The best time to visit Palawan is November to April — dry season brings flat seas, 10-metre underwater visibility, and optimal conditions for island hopping. Whale shark season in Puerto Princesa runs April–October (peak June–August). 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 calm water, excellent visibility, and empty beaches. This guide breaks down every month.
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. Transition months — May and October — offer excellent conditions at lower prices.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Conditions | Island Hopping | Whale Sharks | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, calm, clear | Excellent | Not active | Peak |
| February | Dry, calm, clear | Excellent | Not active | Peak |
| March | Dry, very calm | Excellent | Not active | Peak |
| April | Hot, dry, calm | Very good | Season starts | High |
| May | Shoulder, some rain | Good | Active | Low |
| June | Wet season begins | Variable | Peak month | Very low |
| July | Rain, some swells | Variable | Peak month | Very low |
| August | Rain, some swells | Variable | Peak month | Very low |
| September | Improving, still wet | Variable | Active | Very low |
| October | Shoulder, improving | Good | Season ends | Low |
| November | Dry season begins | Very good | Not active | Medium |
| December | Dry, calm, festive | Excellent | Not active | Peak |
Best Time for Port Barton Island Hopping
Port Barton island hopping operates year-round. Best conditions are December to April — flat seas, 8–15m visibility, and turtle sightings at Turtle Point are most frequent.
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 — guides select sheltered stops based on real-time conditions each morning.
Turtle sightings: Wild green sea turtles at Turtle Point are visible year-round, but most consistent December–May when water clarity is at its best.
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 June–August. These are wild open-ocean animals following plankton blooms — not conditioned by feeding. Tour Z does not guarantee sightings or offer refunds for non-sightings; if whale sharks do not appear, the crew still runs the full morning and uses a clear-water lunch, photo or snorkelling stop when conditions allow.
The tour does not operate November-March when whale sharks are no longer in the area. Use those months for dry-season island hopping, the Underground River, Port Barton travel planning or El Nido, depending on your route.
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 period. Prices spike, tours sell out quickly.
- All Saints Day (Nov 1) — Long weekend with moderate tourism impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Palawan?
January to March for the best combination of calm seas, clear visibility, and good weather. February is widely considered the optimal month — dry, not yet the school holiday rush, excellent turtle sightings.
Is Palawan good in May?
Yes — May is an excellent shoulder month. Conditions are still good (transitioning out of dry season), prices are lower, and tourist numbers have dropped significantly after Holy Week and Easter.
Can you visit Palawan in July?
Tours operate in July but weather is less predictable. Island hopping can be affected by wind and rain. The whale shark tour (April–October) is active in July. If your trip falls in wet season, Port Barton can still be worthwhile. Choose a local operator that adjusts routes based on daily sea conditions.
Book the whale shark tour → · Read the Port Barton island hopping guide
