Things to Do in Palawan in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Palawan
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
83°F (28°C)
High Temp
75°F (24°C)
Low Temp
0.3 inches (8 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The sea is calm enough to make the crossing to Coron's shipwrecks or the outer islands around El Nido. In summer monsoon, that same crossing is a teeth-rattling ordeal. You get that famous turquoise water without the whitecaps. December delivers.
- + It's technically the start of the dry season. You'll dodge the torrential downpours of the previous months. The landscape stays deep, lush green from all that rain. The waterfalls around Puerto Princesa, like the ones near the Underground River, finally have water in them again.
- + December in Palawan hits a sweet spot. You avoid the oppressive heat of summer. You beat the peak holiday rush. Crowds stay thin until about the 20th. You get space on the beaches. You get breathing room at the major sites. No dawn wake-up calls needed to beat the tour buses.
- + The amihan, or northeast monsoon, kicks in. It brings a steady, cooling breeze. That breeze takes the edge off the tropical heat, in the afternoons. A light linen shirt feels perfect. The weather cooperates.
Considerations
- − This is when peak season pricing begins. Flight and accommodation rates start their steep climb from mid-month onward. The best-value rooms in popular spots like El Nido get snapped up months in advance. Book early.
- − While the rain is less frequent, the humidity is still palpable. It's the kind that makes your clothes stick to you by 10 AM. A simple walk becomes a bit of a workout. If you're not used to it, it can be draining. Pace yourself.
- − The famous Underground River near Puerto Princesa sees a noticeable uptick in visitors. You might find yourself in a larger group than you'd like. The wait for a permit stretches longer than in the low seasons. Adjust expectations.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Coron Island Shipwreck & Lake Kayaking Tours
December's calm seas make this possible. Visibility in the wrecks like the Irako and Okikawa Maru is at its best. You can see the coral-encrusted engine rooms and decks clearly through 15 meters (50 feet) of crystalline water. No strong current to fight. The inland lakes, like Kayangan and Barracuda, are also less choppy. The paddle across them feels serene rather than strenuous. This is the one time of year when the notoriously tricky crossing from Coron town to the islands feels almost leisurely.
Booking Tip: Book at least a week ahead through licensed operators in Coron town. Look for packages that include both wreck sites and a lake visit. Ensure they provide proper safety briefings for the wrecks. See current tour options in the booking section below.
El Nido Island-Hopping Tours (Tour A & C)
The classic limestone karst scenery looks its most dramatic against December's bright blue skies. The lack of summer swell means boats can access all the lagoons and beaches reliably. Tour A (Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island) is good for first-timers. The water in the Secret Lagoon is so still it's like glass. Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) offers more open-sea scenery that's enjoyable without being tossed around. The midday sun is intense. The constant amihan breeze on the water makes it bearable.
Booking Tip: Tours are standardized and leave from El Nido's main beach. Book a day or two in advance at any of the dozens of licensed kiosks. They all use the same boats. Pay attention to the boat's condition. Check the crew's safety gear. Current options are listed in the booking widget.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tours
The river's water level is ideal. It's high enough for the paddle boats to glide smoothly through all the chambers. It's not so high that they can't enter the cave mouth. The jungle trail from the parking area to the boat launch is pleasantly cool and damp in the morning. It's filled with the sound of cicadas and the occasional call of a monitor lizard rustling in the undergrowth. This is a fully-managed UNESCO site, so expect a crowd. Going on a weekday in early December helps.
Booking Tip: You must secure a permit in advance. This is typically handled by your tour operator. Book at least three days ahead through a licensed operator in Puerto Princesa. The tours are all-inclusive with lunch. Check the booking section for available packages.
Port Barton Beach & Snorkeling Day Trips
Port Barton is Palawan's quieter, sleepier cousin to El Nido. December is when it shines. The village vibe is still intact. The beachfront is wide and sandy. The island-hopping tours here feel more personal. They often visit pristine sandbars and coral gardens you might have to yourselves. The water is bath-warm. The snorkeling around German Island is surprisingly lively. This is the place to go if you want the postcard scenery without the postcard crowds. At least until Christmas week.
Booking Tip: Tours are arranged through your accommodation or one of the small operators along the beach. Booking a day in advance is usually sufficient. Look for tours that include a lunch stop on a remote beach. See what's currently available in the booking tools.
Sabang Mangrove Paddleboat Tours
Often overlooked for the Underground River just down the coast, the Sabang mangrove forest is a completely different experience. It's wonderfully cool. The narrow, shaded channels are a relief from the midday sun. The quiet is broken only by the splash of paddles and the chatter of kingfishers. In December, the forest is lush and teeming with life. You're almost guaranteed to see mudskippers and fiddler crabs. If you're lucky, you'll spot a Philippine cockatoo. It's a slow, sensory counterpoint to the more adrenaline-fueled tours.
Booking Tip: These are typically arranged as an add-on to an Underground River tour. You can also book independently through small local operators in Sabang village. No need to book far ahead. A few hours' notice often works. Licensed guides are essential for navigation.
Where to Stay in Palawan in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Palawan Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Fly into Puerto Princesa, but don't linger. Use it as a transit hub to immediately head north to El Nido/Port Barton or fly north to Coron. The city itself is functional. The magic is up the coast or across the sea.
The best *tamilok* (woodworm) is found in Puerto Princesa's Kinabuch Grill & Bar, a local institution. It's served ceviche-style with calamansi, chili, and onions, and tastes like a briny, chewy oyster. It's a rite of passage.
If you're prone to motion sickness, take the longer, more expensive minivan shuttle from Puerto Princesa to El Nido instead of the cheaper public van. The private vans use newer, better-suspended vehicles and make fewer stops, making the 5-6 hour journey far more comfortable on the winding mountain roads.
December 24th and 25th are quiet. Almost everything closes for Noche Buena and Christmas Day family celebrations. Don't plan on booking tours or finding many restaurants open. Use these days for beach time or relaxing at your resort.
Avoid These Mistakes
Underestimating travel times between destinations. The van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is a solid 5-6 hours. The ferry from El Nido to Coron is 4-5 hours. Trying to cram too many bases into a short trip means you'll spend it in transit.
Booking the cheapest island-hopping tour. The price difference often reflects the boat's condition, the quality of the life jackets, the size of the group, and the lunch provided. A slightly more expensive tour can mean a smaller group, a safer boat, and a better meal on a deserted beach.
Not bringing enough cash. While ATMs exist in El Nido and Puerto Princesa, they can run out, on weekends. Credit cards are accepted only at higher-end hotels and some restaurants. Small islands, boat fees, and market stalls are cash-only.
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Top-rated things to do in Palawan this December
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