Things to Do in Palawan in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
May Weather in Palawan
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
86°F (30°C)
High Temp
77°F (25°C)
Low Temp
0.2 inches (5 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ High UV index requires diligent sun protection.
⚠ Sudden, short-lived afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt boat schedules.
Is May Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + May hits the sweet spot. The dry season winds have faded, and the wet season has not yet arrived. You get glass-flat seas around the Bacuit Archipelago. The water clarity makes you feel like you are flying over coral gardens.
- + Holy Week crowds are gone. Chinese New Year feels like ancient history. Beaches like Nacpan and Las Cabanas settle into a local rhythm. You will find a table without a reservation.
- + Mango harvest arrives now. Roadside vendors in Puerto Princesa sell sticky, fibrous fruit so fragrant it fills the tricycle cab. The sea stays calm enough for longer boat trips to remote islands.
- + Hotel rates soften from April peaks. Last-minute bookings open up at smaller, family-run resorts along El Nido's waterfront. These rooms would have been impossible to snag a month earlier.
Considerations
- − Humidity settles into your clothes by 10 AM. This is not the torrential rain of later months. The air feels thick, almost syrupy. You will seek shade or a sea breeze by midday.
- − Rainfall stays low overall. Those ten rainy days bring intense afternoon squalls rolling off the Sulu Sea with little warning. Boat departures scuttle for hours. Patience becomes part of your itinerary.
- − The sun is relentless. That UV index of 8 is no joke. You will feel it baking your skin within twenty minutes on the water. Reflection off turquoise lagoons can blind you without polarized lenses.
Best Activities in May
Top things to do during your visit
Bacuit Archipelago Island-Hopping Tours
The sea in May is at its most placid. Usually choppy crossings become smooth glides. This is the month for longer routes like Tour C to Matinloc Shrine and hidden beaches. The swells that make crossings treacherous in other months are absent. Water clarity is exceptional. Snorkeling around Secret Beach and karst cliffs feels like swimming in a giant, sunlit aquarium.
Booking Tip: Licensed boat operators are plentiful. For specific longer Tour C routes or private charters to distant spots, book a couple days ahead through reputable agents in El Nido town. Check current options in the booking section below.
Underground River Tours from Puerto Princesa
The dry tail-end brings lower water levels inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Boats travel deeper into the cave system. The air feels cool and damp, a stark contrast to outside heat. You will hear constant drips of mineral-rich water and thousands of bats squeaking in the caverns. The jungle approach walk is hot and humid. It stays mercifully short before true monsoon mud arrives.
Booking Tip: Underground River permits are limited. They sell out daily. Booking at least 3-4 days ahead through licensed operators, who handle permits, is non-negotiable. Check the booking widget for available tours.
Kayaking in the Big and Small Lagoons
Calm seas make kayaking through narrow limestone openings into Miniloc Island's hidden lagoons less of a battle. Morning light, before heat builds, is perfect. You will hear your paddle splash, distant sea eagle calls, and water lapping against the kayak in cathedral-like silence inside the Small Lagoon.
Booking Tip: Kayaks come included with standard island-hopping tours (Tour A). For dedicated, longer kayaking time, arrange a private guide or specific tour when booking your island trip.
Sunset Sailing on a Paraw or Trimaran
Late afternoon winds in May are reliable but gentle. Good for sunset sails on traditional paraws out of El Nido Bay. Temperatures drop. The sky ignites in oranges and purples behind karst silhouettes. Wind in the sails replaces outrigger engine buzz. Locals end days this way, often with cold drinks in hand.
Booking Tip: Paraw sails are often add-ons or offered by smaller local operators right on the beach. Inquire directly at sailing clubs or beachfront resorts in El Nido the day before. These depend on weather and do not always appear on major booking platforms.
Where to Stay in Palawan in May
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for May travellers.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Palawan Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best lechon in Puerto Princesa is not at fancy restaurants. It is at unassuming stalls along Rizal Avenue, sold by weight in late morning. Look for crisp, golden-brown skin.
If a sudden afternoon storm cancels your boat trip, don't retreat to your hotel. Head to the Art Cafe in El Nido town. It's a traveler institution with a broad menu, strong wifi, and a covered deck good for watching the rain sheet down over the bay.
The road from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is long and winding. The 'van' services are efficient. But for a more comfortable journey, consider the newer, air-conditioned bus services that have started running. They're only slightly more expensive and offer more legroom.
May is when local fishermen often have surplus catch. In the early evening, you might find them grilling freshly caught tuna or squid right on the beach in Corong-Corong, El Nido. It's cheaper and fresher than most restaurant seafood.
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't underestimate travel time between Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido. It's a full day of travel, not a quick hop. Skip this. Don't try to squeeze them all into a 4-day trip.
Avoid booking every single day with a structured tour. The magic of Palawan is often in the unplanned moments. A spontaneous beach hang. A long lunch. Watching the geckos on your balcony. Leave a buffer day.
Don't pack only flip-flops. The terrain is rough. Sharp coral. Slippery boat decks. Uneven jungle paths. You need at least one pair of sturdy, closed-toe water shoes or hiking sandals.
Never forget cash. While cards are accepted in larger El Nido establishments, the best local eateries, small boat hires, and market stalls in Puerto Princesa operate on cash only, and ATMs can run out.
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