Things to Do in Palawan in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Palawan
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in during June - you'll find accommodation rates dropping 20-30% compared to the February-April peak, and tour operators are more willing to negotiate on multi-day packages since they're trying to fill boats before the proper rainy season starts in July
- Fewer crowds at major sites like the Underground River and island-hopping routes around El Nido - June typically sees about 40% fewer tourists than high season, which means you can actually get decent photos at Big Lagoon without 15 kayaks photobombing your shot
- Marine visibility is still excellent in early June before the southwest monsoon fully kicks in - you're looking at 15-20 m (49-66 ft) visibility around most dive sites, and whale shark sightings near Tubbataha remain possible through mid-month if you're willing to take the liveaboard gamble
- Local produce season for mangoes and lanzones means the markets in Puerto Princesa are absolutely loaded with fruit at rock-bottom prices - you'll pay PHP 40-60 per kilo for mangoes that would cost triple that in Manila, and the street vendors along Rizal Avenue have the sweetest stuff you'll taste anywhere
Considerations
- Rain becomes genuinely unpredictable in June - while the actual rainfall totals look low on paper at 7.6 mm (0.3 inches), those 10 rainy days tend to cluster together, and you might hit a three-day stretch where afternoon downpours mess with boat schedules and force tour cancellations, especially in the second half of the month
- Southwest wind patterns start building through June, which means the western coast around El Nido gets choppy seas by late afternoon - tours to Bacuit Bay often cut short or skip certain lagoons when swells pick up, and if you're prone to seasickness, those 45-minute bangka rides get properly bouncy
- Some dive operators and island resorts start closing for the off-season around mid-June, particularly the smaller operations in Coron and the more remote spots - you'll have fewer choices for liveaboards to Tubbataha after June 15th when the park officially closes for the season
Best Activities in June
Underground River tours in Puerto Princesa
June is actually brilliant for the Underground River because tour groups thin out significantly but the weather hasn't turned properly wet yet. The river itself stays calm year-round since it's sheltered, and you'll spend maybe 20 minutes exposed to potential rain during the boat transfer from Sabang Beach. The real advantage is booking flexibility - in high season you need to reserve 2-3 weeks out, but in June you can often book 3-4 days ahead and still get morning slots when the light filtering into the cave is best. The 70% humidity inside the cave feels less oppressive when it's not packed with 40 other people breathing heavily.
Island-hopping around El Nido
Early June is the sweet spot before the southwest monsoon really establishes itself - seas are generally manageable until around 2-3pm when winds pick up, which gives you a solid 5-6 hour window for the standard island-hopping routes. Tours A and C (which hit Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island) work best in June because they're more sheltered from the building swells compared to Tours B and D. The water is still that ridiculous turquoise color, visibility for snorkeling sits around 10-15 m (33-49 ft), and you'll have beaches like Seven Commando practically to yourself mid-week. That said, be mentally prepared for tours to modify routes if weather turns - operators will swap destinations rather than cancel entirely.
Diving and snorkeling around Coron
June catches the tail end of decent diving conditions before visibility drops in the full rainy season. The famous Japanese shipwrecks sit at 10-24 m (33-79 ft) depth and the thermoclines haven't fully established yet, so water temperature stays comfortable at 27-28°C (81-82°F) throughout your dive. Barracuda Lake and the Twin Lagoons are genuinely spectacular in June because tourist numbers drop but the underwater visibility remains solid at 12-18 m (39-59 ft) on good days. The main consideration is that some dive shops reduce their schedule to one trip daily instead of two, so you'll want to book your slots early in your stay rather than assuming you can squeeze in dives last-minute.
Motorbike exploration of northern Palawan
June is actually ideal for renting a motorbike and exploring the route from El Nido down to Port Barton or up to the beaches near Duli - the roads are still in decent shape before the heavy rains turn them into muddy disasters, and traffic is light enough that you can actually enjoy the coastal views without being stuck behind jeepneys belching diesel. The 65 km (40 mile) run from El Nido to Nacpan Beach takes about 90 minutes and gives you access to beaches that see maybe a dozen people on weekdays in June. Just plan your riding for mornings - those afternoon rain showers make the roads slick, and the local driving style is, let's say, optimistic about what constitutes a safe overtaking distance.
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in the interior
June marks the start of breeding season for several endemic species, which makes the forests around Sabang and the St. Paul Mountain Range particularly active for birdwatching. The Palawan hornbill and blue-naped parrot are most vocal in early morning, and the 70% humidity actually helps carry bird calls further through the forest canopy. The trails are still navigable in June - they don't turn into proper mud pits until July-August - and you'll have the paths essentially to yourself since most tourists stick to the beaches. The UV index of 8 doesn't penetrate much under the forest cover, so it's actually more comfortable than beach activities during midday heat.
Kayaking through mangrove forests
The mangrove channels around Sabang and the estuaries near Port Barton are genuinely magical in June because water levels are stable but tourist traffic is minimal. You'll paddle through narrow channels where the canopy creates these green tunnels, and the birdlife is exceptional - kingfishers, herons, and if you're lucky, the occasional monitor lizard cruising along the mudbanks. June mornings are perfect for this since the water is flat calm before the afternoon winds kick in, and the 25°C (77°F) early temperature means you can paddle for 2-3 hours without feeling like you're melting. The 70% humidity is noticeable but the breeze through the mangroves makes it manageable.
June Events & Festivals
Araw ng Kalayaan (Independence Day)
June 12th is Philippine Independence Day and Puerto Princesa puts on proper celebrations with flag ceremonies at the Capitol grounds, street parades along Rizal Avenue, and cultural performances showcasing traditional Palawan dances. The local government usually organizes free concerts in the evening at Mendoza Park. It's worth experiencing if you're in town - gives you a genuine glimpse of local pride and community spirit that you won't get at tourist sites. Expect government offices and some businesses to close for the day.