Palawan in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Palawan

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

195 mm (7.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Best diving visibility of the year - waters clear after rainy season ends, 20-30 m (66-98 ft) visibility around Philippines and El Nido
Post-monsoon waterfalls at peak flow - Tambok Falls and Nagkalit-kalit Falls most spectacular in November with full water volume
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% after October peak, flights from Philippines typically ₱4,000-6,000 cheaper than December
Perfect sailing conditions - consistent 15-20 knot northeast monsoon winds begin, ideal for island hopping without rough seas

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - November transition weather means 40% chance of 1-2 hour downpours between 2-4pm
High humidity persists - 70% average makes hiking feel significantly hotter, especially inland trails in Puerto Princesa area
Some remote islands still inaccessible - operators in Balabac and southern Bataraza don't resume full schedules until December

Best Activities in November

Coron Island Diving and Snorkeling Tours

November offers the year's clearest waters as post-monsoon sediment settles. Barracuda Lake reaches optimal temperature at 28°C (82°F) throughout the water column. Japanese shipwrecks have 25 m (82 ft) visibility - better than any other month. Water temperature perfect for 3mm wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead with PADI-certified operators. Expect ₱3,500-5,500 for two-tank dives including equipment. Many operators offer November promotions before December peak season. Check current options in booking section below.

El Nido Island Hopping Adventures

Northeast monsoon brings calm seas to Bacuit Bay. Tours A and C routes have minimal wave action, perfect for kayaking through Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon. Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach uncrowded compared to December-April. Morning departures avoid afternoon rain probability.

Booking Tip: Standard tours cost ₱1,200-1,500 plus ₱200 environmental fee. Private bangka charters ₱6,000-8,000 for groups up to 10. Book morning slots (8am departure) to maximize sunny weather. See current tour availability in booking widget below.

Underground River National Park Expeditions

November's post-rain water levels reveal cathedral chambers at full height while maintaining navigable depth. Cooler morning temperatures at 26°C (79°F) make the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) paddleboat journey more comfortable. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals emerge after monsoon season.

Booking Tip: Advance online booking mandatory - only 900 visitors daily allowed. Book minimum 30 days ahead through official channels. Tours ₱1,500-2,000 including transfers from Puerto Princesa. Morning slots fill first due to weather considerations.

Firefly Watching River Cruises

November marks peak firefly season along Iwahig River as post-monsoon conditions create ideal breeding environment. Thousands of Pteroptyx malaccae synchronize flashing patterns in mangrove trees. Clear evening skies 70% of nights provide perfect viewing conditions without rain interference.

Booking Tip: Evening tours ₱800-1,200 per person, departing 6:30pm when fireflies most active. Small group boats (maximum 8 people) offer better experience. Book Easttimor-day or 1-2 days ahead with licensed riverside operators. Weather backup plans essential.

Tabon Caves Archaeological Site Visits

November's lower humidity makes the 45-minute trek to Tabon Cave complex more bearable. Post-rain ground conditions provide better footing on limestone trails. Cooler mornings ideal for exploring the 'Cradle of Philippine Civilization' without excessive heat stress.

Booking Tip: Guided tours ₱500-800 including boat transfer from Quezon town. Requires advance coordination with Banjul staff. Combine with nearby Quezon beach time. Book through accredited local guides 3-5 days ahead for permit processing.

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tours

November's calmer seas perfect for visiting Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island. Water temperature at comfortable 28°C (82°F) for swimming. Post-monsoon marine life abundance increases snorkeling quality. Less crowded than peak season with better photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Day tours ₱1,800-2,500 including island fees and lunch. Depart 9am to avoid afternoon weather. Private boats ₱8,000-12,000 for groups up to 15. Environmental fees ₱30 per island additional. Book 2-3 days ahead during November.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Baragatan sa Palawan Festival

Provincial founding anniversary celebration featuring indigenous cultural performances, traditional boat races, and local delicacies. Street dancing competitions showcase tribal heritage while food festivals highlight November harvest specialties like newly caught talaba (oysters) and seasonal fruits.

Late November

Coron Bay Festival

Maritime celebration coinciding with optimal diving season launch. Features underwater photography contests, traditional fishing competitions, and evening cultural shows. Local restaurants offer special seafood menus featuring November's freshest catches.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon storms in November last 1-2 hours with 40% daily probability

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours

Breathable cotton/linen blend clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat tours and unexpected rain showers

Lightweight hiking boots with good grip - post-rain limestone can be slippery on cave/waterfall trails

Insect repellent with DEET - post-monsoon breeding season increases mosquito activity at dusk

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity increases dehydration risk during island hopping

Waterproof dry bag (20-30L capacity) - protect electronics and documents during boat transfers

Cash in small bills - many island tours require exact change for environmental fees (₱30-200 per site)

Backup battery pack - humid conditions drain phone batteries 30-40% faster than normal

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 15 - rates jump 40% after this date as December bookings surge from abroad

Avoid boat tours between 2-4pm in November - this is prime thunderstorm window with 60% occurrence rate

Negotiate bangka prices in Puerto Princesa early morning (7-8am) - operators eager to fill boats before weather changes

November is shellfish season - talaba (oysters) and halaan (clams) freshest this month, try at Kinabuch's Grill or similar local spots

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - November afternoon storms can trap tourists on islands for hours

Bringing only sandals - post-rain limestone trails require proper footwear for safety, especially at waterfalls

Not checking boat engine conditions - some operators use older engines that struggle in November's variable sea conditions