Quick Answer
Best time: November to May (dry season). Peak: December to February. Sweet spot: March to May (dry, fewer crowds, lower prices).
Dry Season (November - May)
November - December
Transition month. Rain decreases, seas calm down. Prices start rising for Christmas/New Year. Good time to visit with moderate crowds.
January - February
Peak season. The best weather: sunny, low humidity, calm seas. Highest prices and biggest crowds. Book accommodation and tours well in advance.
March - May
Our recommended time. Still dry and sunny but crowds thin out after February. Prices drop. March has the best water visibility for snorkeling and diving. April-May gets hot (35°C+) but beaches are quieter.
Wet Season (June - October)
June - August
Southwest monsoon (habagat). Rain is frequent but usually in short afternoon bursts, so mornings can still be beautiful. Seas can be rough, affecting island hopping schedules. Prices are lowest. Some operators reduce tours or close.
September - October
Wettest months. Typhoon risk increases (though Palawan is less typhoon-prone than other parts of the Philippines). Ferry cancellations common. Underground River may close on rough days. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
Month-by-Month Summary
- Jan-Feb: Best weather, peak crowds, highest prices
- Mar-May: Great weather, fewer crowds, good prices (our pick)
- Jun-Aug: Rainy but manageable, lowest prices, some closures
- Sep-Oct: Wettest, typhoon risk, not recommended
- Nov-Dec: Improving weather, moderate crowds, rising prices