best time to visit
the philippines

january is one of the best months to explore palawan, and honestly, we can see why!! think sunny beach days, turquoise lagoons, island-hopping adventures and snorkelling in water so clear you can spot fish swimming beneath you. conditions are generally perfect for exploring el nido and coron, making it an amazing time to tick off all those bucket-list experiences. it's also peak season, though, so expect more travellers and potentially high flight prices. our advice? book ahead, then get ready dreamy island life with the gals!!

if you're dreaming of sunny skies, beautiful beaches and spending as much time in the aqua waters as possible, february is a pretty perfect time to visit!! it's typically one of the driest months in palawan, with great conditions for island hopping, snorkelling and snorkelling the famous lagoons of el nido. the weather is warm without it being super super hot that arrives later in the season. it's popular for a reason, so thigs get booked up quickly, so plan in advance and be ready for sunshine, beach days and island slow living!!

march brings sunshine, warm seas and all the island-hopping goodness you could ask for!! it's usually one of the driest times of year in palawan, so you can spend your days exploring hidden beaches, swimming in turquoise water and soaking up those unreal coastal views. just be prepared for the heat, especially around the middle of the day, factor 50, a big water bottle and plenty of dips in the sea are your best friends!! keep an eye on the dates for holy week, too, as this busy holiday period can mean higher prices and changes to local opening hours.

april is all about long, sunny days and making the most of island life!! the dry season is usually still going strong, so it's a great time for exploring el nido's lagoons, discovering coron's incredible marine life and spending lazy afternoons on the beach. it can be hot, hot, hot, so plan your adventures around the cooler parts of the day and don't forget your SPF!! holy week can also bring extra crowds but if you're happy to plan ahead, april is a gorgeous time to experience the philippines.

may is the in-between month when the dry season starts giving way to wetter weather but don't rule it out just yet, gals!! you'll often still get plenty of sunshine, warm seas and beautiful conditions for exploring palawan, with the occasional shower becoming more likely as the month goes on. another bonus? things can start getting a little quieter, and you may find better flight prices than during the busy peak season. if you're flexible with your plans and don't mind the odd rainy afternoon, may can be a lovely time to visit!!

june marks the start of the wetter season across much of the philippines, so this is where a little flexibility comes in handy!! you'll still have warm temperatures and the chance of gorgeous sunny spells, but heavier showers and rougher seas can affect island-hopping trips around el nido and coron. on the plus side, the islands become beautifully green, the beaches can feel much quieter and prices may be more budget-friendly. if you're visiting now, keep your plans flexible and be prepared for the occasional change of schedule, especially when it comes to boat trips!!

july is right in the southwest monsoon season, which means rain and unsettled seas can make island hopping less predictable. if your dream philippines trip is all about boat days, hidden lagoons and snorkelling in crystal-clear water, we'd generally recommend choosing a drier month if you can. that said, travelling in july can mean fewer crowds, lower prices and lush green scenery. there's still plenty to enjoy on land, from local food and cultural experiences to getting to know the places you visit. just go in with an open mind, a waterproof and a flexible itinerary!!

august is still part of the rainy season, so expect a mix of showers, sunny spells and the possibility of disrupted boat trips. it's not the most reliable month for a classic island-hopping holiday in palawan, but it can be a great option for gals travelling on a tighter budget who don't mind being a little more spontaneous. one highlight is the Kadayawan Festival in Davao, which celebrates the region's culture, traditions and harvest with colourful events and performances. if you're visiting in august, build some flexibility into your plans and remember that the weather can vary quite a bit between islands!!

september is still a wet month for much of the western philippines, and typhoons can disrupt flights, ferries and boat trips. you may find quieter beaches and more affordable accommodation, but we'd avoid planning a trip with a packed schedule and lots of tight connections at this time of year. the weather can vary from one week to the next, so sunny spells are possible, they're just harder to bank on. if you're travelling now, keep your itinerary flexible, leave room for last-minute changes and make sure your travel insurance covers weather-related disruption!!

october can be a fab time to visit if you're hoping to avoid peak-season prices and crowds, but it's worth knowing that the rainy season hasn't necessarily finished yet!! conditions often begin to improve later in the month, although showers and typhoons can still affect plans around palawan. you might get some beautiful sunny days for exploring the islands, but we'd recommend keeping your schedule flexible rather than counting on every boat trip going ahead. if you're happy to take things as they come, october could offer a quieter side of the philippines just check the forecast before you go!!

november is one of our favourite months to consider for a philippines adventure!! it's the transition into the drier season for palawan, so the weather tends to be perfect for beach days, boat trips and snorkeling turquoise lagoons. you'll also be travelling ahead of the busiest Christmas and New Year period, which can make it a lovely balance of good weather and a little less busy!! showers and tropical storms are still possible, especially earlier in the month, but if you're looking for that dreamy island-hopping experience without the height of peak-season crowds, november is fab!!

december brings the start of the drier season across much of palawan, making it a brilliant time to swap chilly days at home for sunshine, island adventures and warm tropical seas!! it's also one of the most special times to experience the philippines, as christmas celebrations bring lights, music and festive traditions to towns and cities across the country. just bear in mind that the closer you get to christmas and new year, the busier and more expensive things can become. if you're dreaming of a festive escape filled with beach days, boat trips and a little bit of adventure, december couldbe the perfect trip but book early, gals!!