Palawan in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Palawan

32°C (90°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest tourist crowds of the year - Underground River permits available Easttimor-day, El Nido lagoons nearly empty by 3pm
Peak marine visibility - 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility as rough seas have settled, perfect for diving Tubbataha Reefs
Cheapest accommodation rates - Island resorts drop prices 40-60% compared to December-March peak season
Authentic local experience - May is mango harvest season, locals celebrate with street festivals and fresh fruit everywhere at ₱20-30/kg

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms - Heavy downpours 2-4pm lasting 1-2 hours, can disrupt boat schedules
High humidity makes hiking challenging - Underground River trek and Mount Tapyas climbs feel significantly harder in 82% humidity
Some island-hopping tours cancelled - Rough seas on 30% of days force tour operators to cancel or modify routes

Best Activities in May

Tubbataha Reefs Diving Expeditions

May marks the final month for Tubbataha access before seasonal closure. Crystal-clear waters with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm conditions. Manta rays migrate through in late May. Water temperature perfect at 28°C (82°F) with minimal current.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 months ahead as liveaboard boats have limited May departures. Expect ₱45,000-65,000 for 4-day expeditions. All operators require Advanced Open Water certification minimum. Check current availability in booking section below.

Early Morning Underground River Tours

Beat the afternoon storms and crowds with 6am-10am slots. Cave temperatures stay cool at 24°C (75°F) while outside heats up. May has shortest permit wait times - often Easttimor-day availability versus 2-week waits in peak season.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (6am-9am) to avoid afternoon rain. Tours cost ₱1,500-2,200 including transfers. Local operators offer better rates than resort bookings. Reserve 2-3 days ahead in May for flexibility.

El Nido Island Hopping Adventures

May offers the calmest seas for accessing hidden lagoons and beaches. Start tours at 7am to complete island circuits before afternoon storms. Bacuit Bay has perfect snorkeling conditions with 20m (66 ft) visibility and warm 29°C (84°F) water.

Booking Tip: Choose early departure tours (7am-2pm) to avoid weather delays. Standard tours ₱1,200-1,800 per person. Private boats ₱6,000-8,000 for groups. Book through licensed operators with weather guarantee policies.

Coron Wreck Diving Expeditions

May provides ideal diving conditions with minimal wind and excellent visibility. Water temperature stays comfortable at 27°C (81°F). Historic WWII wrecks easily accessible with calm surface conditions perfect for less experienced divers.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives cost ₱2,500-3,500 with equipment. Certification courses available ₱15,000-18,000. Morning dives (8am-12pm) offer best visibility. See current diving packages in booking section below.

Firefly Watching River Cruises

May evenings provide perfect conditions for firefly tours along Iwahig River. Minimal rain after 7pm and optimal darkness by 6:30pm. Mangrove trees full of synchronized blinking fireflies create spectacular natural light shows.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6pm-8pm) cost ₱800-1,200 per person including transfers. Book day-of for flexibility with weather. Small boats hold 6-8 people maximum. Bring insect repellent and waterproof camera.

Balabac Island Wildlife Encounters

May marks peak season for spotting endemic Balabac mouse-deer and other rare wildlife. Dry morning conditions ideal for trekking to observation points. Less tourist pressure allows for authentic encounters with local conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions ₱8,000-12,000 including accommodation and meals. Requires advance coordination with Balabac local government. Limited to 20 visitors per month. Book 6-8 weeks ahead through registered eco-tour operators.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Puerto Princesa Mango Festival

Local celebration of mango harvest season featuring street food stalls, traditional dances, and fresh mango competitions. Sample over 15 mango varieties at peak ripeness. Cultural performances showcase Palawan heritage.

Throughout May

Flores de Mayo Religious Processions

Catholic flower festivals held in coastal towns across Palawan. Colorful street processions with decorated boats and traditional Filipino costumes. Locals welcome visitors to join evening celebrations and feast preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - Afternoon storms drop 15-25mm (0.6-1 inch) in 30 minutes with strong winds

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 9 with intense tropical sun reflecting off white sand beaches

Moisture-wicking shirts - Cotton becomes uncomfortable in 82% humidity; synthetic fabrics dry faster

Waterproof phone case - Essential for boat trips and sudden downpours that can damage electronics

Lightweight long pants - Protects against insects during evening activities and air-conditioned spaces

Non-slip water shoes - Rocky coastlines and boat decks become slippery during rain showers

Portable battery pack - High humidity drains phone batteries 30% faster than normal conditions

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes most active during humid evenings around mangrove areas

Quick-dry towel - Regular towels never fully dry in May's humidity levels

Electrolyte supplements - Easy to become dehydrated in high heat and humidity combination

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with backup generators - Power outages common during May thunderstorms, especially in remote island resorts

Eat at local carinderias during mango season - Street stalls serve fresh mango salads and desserts at ₱30-50, half the resort prices

Time flights for morning departures - Afternoon storms frequently delay/cancel flights from Puerto Princesa after 2pm

Negotiate boat tours the evening before - Operators offer 20-30% discounts for next-day bookings when weather looks favorable

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon boat tours - 60% get cancelled or delayed due to thunderstorms between 2-5pm

Packing only cotton clothing - Takes 2+ days to dry in May humidity, synthetic fabrics essential

Not bringing cash - Many island operators don't accept cards and ATMs frequently out of service during storms