Palawan is hot and wet most of the year, and you spend much of it on boats. The packing problem is keeping your phone, camera and clothes dry on island-hopping trips while staying cool in 31–33°C (88–91°F) heat. These numbers are from Puerto Princesa; El Nido and Coron are similar.
Palawan weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F |
| Rain days | 22 | 14 | 15 | 19 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 30 | 24 | 27 |
What to bring to Palawan
0 of 27 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Island-hopping boats in El Nido and Coron are wet all day, and this cube keeps clothes and electronics dry through spray and rain.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs handle wet boat landings, sand and town streets in Palawan's 31–33°C (88–91°F) heat and dry fast.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes and sand flies come out at dusk on Palawan's beaches, and lotion is easy to reapply after a swim.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A big insulated bottle keeps water cold through a full day on an open boat in 33°C (91°F) April sun.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan helps on hot, humid van rides and in rooms where the power or AC cuts out.
- holixcase Waterproof AirTag Holder 4-PackTech & Power
A waterproof holder keeps an AirTag on your bag safe from rain on wet-season days that reach 30 a month.
- Scrubba Wash BagTravel Laundry
With rain most days, washing quick-dry clothes in the sink lets you pack less and keep moving between islands.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shorts and tops · 5 setsClothes need to dry overnight in humid air.
- Swimsuits · 2You swim several times on island-hopping days.
- Rash guard or long-sleeve sun shirt · 1Hours on an open boat in 31–33°C sun.
- Sarong or light wrap · 1Cover swimwear when you walk into town.
- Light rain jacket · 1May–Dec has 24 or more rain days a month.
- Sealed dry set of clothes · 1For the trip home in the wet season.
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairBoats drop you in knee-deep water over coral.
- Light sneakers · 1 pairFor viewpoints and town.
Gear
- Dry bag · 1
- Sun hat · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
- Quick-dry towel · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Motion-sickness tabletsFor open boats if you get queasy.
- Anti-itch creamSand flies are common at dusk.
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceBoat tours get cancelled in rough seas.
- Cash in small bills
Tech
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1
- Plug adapter · 1UK and Australian visitors need one.
Drier season (January–April)
The best stretch for boat trips. Highs run 31°C (88°F) in January and February, 32°C (90°F) in March and 33°C (91°F) in April, with lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F). Rain still falls: 22 days in January, then 14 in February, 15 in March and 19 in April. Pack light, quick-dry clothes, swimwear and strong sun protection.
Early wet season (May–August)
Rain picks up fast. May averages 24 rain days, June and July 27, August 26. Highs hold at 31–32°C (88–90°F) and lows at 25–26°C (77–79°F), so it stays hot and sticky. Bring a light rain jacket, a waterproof bag for the boat and clothes that dry overnight.
Peak wet season (September–October)
The wettest months. September averages 25 rain days and October 30, with highs of 31–32°C (88–90°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Some boat tours get cancelled when the sea is rough, so build slack into your plans. Pack everything you care about in waterproof cubes.
Late wet season (November–December)
Still warm and still wet. November has a 32°C (90°F) high, a 26°C (79°F) low and 24 rain days. December runs 31°C (88°F) and 25°C (77°F) with 27 rain days. Pack as for the wet season and keep a dry set of clothes sealed for the trip home.
What shoes should you pack for Palawan?
Water-friendly sandals or clogs first. Island-hopping boats drop you in knee-deep water, and many beaches and lagoons have sharp rock and coral. Add one pair of light sneakers for the walk to viewpoints and town. Leave anything that takes days to dry.
What do people wear in Palawan?
Casual beach clothes. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses and sandals are normal in El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa. Cover your swimwear with a shirt or wrap when you walk into town or a restaurant. Bring one light long-sleeve layer for sun on the boat and air-conditioned buses.
What should you pack for island-hopping in Palawan?
A dry bag, sun protection and water. You spend hours on an open boat in 31–33°C (88–91°F) sun, swim several times, and climb back in wet. Pack a waterproof pouch for your phone, a refillable bottle, a rash guard or long-sleeve shirt, and motion-sickness tablets if you get queasy.
Do you need insect repellent in Palawan?
Yes. With rain on 14 to 30 days a month and warm nights at 25–26°C (77–79°F), mosquitoes and sand flies are common, especially at dusk near beaches and mangroves. Bring a repellent and reapply after swimming.
What plugs does Palawan use?
The Philippines uses Type A, B and C sockets at 220V. US plugs fit, but US devices must handle 220V; most phone and laptop chargers do, while hair dryers and straighteners often don't. UK and Australian visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Palawan
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Palawan.
What should you leave at home for Palawan?
Heavy denim, cotton hoodies and anything that won't dry in humid air. Leave dressy shoes and expensive jewelry too. A small pack beats a big suitcase, since boats, tricycles and vans have little room for luggage.
Packing for Palawan: questions people ask
What is the best time to pack for a trip to Palawan?
February and March are the driest months, with 14 and 15 rain days and highs of 31–32°C (88–90°F).
Does it rain every day in Palawan in October?
Nearly. October averages 30 rain days in Puerto Princesa, with a 32°C (90°F) high and a 25°C (77°F) low.
Do I need a rain jacket for Palawan?
A light one, yes. Even the driest month, February, averages 14 rain days, and from May to December it's 24 or more.
Will my phone survive island-hopping in El Nido?
Only if you protect it. Use a waterproof pouch or dry bag, because boat rides are splashy and you climb in and out of the water all day.
Do I need a plug adapter for the Philippines?
Not if your plugs are US-style. Sockets are Type A, B and C at 220V, so check that your devices accept 220V. UK and Australian visitors need an adapter.
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