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 | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
| February | Dry, calm, clear | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
| March | Dry, very calm | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Active | 🔴 Peak |
| April | Hot, dry, calm | ✅ Very good | ✅ Active | 🟡 High |
| May | Shoulder, some rain | ✅ Good | ✅ Active | 🟢 Low |
| June | Wet season begins | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| July | Rain, some swells | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| August | Rain, some swells | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| September | Improving, still wet | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | 🟢 Very low |
| October | Shoulder, improving | ✅ Good | ✅ Active | 🟢 Low |
| November | Dry season begins | ✅ Very good | ✅ Active | 🟡 Medium |
| December | Dry, calm, festive | ✅ Excellent | ✅ 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 completely wild animals following plankton blooms — not conditioned by feeding. Tour Z operates with a 2-in-1 Success Guarantee throughout the season.
The tour does not operate November–March when whale sharks are no longer in the area. See the Port Barton island hopping tour as an alternative year-round option.
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 island hopping is still worthwhile — Tour Z guides adjust routes based on daily conditions.
Book the whale shark tour → · Book Port Barton island hopping →
