Best Time to Visit Palawan + Season-by-Season Guide
Introduction
Palawan is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences, budget, and planned activities. Understanding Palawan's two distinct seasons—dry and wet—will help you plan the perfect getaway and make the most of your trip.
Whether you're looking for perfect beach weather, fewer tourists, or budget-friendly rates, this comprehensive season-by-season guide will help you decide when to pack your bags and rent a vehicle to explore this island paradise.
⚠️ Disclaimer
- • Weather patterns and seasonal conditions can vary from year to year
- • Typhoons and tropical storms can occur outside typical rainy seasons
- • Tourist crowds and pricing are subject to change based on current conditions
- • Attraction accessibility may be affected by weather or maintenance
- • Recommendations are based on historical data; always check current conditions before travel
- • We are not responsible for weather-related disruptions or travel plan changes
Palawan Climate Overview
Palawan has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
- Dry Season: November to May (best overall weather)
- Wet Season: June to October (monsoon rains, fewer tourists)
The Dry Season (November to May)
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Palawan for most travelers. Expect sunny skies, calm seas, and perfect conditions for water activities.
December to February - Peak Season
Weather: Sunny, warm, and dry with temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F). This is the height of the dry season with excellent visibility for water activities.
Pros:
- ✓Perfect weather for beach activities, snorkeling, and diving
- ✓Crystal-clear waters ideal for island hopping
- ✓Minimal rainfall
- ✓Best time for outdoor adventures
- ✓Reliable conditions for water sports
Cons:
- ✗Peak tourist season - expect large crowds at popular attractions
- ✗Higher prices for accommodations and tours
- ✗Popular spots like El Nido and Coron may feel overcrowded
- ✗Flight and hotel availability may be limited
Best For:
💰 Budget-flexible 👨👩👧👦 Families ☀️ Sun seekers
Rental Vehicle Recommendation:
Standard cars work fine during this season. Browse our full range of vehicles - availability is good but book in advance. Consider a motorcycle if you prefer flexibility with parking in busy tourist areas.
March to May - Shoulder Season
Weather: Still dry but increasingly hot. Temperatures rise to 28-35°C (82-95°F), with March and April being the hottest months.
Pros:
- ✓Still excellent beach weather
- ✓Fewer tourists than peak season
- ✓Lower accommodation prices
- ✓Good water visibility for diving and snorkeling
- ✓Less crowded attractions
- ✓Better personal attention from tour guides and staff
Cons:
- ✗Very hot weather - requires sun protection and hydration
- ✗Late April/early May shows signs of approaching wet season
- ✗Some restaurants and small resorts may close temporarily
Best For:
💵 Budget travelers 🏜️ Heat lovers 🤿 Divers
Rental Vehicle Recommendation:
An air-conditioned car is highly recommended due to intense heat. Rent a vehicle with good cooling to stay comfortable during your road trips.
The Wet Season (June to October)
The wet season brings monsoon rains and rougher seas, but it's also the best time for budget travelers and those seeking authentic local experiences.
June to August - Heavy Rain Period
Weather: Frequent heavy rainfall, cooler temperatures (22-28°C or 72-82°F), and rough seas. Southwest monsoon winds blow during this period.
Pros:
- ✓Significantly cheaper accommodation and tour prices (20-50% lower)
- ✓Far fewer tourists - authentic Palawan experiences
- ✓Lush green landscapes
- ✓Lower humidity than peak season
- ✓Better deals on vehicle rentals
- ✓Excellent for fishing enthusiasts
- ✓Some water sports (surfing) are better during this season
Cons:
- ✗Frequent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms
- ✗Rough seas - many island hopping tours are cancelled
- ✗Some resorts and restaurants are closed
- ✗Road conditions deteriorate; some roads may be impassable
- ✗Limited visibility for diving and snorkeling
- ✗Slippery roads increase driving difficulty
Best For:
💸 Budget seekers 🏄 Surfers 🎣 Fishers
Rental Vehicle Recommendation:
A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially if exploring secondary roads or remote areas. Ensure excellent tire tread and wiper blades. Check our 4WD options for safe wet season driving.
September to October - Late Wet Season
Weather: Still rainy but becoming less frequent toward October. Typhoon season can bring unpredictable weather. Temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F).
Pros:
- ✓Cheaper prices than dry season
- ✓Fewer tourists than June-August
- ✓Weather stabilizing toward end of season
- ✓October offers better conditions than earlier wet months
- ✓Good for budget-conscious travelers
Cons:
- ✗Still unpredictable weather and occasional heavy rains
- ✗Typhoon risk in September-October
- ✗Sea conditions may still be rough
- ✗Some tourism services operate on reduced schedules
Best For:
🧗 Adventurers 💰 Budget travelers 📅 Flexible planners
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sunny, cool | Very High | Peak tourists, perfect weather |
| February | Sunny, warm | Very High | Best weather, peak season |
| March | Sunny, hot | High | Good weather, moderate crowds |
| April | Very Hot, dry | Moderate | Heat seekers, budget travelers |
| May | Hot, occasional rain | Moderate | End of dry season, budget |
| June | Rainy, cool | Low | Budget travelers, fewer crowds |
| July | Very Rainy | Low | Budget conscious, adventurers |
| August | Rainy, humid | Low | Budget travelers, surfers |
| September | Rainy, typhoon risk | Low | Flexible schedule, budget |
| October | Less rainy, warming | Low-Mod | Budget travelers, early planners |
| November | Dry, warming | Moderate | Transition season, good value |
| December | Sunny, warm | Very High | Holiday travelers, peak season |
Special Considerations by Activity
🏝️ Island Hopping & Snorkeling
Best Time: December to April. Clear waters, calm seas, and excellent visibility are essential for these water-based activities. Avoid June-September when seas are rough and visibility is poor.
🤿 Diving
Best Time: December to April for best visibility and calm conditions. While diving is possible year-round, water temperature is coolest in January-February, requiring wetsuits.
⛰️ Hiking & Land-Based Activities
Best Time: December to May, with November being suitable. Roads are dry and passable. Avoid June-September when trails can be muddy and slippery.
💸 Budget Beach Holidays
Best Time: July to September for lowest prices, or May and October for balance of price and weather. Accept that rain is possible but rare enough not to ruin trips.
📸 Photography & Landscape
Best Time: March to April (golden hour light, dry conditions) or early June when landscapes are lush and green. December-February is clear but crowded.
Travel Tips for Each Season
☀️ Dry Season Preparation
- 📌Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance
- 📌Reserve vehicle rentals early - availability is limited
- 📌Bring high SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently
- 📌Stay hydrated - heat can be intense in March-May
- 📌Pack light, breathable clothing
- 📌Consider visiting less popular towns to avoid crowds
🌧️ Wet Season Preparation
- 📌Book a vehicle with good condition tires and wipers
- 📌Pack waterproof bags and rain jacket
- 📌Travel with flexible itineraries - some activities may be cancelled
- 📌Check weather forecasts for typhoons (September-October)
- 📌Confirm tour and restaurant operations before booking
- 📌Enjoy lower prices and authentic experiences
- 📌Roads may have potholes - drive carefully
Budget Breakdown by Season
Peak Season (Dec-Feb): Hotels $50-150/night, meals $5-15, tours $25-60 per person
Shoulder Season (Mar-May, Nov): Hotels $30-80/night, meals $4-10, tours $20-40 per person
Wet Season (Jun-Oct): Hotels $20-50/night, meals $3-8, tours $15-30 per person
Vehicle Rental Considerations
Choosing the right vehicle depends on your chosen season:
- Dry Season: Any vehicle works. Motorcycles are popular in peak season for easy parking.
- Wet Season: 4WD vehicles recommended for safety on wet roads. Ensure good tire condition.
- Year-Round: Air conditioning is essential. Vehicles with good suspension handle Palawan's varied road conditions better.
Browse our complete vehicle inventory to find the perfect match for your season and itinerary.
Conclusion
The "best" time to visit Palawan truly depends on your priorities:
- Weather Priority: Visit December to March
- Budget Priority: Visit July to September
- Balanced Choice: Visit April or October
- Crowd Avoidance: Visit May or November
Regardless of when you choose to visit, Palawan's natural beauty shines through every season. With your own rental vehicle, you'll have the flexibility to create unforgettable memories whenever you decide to explore this paradise.
Don't let weather or crowds dictate your plans. Book your Palawan adventure today and discover why this island is truly the Philippines' last frontier!
