Palawan in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Palawan

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect island-hopping weather with calm seas - March sits in the sweet spot between northeast and southwest monsoons, creating ideal conditions for boat transfers and water activities with minimal wave action
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak December-February rates, with most resorts offering early booking promotions for the upcoming high season
Optimal visibility for diving and snorkeling - sediment from rainy season has settled, creating crystal-clear water with visibility reaching 25-30m (82-98 ft) at sites like Tubbataha Reefs
Comfortable hiking temperatures in early morning and evening - the 24°C (75°F) morning temperature is perfect for Underground River tours and Mount Tapyas climbing before midday heat sets in

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days of the month, typically lasting 45-60 minutes between 2-4pm, which can disrupt outdoor lunch plans and beach activities
Rising humidity levels make midday activities (11am-3pm) uncomfortable for those not acclimatized to tropical conditions - feels like 35-37°C (95-99°F) during peak hours
March marks the beginning of hot season buildup, meaning less consistent cloud cover and more intense UV exposure requiring constant sun protection

Best Activities in March

Tubbataha Reefs Diving Expeditions

March offers the last month of Tubbataha's diving season with pristine visibility and calm seas. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F) with minimal current, perfect for spotting whale sharks, manta rays, and pristine coral formations. The morning departure timing avoids afternoon storms completely.

Booking Tip: Book 60-90 days ahead as liveaboard spots fill quickly for season-end diving. Expect ₱35,000-45,000 for 4-day trips including all meals and equipment. Look for PADI-certified operators with hyperbaric chamber access. Check current availability in booking section below.

Puerto Princesa Underground River Morning Tours

Early morning departures (7-9am) take advantage of cool 24°C (75°F) temperatures and avoid afternoon rain windows. March's lower water levels reveal more cave formations and wildlife activity peaks before the heat. The 1.5km (0.9 mile) boat ride through the cave system is comfortable in these conditions.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead through licensed operators only - permits are limited to 900 visitors daily. Tours cost ₱1,500-2,200 including transfers. Book 7am slots to avoid crowds and heat. See current tour options in booking widget below.

El Nido Island Hopping Adventures

March's calm inter-monsoon conditions create perfect lagoon access with minimal swell. Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon kayaking is ideal in morning hours with water temperatures at 28°C (82°F). The traditional bangka boats handle the gentle seas easily, making Secret Lagoon accessible even for beginners.

Booking Tip: Book Tours A and C combination packages 5-7 days ahead for ₱2,800-3,500 including lunch and snorkel gear. Morning departures (8am) return by 4pm, avoiding afternoon storms. Choose operators with life jackets and first aid certification. Current tour packages available below.

Coron Wreck Diving and Hot Springs

March's exceptional underwater visibility makes the famous Japanese WWII wrecks spectacular for diving and snorkeling. Water clarity reaches 20-25m (65-82 ft) with comfortable 28°C (82°F) temperatures. Afternoon visits to Maquinit Hot Springs provide perfect relaxation after morning underwater adventures.

Booking Tip: Combine wreck diving with hot springs for full-day experiences costing ₱3,200-4,500. Book certified dive operators 7-10 days ahead. Advanced open water certification recommended for deeper wrecks. Evening hot springs visits avoid crowds. Check availability in booking section.

Balabac Island Wildlife Photography Tours

March's dry morning conditions are perfect for spotting the endemic Balabac mouse-deer and other rare wildlife. Early morning light (6-8am) provides excellent photography conditions before heat and humidity affect animal activity. The 2-hour boat journey from mainland is comfortable in calm March seas.

Booking Tip: Arrange 14-21 days ahead through conservation-certified guides costing ₱8,000-12,000 for 2-day trips including camping permits. Bring telephoto lenses and waterproof gear. Limited to 10 visitors per day. Current conservation tour options available below.

Honda Bay Island Hopping Half-Days

Perfect for families or time-limited travelers, Honda Bay's protected waters are glass-calm in March mornings. Starfish Island and Cowrie Island snorkeling is excellent with 15m (49 ft) visibility. The short 20-minute boat rides are comfortable even for those prone to seasickness.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours costing ₱1,800-2,500 including transfers and gear. Morning slots (8am-12pm) offer best conditions and avoid afternoon storms. Choose tours with covered boats and fresh water rinse. Family packages often include lunch. See current options below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Baragatan Festival

Puerto Princesa's founding anniversary celebration features street dancing, cultural shows, and local food festivals. The event showcases Palawan's diverse indigenous cultures with traditional music, crafts, and cuisine. Evening performances are particularly spectacular with cooler temperatures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry swim shorts and UV-protection rashguards - you'll be in and out of water multiple times daily with limited drying time in 70% humidity

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - afternoon storms create horizontal rain that umbrellas can't handle during boat transfers

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen minimum - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure, plus many areas require reef-safe formulas

Breathable cotton or bamboo fiber clothing - synthetic materials become unbearable in 70% humidity and 32°C (90°F) temperatures

Waterproof phone case with lanyard - essential for boat trips and underwater photography, cheaper than buying overpriced versions locally

Comfortable water shoes with good grip - coral, sea urchins, and slippery boat decks require protection beyond flip-flops

Electrolyte tablets or powder - sweating in high humidity depletes salts faster than typical tropical destinations

Small microfiber towel - regular towels won't dry in the humid conditions and take up valuable luggage space

Insect repellent with DEET 20-30% - March mosquito activity increases with occasional rain, especially important for Underground River areas

Portable battery pack - boat tours often run 8-10 hours without charging opportunities and you'll use camera/phone extensively

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights to Puerto Princesa or El Nido by January - March is when Filipino families start planning summer trips, causing price spikes for April onwards

Eat at the Puerto Princesa night market (Rizal Avenue, open 6pm-12am) - locals avoid the heat by dining late, and March evenings offer perfect temperatures for street food exploration

Time your Tubbataha trips for early March - the reefs close April 15th for breeding season, making late March your final opportunity until December

Exchange money in Puerto Princesa city center - many remote islands and El Nido have limited ATMs, and card acceptance drops significantly outside major resort areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak heat hours - locals rest during siesta time for good reason, plan water activities for early morning or late afternoon

Booking accommodation in El Nido town center during spring break season without realizing generator power means inconsistent air conditioning

Underestimating boat transfer times during calm March conditions - while seas are calmer, many tourists over-schedule thinking travel times are shorter than reality