Things to Do in Palawan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Palawan
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- November sits right at the sweet spot of Palawan's dry season transition - you're getting mostly clear skies with just enough occasional cloud cover to make midday heat manageable. The 28°C (82°F) highs are genuinely comfortable for island hopping, unlike the scorching March-April period when you'll be desperately seeking shade.
- Sea visibility peaks during November as the waters calm down after the southwest monsoon. Diving and snorkeling conditions in El Nido and Coron are genuinely excellent - 20-30 m (65-98 ft) visibility is common, and the water temperature hovers around 27-28°C (81-82°F), which means you can comfortably stay in without a wetsuit for extended periods.
- You're catching the tail end of low season pricing before the December-January crowds arrive. Accommodations in El Nido and Puerto Princesa typically run 30-40% cheaper than peak season, and you can actually book island-hopping tours the day before without everything being sold out. Flight prices from Manila haven't hit their Christmas spike yet either.
- The occasional rain shower (those 10 rainy days are usually brief afternoon bursts, not all-day washouts) actually works in your favor - it clears the air, cools things down, and creates dramatically beautiful cloud formations over the limestone karsts. Locals call this period 'amihan' as the northeast winds start picking up, bringing drier air and calmer seas on the eastern side of the island.
Considerations
- November is technically still variable season, which means you might get a surprise tropical depression rolling through. It doesn't happen every year, but when it does, it can shut down boat operations for 2-3 days. If you've only got a tight 4-5 day window, this could genuinely mess up your plans - worth considering trip insurance if you're inflexible on dates.
- The humidity sits at 70% consistently, and that's the kind that makes your clothes feel perpetually damp. Your phone will fog up when you bring it from air-conditioned spaces into the outdoor heat, and anything leather or fabric takes forever to dry if it gets wet. It's not unbearable, but if you struggle with humidity, you'll notice it.
- Some remote island resorts in the Calamian group near Coron start their maintenance closures in November, particularly smaller family-run places that shut down before the December rush. You'll have fewer accommodation options on outer islands compared to January-February, though the main tourist areas like El Nido and Coron town stay fully operational.
Best Activities in November
El Nido island-hopping tours
November offers the ideal conditions for exploring the Bacuit Archipelago - the seas are calming down but haven't reached the glass-like flatness that brings peak-season crowds. Tours A, B, C, and D all run smoothly with minimal wave chop, and you'll actually have space to swim at spots like Secret Lagoon and Big Lagoon without bumping into other tourists. The afternoon light in November creates incredible photography conditions as clouds break up the harsh sun. Water temperature at 27-28°C (81-82°F) means you can snorkel for hours without getting cold.
Coron wreck diving
The Japanese WWII wrecks around Coron are genuinely world-class dive sites, and November delivers some of the year's best visibility as the water clears after monsoon season. The wrecks sit at 10-40 m (33-131 ft) depths, and you're looking at 20-30 m (65-98 ft) visibility on good days - you can see entire ship structures from a distance. Water conditions are calm enough for newer divers to handle sites like the Lusong Gunboat, while experienced divers can tackle deeper wrecks like the Irako. The 27°C (81°F) water means you only need a 3mm wetsuit.
Puerto Princesa Underground River tours
November timing works perfectly for the Underground River since you're avoiding both the heavy rains that can make the cave system musty and the December-February rush when permits sell out weeks in advance. The 8.2 km (5.1 mile) navigable river system stays comfortably cool inside regardless of outside temperature, and the reduced rainfall means water levels are ideal - not too high, not too low. The paddle boat tours take about 45 minutes through the limestone cave formations, and November's lower tourist numbers mean you're not queuing behind 10 other boats.
Nacpan Beach and northern El Nido exploration
While everyone clusters around El Nido town, November conditions make the 17 km (10.6 mile) trip north to Nacpan Beach genuinely worthwhile. The 4 km (2.5 mile) stretch of golden sand sees a fraction of the crowds you get at mainstream beaches, and the November weather brings enough breeze to keep things comfortable without the wind being too strong for swimming. The twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang are connected by a small hill with spectacular views. Water stays calm in the bay, perfect for long swims. Bring your own supplies - facilities are basic.
Port Barton slow-travel experience
Port Barton offers what El Nido was like 15 years ago - a genuine fishing village that happens to have stunning islands offshore. November is ideal because you're getting the good weather without the (still relatively small) December crowds. The pace here is intentionally slow - no ATMs, limited WiFi, just basic island-hopping to pristine spots like Paradise Island and Exotic Island. The reef systems around Port Barton have better coral health than the more trampled sites around El Nido. Budget 3-4 days minimum to properly decompress into the rhythm of the place.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center visits
When those afternoon rain showers roll in (and they will on about 10 days in November), having indoor-friendly options matters. The PWRCC in Puerto Princesa runs the Philippine crocodile breeding program - these are critically endangered saltwater crocs, and the center does legitimate conservation work. The facility also houses rescued wildlife including bearcat, porcupines, and endemic birds. It's genuinely educational rather than a zoo-style attraction. The guided tours take 45-60 minutes and work perfectly as a morning activity before heading to other Puerto Princesa sites or as a rainy-day backup plan.
November Events & Festivals
Baragatan Festival
Puerto Princesa's founding anniversary celebration typically runs in early November, though exact dates shift year to year. The festival includes street dancing competitions, cultural shows featuring indigenous Tagbanua and Batak performances, and a trade fair showcasing Palawan products like cashew nuts, honey, and woven crafts. It's not a massive tourist-focused event, which actually makes it more interesting - you're seeing locals celebrate their city rather than a performance staged for visitors. The food stalls along Rizal Avenue offer regional specialties you won't find in regular restaurants.