Palawan in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Palawan
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-monsoon clarity creates exceptional underwater visibility (25-30m/82-98ft) for diving and snorkeling around El Nido and Philippines - visibility peaks in October before tourism crowds return
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 30-40% from December peak rates, with luxury resorts in El Nido offering promotions before high season
- Rice harvest season brings busy golden paddies across central Palawan, creating impressive photography opportunities especially in the Taytay region during early morning hours
- Calmer seas after September storms make island-hopping tours more reliable - cancellation rates drop to under 15% compared to 40% in August-September
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days between 2-5pm, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup plans for outdoor activities
- High humidity (70-80%) makes midday hiking uncomfortable - trails like Mount Tapyas in Philippines feel significantly more strenuous than in cooler months
- Some remote island resorts in Bacuit Bay close for annual maintenance during early October, limiting accommodation options in premium categories
Best Activities in October
El Nido Island Hopping Tours
October offers the year's clearest waters with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility and calmer seas following the monsoon. Tour boats rarely cancel due to weather (under 15% cancellation rate vs 40% in wet season). The famous lagoons like Big and Small Lagoon have fewer crowds than peak season while maintaining perfect conditions for swimming and kayaking.
Coron Wreck Diving Expeditions
Post-monsoon conditions create exceptional visibility at the Japanese WWII wrecks, with water temperatures holding steady at 28°C (82°F). October marks the beginning of optimal diving season before the December tourist rush. The Okikawa Maru and Irako wrecks offer their clearest photography conditions of the year.
Underground River National Park Tours
October's lower rainfall reduces the muddy runoff that can cloud the underground river during peak monsoon months. The 8.2km (5.1-mile) navigable river system shows clearer rock formations, and the 45-minute boat tour operates with minimal weather delays. Tourist numbers remain manageable before the November-April peak season.
Balabac Island Wildlife Photography
October marks optimal conditions for spotting the endangered Balabac mouse-deer (Tragulus nigricans) as post-monsoon vegetation provides clear sightlines while animals remain active. The 3-hour (90km/56-mile) boat journey from Rio Tuba is most reliable in October's calmer seas, with crossing success rates above 90%.
Taytay Rice Terrace Trekking
October coincides with rice harvest season, transforming Taytay's terraced landscapes into golden photo opportunities. The 5km (3.1-mile) trail network through Barangay Pancol offers comfortable morning hiking at 26°C (79°F) before afternoon humidity peaks. Local farmers welcome visitors during harvest activities from 6-10am.
Puerto Princesa Mangrove Paddle Tours
October's transitional weather creates ideal kayaking conditions in the Sabang mangrove channels, with calmer waters and reduced rainfall compared to the monsoon months. The 2-hour guided paddle through 12km (7.5 miles) of protected waterways offers excellent wildlife spotting as birds return after seasonal migrations.
October Events & Festivals
Baragatan Festival
Puerto Princesa's harvest thanksgiving festival celebrates Palawan's cultural diversity with street dancing, trade fairs featuring local products like cashews and honey, and traditional boat races in Puerto Princesa Bay. Local communities showcase indigenous crafts and regional cuisine unavailable during regular tourist seasons.
Cashew Harvest Season
October marks peak cashew harvesting across northern Palawan municipalities like Taytay and El Nido. Visitors can participate in picking and processing activities at family-run farms, learning traditional roasting techniques and purchasing premium nuts directly from producers at 40% below retail prices.