Palawan in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Palawan

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

165mm (6.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at major attractions - El Nido lagoons have 40% fewer boats during weekdays compared to peak season, allowing for better photos and more peaceful swimming
Optimal conditions for underground river tours - cooler temperatures inside Puerto Princesa caves (22°C/72°F) provide relief, and shorter daylight hours mean later afternoon slots are comfortable
Best month for wildlife spotting in jungle areas - animals are more active during frequent cloud cover periods, and Palawan hornbills are nesting, making them easier to observe near feeding areas
Lower accommodation rates - beach resorts in El Nido and Philippines offer 25-35% discounts compared to December-March peak season, with better room availability and upgrade opportunities

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms lasting 45-90 minutes can disrupt island-hopping tours, with approximately 3-4 days per week experiencing weather delays
Higher humidity makes hiking trails like Mount Tapyas (210m/689ft climb) more challenging during midday hours, requiring earlier 6am starts
Some remote dive sites around Philippines may have reduced visibility (15-20m/49-66ft instead of typical 25-30m/82-98ft) due to increased rainfall runoff

Best Activities in August

Underground River Cave Exploration

August's frequent cloud cover makes the 1.5km (0.9 mile) paddle through Puerto Princesa's limestone caves ideal - cooler surface temperatures (25°C/77°F) create less contrast with the cave's constant 22°C (72°F). Afternoon rain often clears by 4pm, perfect for late-day tours with dramatic post-storm lighting.

Booking Tip: Reserve 7-10 days ahead through accredited operators. Tours cost ั2,200-2,800 including transfers. Book afternoon slots (2-4pm) to avoid morning tour bus crowds and catch post-rain atmospheric conditions.

Coron Lake and Shipwreck Diving

August's variable weather creates unique diving conditions - calmer morning waters before afternoon storms, and reduced surface activity means better underwater visibility for wreck exploration. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F), perfect for longer dives without thick wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Book morning dive trips (7am-12pm) to avoid afternoon weather. Two-dive packages range ั3,500-4,500. Advanced Open Water certification recommended for deeper wrecks. See current operators in booking section below.

El Nido Lagoon Island Hopping

Fewer boats in August mean you'll often have Secret Lagoon and Small Lagoon to yourself during early morning tours. Cloud cover reduces harsh midday sun, making snorkeling more comfortable. Storm-cleared skies create dramatic photography conditions with enhanced color contrast.

Booking Tip: Start tours by 8am to complete island circuits before typical 2pm weather changes. Tour A or C routes work best in variable conditions. Prices drop to ั1,800-2,400 per person including lunch and snorkel gear.

Firefly River Night Tours

August's high humidity and frequent rain create optimal conditions for firefly populations along Iwahig River. Darker evening skies due to cloud cover enhance the bioluminescent display. Tours operate rain-or-shine with covered boats.

Booking Tip: Book same-day or 2 days ahead - tours run nightly 6:30-8:30pm. Cost ั800-1,200 per person including transfers from Puerto Princesa. Bring mosquito repellent and waterproof camera protection.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

August coincides with rice planting season in Palawan's highland communities. Tagbanua villages welcome visitors to observe traditional farming methods. Cooler, cloudy weather makes highland visits (300-500m/984-1,640ft elevation) comfortable for walking tours.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism operators 3-5 days ahead. Half-day village visits cost ั1,500-2,000 including traditional meal. Full-day experiences with overnight homestay available for ั3,000-4,000.

Mangrove Kayaking Adventures

August rains rejuvenate mangrove ecosystems, increasing bird and fish activity. Sabang and Ugong Rock mangroves are particularly busy. Morning paddle tours before 10am offer glass-calm waters and active wildlife viewing.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (7-10am) before afternoon weather. Guided tours cost ั1,200-1,800 per person including equipment and light breakfast. Single or tandem kayaks available. No prior experience required.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August

Palawan Cherry Blossom Festival

Local balayong trees bloom pink flowers creating impressive photography opportunities in Puerto Princesa parks and streets. Street food vendors offer seasonal treats and traditional craft demonstrations occur daily in Rizal Park.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and takes 4-6 hours to dry after rain

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms develop rapidly and last 45-90 minutes with little warning

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 - essential for boat trips and sudden downpours, local replacements cost ั800-1,500

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, chemical sunscreens damage coral

Closed-toe water shoes - rocky lagoon entrances and boat ladders are slippery when wet

Anti-fog mask defogger - high humidity fogs snorkel masks within minutes underwater

Mosquito repellent with 20% DEET - rain increases breeding sites, especially around accommodation areas after 5pm

Microfiber travel towel - regular towels won't dry in humid conditions and add unnecessary luggage weight

Dry bag (20L capacity) - protects electronics, documents, and spare clothes during boat transfers and unexpected rain

Lightweight long pants - evenings can feel cool at 25°C (77°F) with wind, plus protection from insects

Insider Knowledge

Book island tours for Tuesday-Thursday to avoid Filipino weekend crowds from Philippines - accommodation and tour prices drop 15-20% on weekdays

Carry exact change in small bills (฿20, ฿50, ั100) - many local operators and food vendors don't have change for ั1,000 notes, especially after rain when fewer tourists are out

Download offline maps before boat trips - cell coverage disappears 2km (1.2 miles) from shore and GPS still works for navigation and emergency location sharing

Time meals around 11am and 5pm - most tourists eat at standard hours, so you'll avoid crowds and get better service at restaurants during these slightly off-peak times

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking full-day tours without weather flexibility - choose operators who offer free rescheduling for safety-related weather cancellations rather than cheaper fixed-date options

Staying only in El Nido or Philippines - August's variable weather makes it smart to split time between destinations so rain in one area doesn't ruin your entire trip

Overpacking heavy rain gear - lightweight, packable options work better than bulky jackets that you'll rarely need for more than an hour at a time