Palawan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Palawan

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 45mm (1.8 inches) of rain - perfect for island hopping and outdoor activities with minimal weather disruptions
Cool northeast monsoon winds (15-20 km/h or 9-12 mph) provide natural air conditioning, making 30°C (86°F) temperatures feel comfortable during midday activities
Crystal clear underwater visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) - December offers the year's best diving and snorkeling conditions around El Nido and Philippines
Amihan season brings calm seas with wave heights under 1m (3.3 ft), allowing access to remote islands and lagoons that are often closed during rough weather months

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular lagoons in El Nido can have 8-10 boats at once during midday hours
Strong UV index of 9 combined with reflected sunlight off white sand beaches and clear water creates intense sun exposure - sunburn happens in 15-20 minutes without protection
December booking window closes fast - island hopping tours and beachfront accommodations in El Nido and Philippines typically sell out 3-4 weeks ahead

Best Activities in December

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

December's calm seas and clear skies make this the absolute best month for accessing El Nido's famous lagoons. Tours A and C run smoothly with minimal seasickness risk, and the Small Lagoon is accessible 95% of days (compared to 60% during rough season). Water temperature hits perfect 28°C (82°F) for swimming.

Booking Tip: Book Tours A, B, C, or D at least 3 weeks ahead as December sells out fast. Expect to pay ₱1,500-2,000 ($27-36 USD) per person. Start tours at 8am to avoid midday crowds at Secret Lagoon. Look for operators with liability insurance and life jackets for all passengers.

Coron Wreck Diving

December delivers the year's best underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft), making it ideal for exploring WWII Japanese wrecks. The Okikawa Maru and Irako wrecks are crystal clear, and calm surface conditions mean comfortable boat rides to dive sites 45 minutes offshore.

Booking Tip: Advanced Open Water certification recommended for deeper wrecks. Expect ₱3,500-4,500 ($63-81 USD) for two-tank wreck dives. Book through PADI-certified dive centers at least 2 weeks ahead. Morning dives offer best visibility before afternoon boat traffic stirs up sediment.

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tours

December's lower humidity makes the 1.5km (0.9 mile) underground boat journey more comfortable - less condensation on cave walls means better photo opportunities. The 24°C (75°F) cave temperature provides welcome relief from midday heat, and calm weather ensures reliable departure schedules.

Booking Tip: UNESCO site requires advance permits - book 4-6 weeks ahead through accredited tour operators. Full-day tours cost ₱2,800-3,500 ($50-63 USD) including van transport from Puerto Princesa. Choose morning slots to avoid afternoon tour bus crowds from cruise ships.

Balabac Island Wildlife Watching

December's dry weather makes the 3-hour boat journey from Bataraza more predictable, and cool morning temperatures are perfect for spotting endemic mouse-deer and Palawan peacock-pheasants. Clear skies also mean better chances of seeing nesting sea turtles on remote beaches.

Booking Tip: Most remote destination in Palawan - requires 2-3 day commitment and advance coordination with local guides. Budget ₱8,000-12,000 ($144-216 USD) for full experience including boat, guide, and basic accommodations. Book through Puerto Princesa tour operators who can arrange permits.

Kayaking Through Bacuit Archipelago

December's consistent northeast winds create perfect paddling conditions - strong enough to help with longer distances but not overwhelming for beginners. Mangrove channels around El Nido are at optimal water levels, and clear weather means reliable sunset paddling tours.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ₱1,800-2,500 ($32-45 USD) including equipment and guide. Book sunset tours for impressive light on limestone cliffs - they start at 3:30pm to reach best viewpoints by golden hour. Look for operators providing dry bags and basic paddle instruction.

Firefly Watching on Iwahig River

December's dry season means fireflies concentrate along specific mangrove trees, creating spectacular light displays. Cool evening temperatures around 26°C (79°F) make the 1-hour boat tours comfortable, and clear skies enhance the contrast of firefly lights against dark foliage.

Booking Tip: Evening tours depart 6:30-7:30pm from Puerto Princesa. Cost ₱800-1,200 ($14-21 USD) per person. Book day-of through hotels or local tour desks - these tours rarely sell out but check departure times as they vary with sunset. Bring mosquito repellent despite lower December bug activity.

December Events & Festivals

December 27-31

Baragatan Festival

Puerto Princesa's biggest celebration featuring street dancing, cultural shows, and local food festivals. The main parade showcases traditional Tagbanua and Batak indigenous dances, while evening concerts feature Filipino artists. Food stalls sell local specialties like tamilok (woodworm) and danggit (dried fish).

December 31

New Year Beach Parties

El Nido and Philippines host beachfront countdown celebrations with live bands, fire dancers, and fireworks over the water. Local resorts organize communal dinners featuring fresh seafood and traditional lechon. December 31st parties typically start at 8pm and continue past sunrise.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and reflects intensely off white sand beaches and clear water

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective shirt - boat tours offer minimal shade during 6-8 hour island hopping trips

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water constantly, and humid air means cotton stays damp

Waterproof phone case - essential for lagoon swimming and kayaking tours where phones often get splashed

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 4 days per month and provide little warning

Reef-safe biodegradable soap - many accommodations use rainwater systems and chemicals damage local coral reefs

Insect repellent with DEET - while December has fewer mosquitos, they're still active during dawn and dusk hours

Sturdy water shoes - coral-covered beaches and sea urchins in shallow lagoons make barefoot walking risky

Portable charger/power bank - island tours last 8+ hours with limited charging opportunities on boats

Cash in small bills - ATMs are scarce outside Puerto Princesa and many local guides prefer exact change payments

Insider Knowledge

Local bancas (boats) follow unwritten schedules - morning island tours departing 8-9am encounter fewer crowds at popular spots like Secret Lagoon, while afternoon tours starting after 1pm often have lagoons to themselves as other boats head back

Tamilok season peaks in December when mangrove waters are clearest - this local delicacy (shipworm eaten raw with vinegar) is actually at its safest and tastiest, despite tourist hesitation

December electricity costs spike due to tourist demand, so budget accommodations often limit air conditioning hours (typically 6pm-8am only) - book places with 24-hour AC if heat sensitivity is an issue

Local fishermen sell the freshest catch directly from boats at Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido every morning at 6:30am - prices are 60% lower than restaurant rates and some can cook it for you on the spot

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving without booking accommodations - December occupancy rates exceed 90% in El Nido and Philippines, leaving unprepared travelers with only expensive resort options or uncomfortable inland alternatives

Scheduling all activities for midday hours - optimal timing is 8-11am and 3-6pm when UV exposure is manageable and crowds are lighter at popular lagoons and viewpoints

Bringing only flip-flops - limestone landscapes and coral beaches require closed-toe water shoes for comfortable exploration, especially around lagoon entrances with sharp rock formations