Palawan in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Palawan

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect transition weather - hot enough for swimming but not yet peak rainy season, with afternoon showers that cool everything down
Tourist crowds thin out significantly after Easter holidays, meaning better deals and less crowded attractions by mid-April
Sea conditions are excellent with 3-5m (10-16 ft) visibility for diving and calm waters for island hopping
Local mango season peaks in April - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangoes for ₱20-40 each, and restaurants feature seasonal mango dishes

Considerations

Afternoon humidity can feel oppressive between 1-4pm, reaching 35°C (95°F) feels-like temperature
Rain showers are unpredictable - can happen any time after noon and last 30-90 minutes, disrupting outdoor plans
Some dive sites around Philippines experience reduced visibility due to plankton blooms mid-month

Best Activities in April

Underground River Snorkeling and Cave Tours

April's moderate rainfall keeps the underground river systems at optimal levels without the heavy flooding of peak rainy season. Water temperature stays comfortable at 26°C (79°F). Morning tours (8am-11am) avoid the afternoon heat and have the best lighting for cave photography.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as daily visitor limits are strictly enforced. Tours typically cost ₱2,800-4,200 per person including transfers. Look for operators with proper cave insurance and experienced guides. See current availability in booking section below.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

April offers ideal sea conditions with calm waters and excellent visibility for snorkeling. The brief afternoon showers actually provide relief from the heat and create dramatic lighting for photography. Tours can run full day without weather cancellations common in later months.

Booking Tip: Book bangka boat tours 7-10 days ahead, typically ₱1,800-2,500 per person for full day including lunch. Choose operators with life jackets and first aid certification. Morning departures (7am) return before peak afternoon heat.

Coron Lake Kayaking Adventures

The twin lagoons and Kayangan Lake are at perfect temperatures in April - warm enough for swimming but not the scorching heat of May. Early morning kayaking (6am-9am) offers mirror-like water surfaces and comfortable 28°C (82°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Half-day kayaking tours range ₱2,200-3,500 per person. Book through operators providing dry bags and UV protection covers. Best experienced as multi-day packages combining different lakes over 3-4 days.

Tubbataha Reefs Diving Expeditions

April marks the end of optimal diving season at Tubbataha before park closure in June. Water temperature perfect at 28°C (82°F), and this is your last chance to see manta ray aggregations before they migrate. Visibility often exceeds 30m (98 ft).

Booking Tip: Liveaboard trips must be booked 3-6 months ahead and cost ₱45,000-85,000 for 4-day expeditions. Only experienced divers (50+ logged dives) should attempt. Limited operators have permits - verify credentials carefully.

Balabac Island Wildlife Watching

April's moderate weather is ideal for spotting the endemic Balabac mouse-deer and various bird species. Animals are more active in the cooler morning temperatures, and the occasional rain keeps dust down on jungle trails.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours including accommodation range ₱8,500-15,000 per person. Requires advance permits and local guide coordination. Book minimum 30 days ahead through licensed wildlife tour operators only.

Puerto Princesa City Food Tours

April is peak season for local tropical fruits and fresh seafood. Street food vendors adapt to afternoon rains with covered stalls, and evening food tours (6pm-10pm) happen in perfect temperatures. This is mango season - don't miss locally-made mango sticky rice variations.

Booking Tip: Evening walking food tours cost ₱1,500-2,800 per person and cover 6-8 stops. Book day-of or 1-2 days ahead. Look for tours including both street food and local restaurant stops. Air-conditioned vehicles recommended for midday food tours.

April Events & Festivals

Late April

Baragatan Festival

Puerto Princesa's founding anniversary celebration featuring cultural performances, street dancing, and local food festivals. The celebration showcases Palawan's indigenous cultures and includes evening events that work well with April's weather patterns.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking shorts and breathable cotton t-shirts - avoid polyester which becomes uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Lightweight packable rain jacket - afternoon showers last 30-90 minutes and come without warning

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick for face - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15-20 minutes

Reef-safe sunscreen specifically - many marine parks now ban chemical sunscreens

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for boat tours and unexpected rain

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip - many beaches have sharp coral and rocks

Lightweight long pants for evening mosquito protection - peak activity 6pm-8pm

Portable umbrella that fits in daypack - more useful than rain jacket for sudden downpours

Electrolyte powder or tablets - easy to become dehydrated in high humidity

Cooling towel for neck and face - provides relief during midday heat between activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early March - April is when domestic tourism picks up after school holidays, and good mid-range hotels fill quickly

Plan outdoor activities for 7am-11am or after 4pm - the midday heat index regularly hits 35°C (95°F) and locals avoid being outside

Always carry small bills (₱20, ₱50 notes) - many island tour operators and local restaurants can't break ₱500 or ₱1000 bills

Download offline maps before island hopping - cell service is spotty between islands and GPS becomes essential for finding secluded beaches

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling back-to-back outdoor activities during midday hours - the heat and humidity become overwhelming between 12pm-3pm

Not bringing backup entertainment for rain delays - afternoon showers can delay boat departures by 1-2 hours

Overpacking heavy clothes - temperatures never drop below 24°C (75°F) even at night, making sweaters and jackets unnecessary weight