A Guide to the Ideal Season for Palawan Visits

SEO Accom (Global)
20 Jun 2024 - 4 min read

Travelers are drawn to Palawan, one of the main islands in the Philippines, by its white beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and coral reefs in the expansive blue ocean seas. However, picking the ideal time to come might be difficult due to the region's varied temperature and array of activities.

This comprehensive guide from Traveloka will assist you in planning your Palawan vacation, helping you determine the best time to visit according to your travel preferences.

Get to Know the Seasons of Palawan

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Palawan has two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to May) and the wet season (June to October). Although the rainy season brings occasional showers, Palawan has a year-round tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity.

Dry Season (November to May)

Climate: Perfect for outdoor activities, with clear skies and little rain. The temperature range is 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F).
Pros: Ideal weather for relaxing on the beach, diving, snorkeling, and exploring the island. Clear waters provide the best visibility for exploring beneath the surface. Fewer opportunities to see jellyfish blooms.
Cons: Higher airfare and hotel prices during the busiest holiday seasons. Popular spots may seem crowded.

Wet Season (June to October)

Climate: Occasionally, brief showers with bright intervals are to be expected. The range of temperatures is still warm, from 23°C (73°F) to 31°C (88°F).
Pros: Less expensive travel and accommodation; fewer crowds. Rich vegetation blooms, producing a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting. increased likelihood of seeing animals, such as sea turtles hatching.
Cons: Rain may cause outdoor activities to be interrupted or cause certain tours to be canceled. A chance of choppy waves, which could affect the conditions for diving and snorkeling.

How to Choose The Perfect Palawan Adventure

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Here's a breakdown of the best time to visit Palawan based on your travel desires

For Sunset Lovers on the Beach

November to May

Are blue oceans, sunshine, and pristine beaches what you value most? Then, without a doubt, the dry season wins. Savor the sun at Nacpan Beach, go island hopping in El Nido or Coron, or discover Port Barton's secret coves. This is the best season for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts to discover Palawan's bright coral reefs, which are alive with marine life, because of the calm waters and crystal-clear visibility.

For the Adventurous Soul

November to May or June to September, weather permitting

Palawan offers a playground for adventure seekers! Trekking through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or visiting the striking underground structures of the Tabon Caves are ideal during the dry season. Try your hand at spelunking in Puerto Princesa or kayak across the breathtaking surroundings of Coron Island. Though be prepared for the occasional downpour, the wet season can also offer a unique experience for trekking and waterfall exploration with its lush flora.

For the Budget Traveler

June to October

Traveling on a budget? There are considerable airfare and accommodations discounts during the rainy season. While occasional rain might disrupt your itinerary, the quick bursts are often followed by sunshine, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities. Other benefits include the opportunity to see wildlife and the rich vegetation at this time of year. Lesser-known locations like Port Barton or El Nido town, which provide a more relaxed experience than the more expensive Nacpan Beach or major El Nido tourist area, can be worth investigating for tourists on a tight budget.

For the Romantics

February or March

Looking for a romantic getaway? Try to avoid the busiest times of the year in February or March. While there is less rainfall and lovely weather during this shoulder season, you can avoid the peak season's expensive prices and crowds of people. Imagine cuddling up in a private seaside villa or having quiet beach dinners under a starry sky. An amazing romantic trip can be had against the magnificent backdrop of Palawan.

For the Wildlife Enthusiast

November to May, with variations

For those who love wildlife, Palawan is a paradise. When diving or snorkeling, the dry season is the best time to see marine species, such as manta rays and whale sharks. Nonetheless, certain opportunities for observing wildlife may have optimal periods throughout the dry season. For example, November through March is usually the greatest period to watch sea turtles in Palawan that are breeding. To choose the best time to travel, do some research on the particular wildlife you hope to see.

Festival Seeker

Year-round, with highlights

The colorful festivals of Palawan enhance your vacation experience in yet another way. Held in January at Duliman Beach, El Nido, the vibrant Palawan International Kiteboarding Competition features a kaleidoscope of colors against the breathtaking beach backdrop.

Additional Factors to Consider Beyond the Seasons

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When organizing your Palawan adventure, keep in mind the following factors in addition to the dry and wet seasons:

Specific destinations: The weather in different parts of Palawan may differ slightly from place to place. For instance, during the rainy season, Coron Island frequently receives less rainfall than El Nido. To obtain a more accurate image, do some research on certain locations.
Activities: Some things are best done at particular times. In Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, for example, firefly viewing cruises are usually offered from late November through May.
Personal preferences: Are you content with the occasional shower in exchange for the possible advantages of less crowds, or do you long for sunlight and clear skies? Think about how much heat and humidity you can handle.
Deals on travel and accommodations: Occasionally, amazing savings on travel and accommodations could influence your choice. The chance of the occasional downpour during shoulder season may be worth it for an amazing offer.

Palawan practically meets every traveler's wish with its varied offerings and stunning scenery. The ideal time to go really depends on your personal priorities and tastes. Palawan has something special to offer all year round, regardless of your preference for bright skies and sunshine or the lush vegetation and less tourists during the wet season. Make use of this knowledge, think about your preferred method of travel, and set out on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to paradise.

So gather your belongings, decide on the ideal Palawan season, and be ready to experience the wonder that lies ahead! Find your ideal accommodation in Palawan at Traveloka and get the best deals!

In This Article

• Get to Know the Seasons of Palawan
• Dry Season (November to May)
• Wet Season (June to October)
• How to Choose The Perfect Palawan Adventure
• For Sunset Lovers on the Beach
• For the Adventurous Soul
• For the Budget Traveler
• For the Romantics
• For the Wildlife Enthusiast
• Festival Seeker
• Additional Factors to Consider Beyond the Seasons
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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