Palawan in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Palawan

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 25 mm (1.0 inches) across the entire month makes this ideal for island hopping and outdoor activities
Calm seas and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling - Northeast monsoon creates protected conditions on the western coast where most tourist activities occur
Chinese New Year crowds haven't arrived yet - you'll experience significantly fewer tourists in early-to-mid January before the February holiday rush hits
Coolest temperatures of the year at 24-31°C (75-88°F) with consistent sea breezes making outdoor exploration comfortable throughout the day

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs are 40-60% higher than low season, and popular island tours can sell out 2-3 weeks in advance
Occasional strong winds from Northeast monsoon can cancel boat trips to outer islands like Balabac or cause choppy rides, particularly in the first half of January
High UV index of 9 means sunburn risk is extreme - you'll need constant sun protection and many outdoor activities are best done before 10am or after 3pm

Best Activities in January

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

January offers the absolute best conditions for El Nido's famous lagoons and beaches. Calm seas, crystal-clear water, and minimal rainfall make this the perfect month for Tours A, B, C, and D. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 27°C (81°F), and the Northeast monsoon actually protects El Nido's western-facing islands from rough seas. Morning tours (8am-4pm) are ideal as afternoon winds can pick up after 2pm.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as tours fill quickly in January. Expect to pay ฿1,200-1,800 per person for standard tours, ฿2,000-3,000 for private boats. Look for operators with life jackets, first aid kits, and environmental permits. Many tours include lunch but confirm dietary restrictions ahead of time.

Underground River Puerto Princesa Tours

January's dry weather means the underground river is at optimal water levels - not too high from rainfall, not too low from drought. The 8.2 km (5.1 mile) navigable portion is fully accessible, and cooler January temperatures make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) boat tour inside the cave system more comfortable. Wildlife spotting is excellent as animals are more active in the cooler weather.

Booking Tip: This UNESCO site requires advance permits - book at least 2 weeks ahead through authorized operators. Tours cost ฿1,500-2,200 including transportation from Puerto Princesa. Only 900 visitors allowed daily, so January's popularity means slots fill fast. Morning tours (8am-10am start) have better wildlife viewing.

Coron Wreck Diving Expeditions

January provides Philippines's best diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas. The water temperature of 26-27°C (79-81°F) is comfortable for extended dives exploring WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Northeast winds create protected conditions on Philippines's eastern dive sites, and the dry season means no surface conditions disrupting boat schedules.

Booking Tip: Advanced Open Water certification recommended for most wreck sites. Two-tank dives run ฿3,500-4,500, PADI courses ฾12,000-18,000. Book 7-10 days ahead with PADI-certified operators. Equipment rental typically costs extra ฿800-1,200 per day. Some sites have strong currents requiring experienced guides.

Balabac Island Wildlife Tours

January's calm seas make the challenging 3-hour boat journey to Balabac Island more manageable. This is prime season to spot the endemic Balabac mouse-deer and witness sea turtle nesting activity. Dry weather allows access to forest trails that become impassable during rainy months. The island's white sand beaches are at their most pristine before summer crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Only possible with overnight stays due to distance - expect ฿8,000-12,000 for 2-day packages including accommodation and meals. Requires special permits and experienced local guides. Weather-dependent departures mean flexible scheduling essential. Book through Puerto Princesa operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Limited to small groups of 6-8 people.

Tubbataha Reefs Liveaboard Diving

January marks the beginning of Tubbataha season (March 15-June 15 officially), but some operators offer pre-season positioning trips at discounted rates. These protected reefs 181 km (112 miles) from Puerto Princesa offer world-class diving with mantas, sharks, and pristine coral. January trips are weather-dependent but offer significant savings of 30-40% on peak season prices.

Booking Tip: Limited January availability through specialized liveaboard operators. Trips cost ฿45,000-65,000 for 4-6 days with all meals and diving included. Requires Advanced Open Water minimum, 50+ logged dives recommended. Book only with operators who guarantee trip completion or full refunds for weather cancellations.

Firefly Watching Tours

January's dry evenings provide perfect conditions for firefly tours along Iwahig River and other mangrove areas. Cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall mean larger firefly populations and clearer viewing conditions. The dry season concentrates fireflies in remaining water sources, creating spectacular displays best viewed during the 7-9pm peak activity window.

Booking Tip: Evening tours depart 5:30-6pm, lasting 2-3 hours including river cruise and dinner. Costs typically ฿1,200-1,800 per person. Book with operators using quiet electric boats to avoid disturbing wildlife. Bring insect repellent and cameras with good low-light performance. Tours run year-round but January offers the most reliable weather.

January Events & Festivals

Third weekend of January

Ati-Atihan Festival

While the main celebration occurs in Aklan, Palawan communities hold their own smaller versions featuring traditional Ati-Atihan dances, colorful costumes, and street parades. Puerto Princesa typically hosts cultural performances in Mendoza Park with local tribes showcasing traditional music and dance.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and you'll be on boats with reflected sun from water for hours at a time

Lightweight long-sleeve rash guard - essential for snorkeling and diving to prevent sunburn and jellyfish stings

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water multiple times daily, cotton stays wet and uncomfortable

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - boat spray and sudden brief showers can damage electronics, essential for lagoon tours

Reef-safe snorkeling gear - masks and fins if you have them, rental gear quality varies and having your own ensures proper fit

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers in January are brief but intense, and many boat tours don't provide rain protection

Comfortable water shoes - rocky beach entries and coral areas require protection, flip-flops aren't sufficient for many activities

Insect repellent with DEET - mangrove areas and evening firefly tours have mosquitoes, especially during calm January evenings

Power bank and waterproof charging cables - limited electricity in remote island locations and long boat tours drain phone batteries quickly

Cash in small bills - many island operators and remote restaurants only accept cash, ATMs are scarce outside Puerto Princesa and El Nido

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-December - January is peak season and the best beachfront properties in El Nido and Philippines sell out early, with prices increasing 50-70% closer to arrival dates

Morning departures (7-9am) offer the calmest seas and best wildlife viewing - afternoon Northeast winds can make boat rides choppy and reduce visibility for snorkeling

Bring your own snorkeling mask - rental masks often leak or fog, and having a properly fitted mask dramatically improves your underwater experience at Palawan's world-class reefs

January is mango season in Palawan - local markets sell incredibly sweet Indian mangoes for ฿40-60 per kilo, perfect for boat trip snacks and much cheaper than resort prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Not booking island tours in advance - January's perfect weather means popular El Nido and Philippines tours sell out 1-2 weeks ahead, leaving travelers with limited or expensive last-minute options

Underestimating sun exposure - many tourists get severe sunburns on their first day because Palawan's January UV is extreme and boat tours involve hours of reflected sun from water

Overpacking heavy clothes - January temperatures rarely drop below 24°C (75°F) even at night, so winter clothes are unnecessary weight and take up valuable luggage space for souvenirs