Skip to main content
Home › When to Visit › December
Palawan - Things to Do in Palawan in December

Things to Do in Palawan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Palawan

28°C (82°F) High Temp
24°C (75°F) Low Temp
7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season reliability - December sits squarely in Palawan's dry season with minimal rainfall (only 7.6 mm or 0.3 inches typically), meaning you can actually plan boat trips to El Nido and Coron without worrying about cancellations. The seas are calm enough that the 4-hour boat transfers between islands run consistently, unlike July-October when rough water shuts down routes for days.
  • Perfect water visibility - December's calm seas and minimal runoff create exceptional underwater visibility of 20-30 m (65-98 ft) around Coron's shipwrecks and El Nido's lagoons. This is genuinely the best month for snorkeling and diving before the March-May heat kicks up algae blooms. Water temperature hovers at 27°C (81°F), which is warm enough without a wetsuit for most people.
  • Shoulder season pricing through mid-month - The first two weeks of December are still considered shoulder season before the Christmas-New Year rush hits. You'll find accommodation rates 30-40% lower than peak season (January-February), and popular spots like Nacpan Beach and the Underground River tours are noticeably less crowded. Book before December 15th to catch these rates.
  • Firefly season peaks - December is actually peak season for the fireflies along the Iwahig River near Puerto Princesa. The mangroves light up most dramatically from 6:30-8:00pm, and the drier weather means the evening boat tours run reliably. This is something you genuinely can't experience as well in other months when rainfall disrupts the tours or reduces firefly activity.

Considerations

  • Christmas week pricing spike - From December 20th onward, accommodation rates jump 60-100% and popular island-hopping tours book out weeks in advance. If your dates are locked to the Christmas-New Year period, you're paying peak prices and dealing with the biggest crowds of the year. Puerto Princesa and El Nido feel noticeably packed during this 10-day window.
  • Heat builds through the month - While December starts pleasant, temperatures climb steadily and by late December you're hitting 30-31°C (86-88°F) during midday with that 70% humidity. The combination makes afternoon activities genuinely uncomfortable unless you're in the water. Locals retreat indoors between noon and 3pm for good reason.
  • Limited rainfall means dusty conditions - That 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) of rain sounds great for beach plans, but it also means the unpaved roads in El Nido and around Port Barton kick up serious dust. If you're on a scooter or in an open-air tricycle, you'll arrive at destinations covered in red dust. Bring a bandana or mask for road travel.

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in December

Coron Wreck Diving and Snorkeling Tours

December offers the year's best conditions for exploring Coron's famous WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Water visibility peaks at 20-30 m (65-98 ft) with calm seas and minimal current, making this ideal even for beginner divers. The water temperature of 27°C (81°F) means you can skip the wetsuit for snorkeling. Most wrecks sit at 10-24 m (33-79 ft) depth, and December's conditions let you actually see the entire structure clearly. Worth noting that Christmas week gets crowded, so aim for early-to-mid December if possible.

Booking Tip: Island-hopping and wreck tours typically cost 1,400-2,200 PHP per person for full-day trips. Book 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators with proper insurance - verify they provide life jackets and that boats have radio communication. Early December offers better availability and rates than the Christmas rush. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Underground River Tours

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is actually more enjoyable in December than peak dry season (February-March) because crowds are lighter in early December and the cooler mornings make the jungle walk to the entrance more comfortable. The river level is stable, tours run consistently, and you'll see the full cave formations without worrying about closures from heavy rain. The permit system limits daily visitors to 900, and December weekdays rarely hit that cap outside Christmas week.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 1,500-2,500 PHP including permits, transfers, and lunch. You must book at least 3-5 days ahead as permits are required and processed through the city tourism office. Avoid booking for December 23-30 when permits sell out weeks in advance. Morning tours (8-10am) offer better light and fewer crowds. See booking options below for current availability.

El Nido Island-Hopping Tours

December's calm seas make this the ideal time for El Nido's famous island-hopping routes, particularly Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon) and Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine). The combination of low rainfall and settled weather means tours run daily without cancellations, and the lagoons are swimmable without strong currents. Water clarity is exceptional for snorkeling around Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach. Early December offers the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds before the Christmas rush.

Booking Tip: Standard tours cost 1,200-1,800 PHP per person including lunch and snorkel gear. Book 5-7 days ahead in early December, but 14+ days ahead for December 20-31. Licensed operators display permits from the El Nido tourism office. Private boat charters run 6,000-8,000 PHP for groups wanting flexibility. Check current tour operators in the booking widget below.

Firefly Watching Tours

December is genuinely the best month for firefly tours along the Iwahig River, about 20 km (12 miles) south of Puerto Princesa. The mangroves light up most dramatically during peak season, which runs November through January, with December offering the most reliable weather for evening boat trips. Tours depart at sunset (around 6pm) and last 60-90 minutes paddling through the mangroves. The effect is most impressive on moonless nights in the first two weeks of December. This is something you actually can't experience as well in other months.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 600-900 PHP per person including transfers from Puerto Princesa. Book through your accommodation or licensed operators - verify they use quiet paddle boats rather than motorized boats, which disturb the fireflies. Tours run nightly but are weather-dependent. Early December offers better rates than Christmas week. See current options in the booking section.

Port Barton Beach and Island Exploration

Port Barton remains significantly less developed than El Nido, and December's dry weather makes it perfect for exploring the string of beaches and islands accessible by bangka boat. The area offers similar limestone karst scenery and clear water but with a fraction of the crowds. German Island, Exotic Island, and Paradise Island typically see 20-30 visitors daily in December versus hundreds in El Nido. The laid-back village atmosphere and empty beaches make this ideal if you're avoiding the El Nido scene.

Booking Tip: Island tours cost 800-1,400 PHP per person for full-day trips visiting 3-4 islands. Book directly with boat operators at the beach - rates are negotiable for private charters (4,000-5,500 PHP for groups). Accommodations here fill up for Christmas week, so book at least 10 days ahead for late December. Early December offers walk-in availability and better negotiating power. Check booking options below.

Nacpan Beach and North El Nido Exploration

December's dry conditions make the 17 km (10.6 mile) road from El Nido town to Nacpan Beach consistently passable, unlike the rainy season when sections become muddy. This 4 km (2.5 mile) stretch of golden sand remains relatively empty in early December, though Christmas week brings more visitors. The twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang offer calm swimming, and the surrounding area includes Nagkalit-kalit Falls and several viewpoints accessible by scooter or tricycle. Morning visits (7-10am) offer the best light and coolest temperatures.

Booking Tip: Tricycle rides from El Nido town cost 600-900 PHP roundtrip with waiting time, or rent a scooter for 350-500 PHP per day to explore independently. Beach entrance is free. Bring your own food and water as beachfront options are limited to 2-3 small restaurants. The road is dusty in December, so bring a bandana or mask. No advance booking needed except during Christmas week when scooter rentals sell out.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Baragatan Festival

Puerto Princesa's founding anniversary celebration features street dancing, cultural performances, and a week-long trade fair showcasing Palawan products. The main parade and competitions happen mid-month with participants from across the province. It's worth catching if you're in Puerto Princesa, though it's more of a local civic celebration than a major tourist draw. The festival atmosphere does mean accommodation books up faster in the city during this period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - December averages 10 rainy days, though showers typically last only 20-40 minutes. You'll want something that stuffs into a daypack for boat trips where sudden squalls can pop up even in dry season.
High SPF reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index hits 8 consistently and reflection off the water intensifies exposure during island-hopping tours. You'll burn in 15-20 minutes without protection. Reef-safe formulas are increasingly required at marine protected areas.
Lightweight long-sleeve swim shirt or rashguard - More practical than constantly reapplying sunscreen during 6-8 hour island tours. Also provides protection from jellyfish, which occasionally appear around El Nido in December.
Quick-dry clothing in breathable fabrics - That 70% humidity means cotton stays damp for hours after washing or sweating. Technical fabrics or merino wool dry overnight in accommodation without air conditioning. Avoid packing more than 4-5 days of clothing since you can wash easily.
Water shoes or reef sandals - Essential for rocky beach entries, coral areas, and the Underground River tour where you're walking on slippery cave surfaces. Flip-flops don't provide enough grip or protection.
Dry bag (10-20 liter size) - Absolutely necessary for boat trips to protect phones, cameras, and documents from spray and occasional waves. Even in calm December conditions, bangka boats take on water during longer crossings.
Lightweight daypack (20-30 liter) - For carrying water, snacks, sunscreen, and extra clothing during island tours. Something that can get wet and dries quickly works best.
Cash in small bills - ATMs exist in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, but smaller towns like Port Barton have limited or unreliable machines. Many island tour operators and tricycle drivers can't break 1,000 PHP bills. Carry plenty of 20, 50, and 100 PHP notes.
Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes are present year-round, particularly around mangroves during firefly tours and in less developed areas like Port Barton. December's lower rainfall means less standing water, so mosquito pressure is lighter than rainy season but still present at dawn and dusk.
Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh capacity) - Many island tours last 8-10 hours without charging access, and you'll be using your phone constantly for photos and navigation. Electricity in some smaller islands and towns can be unreliable, running only 6pm-midnight.

Insider Knowledge

The Christmas week pricing jump is dramatic and non-negotiable - if your dates are flexible, arriving before December 18th or after January 3rd saves you 60-100% on accommodation and gives you significantly better availability for tours. Early December genuinely offers the best value-to-weather ratio of the entire year.
Book Underground River permits through your accommodation rather than trying to arrange directly - the permit system is bureaucratic and accommodations have established relationships with permit processors. Expect to pay 200-300 PHP extra for this service, but it saves hours of dealing with the tourism office in person.
Tricycle and bangka boat rates are always negotiable in early December but become fixed during Christmas week - outside peak periods, you can typically negotiate 15-20% off quoted rates, especially for longer rentals or if you're booking return trips. During Christmas week, drivers know they'll fill every seat regardless.
The dusty road conditions in December mean your first shower after arriving anywhere will be orange-brown - this is normal and expected. Locals deal with it by wearing long sleeves and bandanas during travel. If you're particular about cleanliness, factor in extra time for showering after each journey.
Puerto Princesa is genuinely more pleasant as a base than most guidebooks suggest - it has reliable ATMs, the best supermarkets in Palawan, consistent electricity and internet, and serves as a logical hub for the Underground River, firefly tours, and Honda Bay island-hopping before heading north to El Nido or west to Port Barton. Most tourists rush through in a day, but spending 2-3 nights here at the start of your trip makes logistics significantly easier.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation only in El Nido and trying to day-trip everywhere - the distances are deceptive and road conditions mean travel takes longer than maps suggest. Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 5-6 hours by van (230 km or 143 miles), El Nido to Port Barton is 3-4 hours (80 km or 50 miles), and Coron requires a flight or 4-hour ferry. Plan for at least 2-3 nights in each area you want to explore properly.
Underestimating how much cash you'll need - while Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron have ATMs, they frequently run out of cash or go offline, particularly during Christmas week when tourist numbers spike. Withdraw maximum amounts when you find working ATMs and keep cash secured in multiple locations. Budget 3,000-4,000 PHP per person per day for moderate spending.
Assuming December means empty beaches and no crowds - this is only true for the first two weeks. From December 20th onward, Palawan experiences its busiest period of the year with domestic and international tourists. If you're expecting the quiet tropical escape, avoid Christmas week entirely or head to genuinely less-visited areas like Port Barton or the southern beaches around Quezon municipality.

Explore Activities in Palawan

Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Palawan

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Plan Your December Trip to Palawan

Top Attractions → Trip Itineraries → Food Culture → Where to Stay → Dining Guide → Budget Guide → Getting Around →