Things to Do in Palawan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Palawan
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + November marks the arrival of the Amihan, the northeast trade wind that defines Palawan's dry season, and the island's most celebrated beaches and lagoons shift from monsoon-grey to the luminous blue-green that fills every travel feed. Seas calm down, visibility in Coron's dive sites climbs to 20 m (65 ft) or better, and the El Nido lagoon circuits start running at full capacity after months of weather-cancelled tours. You're arriving at the exact moment the island remembers why people come here.
- + With just 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) of rain spread across 10 days, November's showers tend to be short and non-structural, the kind that passes in 20 minutes while you're having lunch, not the kind that kills a boat tour. The 'Variable' tag on the forecast means dramatic clouds over limestone karsts rather than days of grey drizzle, and those clouds improve photography compared to the flat, bleached-out sky of March.
- + Shoulder-season pricing still holds through most of November before the December-January peak takes over. You're likely to find accommodation available with shorter lead times than the holiday period demands, and the main attractions, El Nido's Tour A lagoons, Kayangan Lake in Coron, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, are busy but not at the three-boats-deep-in-the-lagoon saturation of high season.
- + UV index 8 is high enough to matter but comes attached to 28°C (82°F) temperatures rather than the punishing 33°C (91°F) heat of April and May. The Amihan breeze takes the edge off the humidity that 70% relative humidity implies on paper. Mornings in November, say 6am to 10am, are comfortable for outdoor activity in a way that Palawan in the height of summer simply isn't.
- − Early November is transitional in a way that matters for planning. The Habagat (southwest monsoon) doesn't hand over cleanly to the Amihan, around El Nido and the Calamian islands where Coron sits. The first 10 days of November carry a real chance of 2-3 day weather windows where bangka boat tours suspend with a few hours' notice. Tour operators won't refund, they'll reschedule. But if you've booked a tight 5-day itinerary starting November 3, losing a day to weather is a genuine disruption.
- − All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2), locally called Undas, are the most significant Filipino holiday period outside Christmas. Families across the archipelago travel home, and that includes families in Manila with roots in Palawan. Domestic flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa fill up weeks ahead of this window, prices spike sharply, and some restaurants and transport services either close or operate on reduced schedules on November 1-2 itself.
- − Late November is no longer the value proposition early November is. From roughly November 20, accommodation rates begin tracking toward peak-season levels as December holiday bookers start arriving. If the budget matters, the sweet spot in November is November 5-18, past the All Saints' Day disruption, before the pre-Christmas increase, and well into the Amihan transition.
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
The four boat circuits, locally called Tour A through Tour D, cover El Nido's limestone karst islands, secret lagoons, and snorkeling reefs, and November is when they start operating at genuine quality. Tour A, which takes you to the Big Lagoon and the Small Lagoon (entered through a low-tide cave passage by kayak), runs most reliably from mid-November onward as the Amihan settles in. Underwater visibility in these lagoons tends to reach 10-15 m (33-50 ft) in November compared to the sub-5 m (16 ft) murk of the monsoon months, the difference between seeing reef fish and limestone formations clearly and seeing them through soup. Worth noting: Tour D, which covers Cadlao Lagoon and Bukal Beach, sees roughly a third of Tour A's traffic with comparable scenery. In November's moderate crowds, Tour D bookings sometimes remain available when Tour A has been claimed for days. The best conditions tend to fall mid-to-late November rather than the first week.
Coron Bay holds twelve Japanese warships sunk by a US airstrike in September 1944, now sitting at depths of 10-40 m (33-130 ft) beneath the surface, heavily encrusted with coral and patrolled by schools of jack and barracuda. November marks the start of the preferred diving window here, surface conditions calm, visibility climbs to 20 m or better (65 ft+), and the thermocline that keeps the deeper wrecks cold starts to stabilize. The Akitsushima is the flagship dive, a 118 m (387 ft) seaplane tender lying on its side with its crane still intact. The Irako, a refrigerated supply ship, is considered the most intact wreck in the group. For photographers, the Olympia Maru offers the best light penetration. Non-divers aren't shut out, the shallower wrecks are accessible for snorkeling with a mask and fins, the Skeleton Wreck in the 3-7 m (10-23 ft) range. Dive operators in Coron town typically offer both guided wreck dives and wreck snorkeling tours from the same departure jetty.
The 8.2 km (5.1 mile) navigable underground river runs through a UNESCO World Heritage site in St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, and the section open to tourists, roughly 4.7 km (2.9 miles), takes you through cathedral-sized chambers where stalactites drip into black water and the ceiling disappears into darkness above your paddle. The sound inside is the hollow echo of limestone and slow water. The air smells of damp rock and river mud. November's low rainfall means the river runs clear and the overland approach road through primary lowland forest isn't flooded, a real concern in October. The park enforces a strict daily visitor cap at 900 people, and permits routinely sell out 5-7 days ahead even in shoulder season. Getting here from El Nido takes about 5 hours by van, it's a full-day commitment from anywhere in Palawan except Puerto Princesa itself.
Kayangan Lake is technically a brackish stratified lake, the top 6 m (20 ft) is warm, clear, and fresh, fed by waterfalls from the limestone cliffs above. Below that, the temperature drops sharply where the saltwater layer begins, producing an optical shimmer visible from the surface that looks like heat rising off tarmac but underwater. Getting in requires a 30-minute hike up wooden stairs cut into the cliff face, emerging at a viewpoint over the bay that earns its reputation. November's dry-season arrival means the vegetation is lush from the wet season but the sky overhead is clearing fast, which produces better photographs than the hazy peak months. Twin Lagoon, nearby, is accessible through a low rock tunnel at low tide, you swim through in the dark for about 10 m (33 ft) and emerge into a private inland sea ringed by 30 m (98 ft) limestone walls. Timing the tides correctly is half the planning for Twin Lagoon; a guide familiar with Coron's tidal schedule is not optional.
Honda Bay has a different experience than El Nido or Coron, the protected bay's clusters of small islands sit in shallow, clear water with snorkeling in the 1-3 m (3-10 ft) range, suitable for non-swimmers and families who find the open-ocean crossings of the Calamian islands intimidating. Luli Island (the name translates to 'sinks and rises', it partially submerges at high tide and reemerges at low) is the day-trip centerpiece, with a sandbar you can wade across at the right hour. Pambato Reef has the bay's best hard-coral coverage. By November, the bay's typically calm waters get calmer still, and the morning departure from Puerto Princesa City means you're back before afternoon. It's a reasonable option for the day before or after a Puerto Princesa-based Underground River trip, the two make a logical two-day combination from the city without the 5-6 hour drive to El Nido.
Nacpan is a 4 km (2.5 mile) arc of pale sand backed by a dense line of coconut palms, about 45 km (28 miles) north of El Nido town on a road that's been paved and improved significantly. At the beach's northern end, a short walk over a low headland drops you onto Calitang, the other half of the twin beach, usually emptier, the two stretches separated by a rocky point with a viewpoint worth the 10-minute scramble. November brings Nacpan into its best light: the Amihan delivers a steady onshore breeze that keeps the heat manageable, the water is clear enough to see the sand bottom in waist-deep water, and the beach operates without the burned-white intensity of the March-April peak when the UV index climbs to 11 and the sand radiates heat off your feet by 10am. The northern Palawan coast around here is also a decent base for spotting fireflies on the mangrove river at Iwahig, about 15 km (9.3 miles) south of Puerto Princesa, boat tours run after dark when the mangroves light up in synchronized pulses.
November Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
November 1 and 2 are the most significant days in the Filipino Catholic calendar outside Christmas. In Puerto Princesa, the municipal cemetery near the city center fills with families who've traveled from across Palawan and the wider Philippines to clean and repaint grave markers, lay marigold and sampaguita flower arrangements, and keep overnight vigils with candles and food. By late evening on November 1, the cemetery resembles a festival, food vendors set up along the access road, music plays from battery-powered speakers, and families eat dinner beside the graves of relatives in a tradition that has more warmth than solemnity. For a visitor, it's an intimate window into Filipino life that no organized tour replicates. It's also practical: expect limited transport, reduced restaurant hours, and full hotels in Puerto Princesa on these two days. The atmosphere is welcoming to respectful visitors who understand they're observing something personal.
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See All Palawan Tours on ViatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Palawan in November?
November marks the start of Palawan's dry season as the northeast monsoon (amihan) displaces the wet southwest monsoon (habagat). Temperatures sit between 24–31°C (75–88°F), humidity drops noticeably compared to September and October, and rainfall decreases week by week. Sea conditions improve steadily — early November can still bring the odd squall, but by late November most days deliver calm, glassy water perfect for island hopping. Puerto Princesa typically dries out first; El Nido and the far north follow within two to three weeks.
Does November fall in Palawan's dry season?
Yes — November is generally considered the opening month of Palawan's dry season, which runs through to May. Unlike most of the Philippines, where the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain to the east coast, Palawan's north–south orientation shelters it from the amihan, making it one of the few Philippine destinations that truly shines in winter. That said, the very first week of November can be transitional, so pack a packable rain jacket if you're arriving before the 10th.
How does October weather in Palawan compare to November?
October sits squarely inside Palawan's wet season — seas are rougher, many tour operators in El Nido reduce or suspend their island-hopping schedules, and rainfall peaks. November is a significant upgrade: rain frequency drops sharply, the wind direction shifts, and the sea calms enough for reliable lagoon tours and snorkelling. Even arriving a few days into November rather than staying through late October can make a meaningful difference to what you're actually able to do.
What is the weather like across the Philippines in November?
November weather in the Philippines varies sharply by island group. Much of Luzon, the eastern Visayas, and eastern Mindanao are still in or entering typhoon season, with the northeast monsoon bringing heavy rain to exposed eastern coasts. Palawan is one of the standout exceptions — its geography shields it from the amihan and it transitions into dry season just as the rest of the archipelago gets wetter. If you're planning a November trip to the Philippines and flexibility exists, Palawan is arguably the smartest weather choice in the whole country.
How do you get to Palawan?
The main entry point is Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), served by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia from Manila in about one hour — fares start around ₱1,500–₱3,000 one-way when booked four to six weeks ahead. If you're heading directly to El Nido, Lio Airport (ENI) receives direct flights from Manila and Cebu, cutting out the otherwise 5–6 hour van ride north. Coron is also accessible by ferry from Manila (check locally for current schedules), though most travellers fly. Book for November as early as possible — the opening of dry season drives a spike in demand.
What is El Nido like, and is it worth the journey?
El Nido sits at the northern tip of Palawan beneath dramatic limestone karsts and is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago — a cluster of islands with hidden lagoons, white-sand bars, and some of the clearest water in Southeast Asia. The classic Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island) costs around ₱1,500–₱2,000 per person including lunch and is worth every peso. In November the weather is mostly cooperative, accommodation is easier to find than at Christmas, and boats are less overcrowded — it's close to an ideal time to visit.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?
December through April delivers the driest, sunniest days and is considered peak season — ideal for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Underground River), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where daily visitor numbers are strictly capped. November is an excellent shoulder-season alternative: the rains are ending, prices run 15–25% lower than December, and permits for the Underground River are easier to secure. Regardless of when you visit, book Underground River permits weeks in advance through the City Tourism Office or a licensed tour operator — they sell out.
What is Palawan like in September?
September is one of Palawan's most challenging months — it falls in the heart of the wet season, with persistent heavy rain, rough swells, and seas that regularly cancel island-hopping tours for days at a time. Some guesthouses in El Nido close outright in August and September, and those that stay open drop rates significantly. Unless you're chasing the lowest possible prices and don't mind a dramatically restricted itinerary, September is best swapped for November, when the weather turns reliably in your favour.
What is Palawan like as a destination?
Palawan is a 450km-long island province in the western Philippines and consistently ranks among Asia's — and the world's — top island destinations. It combines a UNESCO-listed underground river, spectacular karst limestone scenery, world-class wreck diving in Coron, and some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in Southeast Asia, all with a character that still feels less commercial than Bali or Phuket. Allow at least ten days to do it justice: Puerto Princesa and the Underground River in the south, and El Nido's island-hopping tours in the north, are both bucket-list experiences that deserve time rather than a rushed day visit.
Where should I stay in El Nido?
El Nido town itself has the widest range of accommodation and easy access to tour-booking shops, but the beach in town is narrow and the water close to the pier isn't ideal for swimming. Corong-Corong, about 2km south, offers better sunsets, calmer water, and a more relaxed pace while still being walkable or trikeable into town. For high-end stays, El Nido Resorts operates Lagen Island and Miniloc Island inside Bacuit Bay (all-inclusive from around $300–$400 per night — check current rates directly). Budget travellers heading to Nacpan Beach, around 45 minutes north, will find a stunning 4km white-sand beach with a genuine backpacker scene.
How crowded is Palawan in November compared to peak season?
November is one of the best-kept timing secrets in Palawan travel. The wet-season visitors have gone home, but the full Christmas–New Year surge doesn't arrive until mid-December — leaving a window of good weather and manageable crowds. Tour boats in El Nido that carry 20 people at Christmas often hold just 8–12 in November. Accommodation rates are typically 15–30% lower than peak, and there's far less competition for permits to the Underground River. If you want good weather without the holiday frenzy, mid-to-late November is the sweet spot.
What activities are best suited to a November visit to Palawan?
Island hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago (El Nido) is the headline draw — November's calming seas make the lagoon tours reliable from mid-month onward. In Coron, November marks the start of prime visibility season for the WWII Japanese shipwrecks, making it one of the top wreck-diving destinations in the world. Around Puerto Princesa, the Underground River tours, Honda Bay island day trips, and the Iwahig Firefly River night tour are all running smoothly. On dry-land, jungle treks to Ugong Rock Adventures near Port Barton add a worthwhile caving and zipline element to any itinerary.