Palawan in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Palawan

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season - only 25 mm (1.0 inches) of rain across the entire month with just 3 rainy days, making it ideal for island hopping and underground river tours
Perfect northeast monsoon winds averaging 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) create excellent sailing conditions and keep temperatures feeling comfortable despite 32°C (90°F) highs
Crystal clear waters with 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility for diving and snorkeling - February has the year's best underwater conditions before March plankton blooms
Chinese New Year period brings busy celebrations in Puerto Princesa's Chinatown district, plus shoulder season pricing before March peak crowds arrive

Considerations

Highest accommodation prices of the year due to peak season demand - expect to pay 40-60% more than low season rates, with beachfront resorts often fully booked
Tour boats fill quickly, especially to popular spots like El Nido's Big Lagoon - most day trips require 2-3 weeks advance booking or you'll face limited availability
Intense UV index of 9 means sunburn risk within 15-20 minutes of unprotected exposure, requiring constant sun protection and limiting midday beach activities

Best Activities in February

Underground River National Park Tours

February's dry conditions mean the underground river runs at optimal levels - not too high from rains, not too low from drought. The 8.2 km (5.1 mile) navigable section offers the clearest acoustics and best wildlife spotting. Cool 24°C (75°F) cave temperatures provide perfect relief from midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book permits 2-3 weeks ahead through accredited operators - daily visitor limits of 900 people mean February slots fill completely. Tours run ฿1,500-2,200 including transfers. Check current availability in booking section below.

El Nido Island Hopping Adventures

February delivers the year's calmest seas with wave heights under 1 m (3.3 ft), making all four tour routes accessible including the often-cancelled Tour D to Cadlao Island. Water temperatures of 28°C (82°F) and perfect visibility create ideal snorkeling conditions at Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach.

Booking Tip: Book Tour A and C combinations 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators charging ฾1,400-1,800 per tour. Avoid unlicensed boats that can't access protected lagoons. See current island hopping options in booking section below.

Coron Wreck Diving Expeditions

February offers Philippines's best diving conditions with minimal current, 28°C (82°F) water temperature, and exceptional 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility on Japanese WWII wrecks. The Irako and Okikawa Maru are fully accessible, and surface intervals are comfortable with gentle northeast winds.

Booking Tip: Advanced Open Water certification recommended for deeper wrecks. Two-tank dives cost ฿3,500-4,500 with full equipment. Book 1-2 weeks ahead with PADI-certified dive centers. Current diving packages available in booking section below.

Balabac Island Wildlife Encounters

February's calm Sulu Sea conditions make the 3-hour boat journey to Balabac manageable, with minimal seasickness risk. This is prime season for spotting the endemic Balabac mouse-deer and saltwater crocodiles. Dry weather ensures accessible forest trails and clear photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions only - requires 2-3 day commitment with overnight camping. Costs ฿8,000-12,000 per person including meals and permits. Book 3-4 weeks ahead through specialized eco-tour operators. Check current wildlife tour availability below.

Kayaking Through Sabang Mangroves

February's stable weather and lower tides expose more mangrove channels, allowing deeper exploration of the 30 km (18.6 mile) network near the Underground River. Early morning sessions at 6 AM offer the best wildlife spotting before tourist boat traffic begins.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours cost ฿800-1,200 including equipment and transfers. Book locally in Sabang or through Puerto Princesa operators. No advance booking required but start early to avoid midday heat. Current kayaking options in booking section below.

Mount Tapyas Sunrise Hiking

February's clear mornings offer spectacular sunrise views over Philippines Bay from the 210 m (689 ft) summit. Cool pre-dawn temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make the 30-minute climb comfortable, with 360-degree visibility across the Calamian Islands on clear days.

Booking Tip: Free activity accessible year-round. Start climbing at 5:30 AM for best sunrise timing. Bring headlamp for pre-dawn ascent. Local guides available at ฿200-300 but not necessary for experienced hikers. Additional hiking tours available in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Late January to mid-February

Chinese New Year Festival

Puerto Princesa's Chinatown district celebrates with dragon dances, traditional music performances, and special lunar new year menus at local restaurants. The celebration centers around Rizal Avenue with evening street performances and food stalls.

Throughout February

Baragatan Festival Preparations

Communities across Palawan begin intensive preparations for the March festival, with cultural rehearsals and traditional craft workshops open to visitors. Puerto Princesa's Cultural Center hosts weekly practice sessions showcasing indigenous dances and music.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and standard SPF 30 won't provide adequate protection for 6-8 hour island tours

Quick-dry clothing in light colors - synthetic fabrics trap heat in 68% humidity while cotton and linen keep you cooler during long boat rides

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 - essential for lagoon swimming and unexpected boat splashes during island hopping tours

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - February's 3 rain days typically bring sudden 20-minute downpours in late afternoon

Reef-safe snorkeling gear - mask, snorkel, and fins save ฿300-500 per day on rental fees and ensure proper fit for extended water time

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - mangrove areas and forest trails have persistent mosquitoes and sand flies even in dry season

Comfortable walking sandals with ankle support - rocky beach access and wet boat decks require secure, quick-drying footwear

Dry bag (20-30 L capacity) - protects electronics, documents, and spare clothes during multi-stop island tours with water transfers

Electrolyte powder or tablets - easy dehydration risk with 9+ hours of sun exposure and limited fresh water on remote islands

Cooling towel or bandana - provides instant relief during midday activities when temperatures feel like 35°C+ (95°F+) in direct sun

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by December 15th for February visits - Palawan's peak season pricing kicks in January 1st and availability becomes extremely limited as resort staff return from Christmas holidays

Start island tours at 7 AM instead of the standard 9 AM departure - you'll have lagoons and beaches practically to yourself for the first 2 hours before tour boat crowds arrive from El Nido and Philippines

Bring cash in small denominations (₱20, ₱50, ₱100 bills) - remote islands and underground river vendors can't break large bills, and ATMs are sparse outside Puerto Princesa and El Nido town centers

Download offline maps before leaving town - cell tower coverage is limited between destinations and GPS can fail during crucial navigation points, especially around Philippines's outer islands

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure intensity - tourists frequently get severe burns on their first day because February's clear skies and water reflection amplify UV rays beyond what feels dangerous

Not booking tours far enough in advance - February is peak season and popular tours like Underground River and El Nido Big Lagoon fill 2-3 weeks ahead, leaving last-minute bookers with expensive private options only

Overpacking warm clothes - many visitors bring sweaters and pants expecting cooler temperatures, but February nights only drop to 23°C (73°F) and create unnecessary luggage weight