerto Princesa's sharks are completely wild — following plankton blooms, not conditioned by feeding. Tour Z operates the whale shark expedition during this window with a 2-in-1 Success Guarantee.
Best Value Months
October and May are the best value months — near-dry-season conditions at shoulder prices, outside Philippine school holidays. June–September is cheapest but has the most weather-related tour variability.
Philippine Holidays to Note
- Holy Week (March/April) — Busiest domestic travel period. Book everything months ahead.
- Christmas–New Year (Dec 24–Jan 2) — Second busiest. Prices spike, tours sell out.
- All Saints Day (Nov 1) — Long weekend with moderate tourism impact.
Check Live Availability for Your Travel Dates
Tour Z operates year-round with real-time route adjustments for weather conditions.
🐢 Port Barton Availability 🦈 Whale Shark Season