Palawan in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Palawan

31°C (88°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at peak beauty - September's rains transform Palawan into its most photogenic state with waterfalls at full flow and vegetation busy
Fewer crowds than dry season months - tourist numbers drop 40% compared to December-March, meaning shorter lines at Underground River and more space on island tours
Lower accommodation rates - hotels offer 15-25% discounts compared to peak season, with flash sales common for last-minute bookings
Perfect conditions for waterfall activities - Nagkalit-kalit and Tamraw Falls are at their most spectacular with strong water flow, ideal for swimming and photography

Considerations

Unpredictable rain patterns - afternoon downpours can last 1-3 hours and may disrupt island hopping tours, requiring flexible scheduling
Higher humidity levels at 75% - outdoor activities feel more strenuous, especially between 11am-3pm when temperatures peak
Occasional rough seas - west coast beaches like Nacpan can have choppy conditions 3-4 days per week, limiting some water sports

Best Activities in September

Underground River Tours

September's moderate crowds mean 30-45 minute wait times instead of 2+ hours during peak season. The river system stays accessible year-round, and cooler cave temperatures (22°C/72°F) provide welcome relief from humidity. Morning tours (8-10am) have the best lighting and smallest groups.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through accredited operators. Tours cost ฿1,200-1,800 including transfers from Puerto Princesa. Choose morning slots to avoid afternoon rain disruptions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

El Nido Island Hopping Tours

September offers calmer lagoon conditions compared to monsoon months, though expect 1-2 weather delays per week. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon) works best as these protected areas stay accessible even with light rain. The reduced crowds mean better photo opportunities at iconic spots.

Booking Tip: Book flexible tours that can reschedule for weather. Standard island hopping costs ฿1,500-2,200 per person. Choose operators with covered boats and indoor lunch areas. Current tour availability varies - check the booking widget below.

Coron Lake and Wreck Diving

September's transitional weather creates ideal diving conditions with 20-25m (65-82ft) visibility underwater. Lake Kayangan and Barracuda Lake maintain perfect temperatures year-round. Wreck sites stay accessible 85% of days, and marine life is active due to nutrient-rich waters from recent rains.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range ฾3,500-5,500 for 2-tank dives including lunch. Book with PADI-certified operators offering flexible rescheduling. Lake tours cost ฾1,800-2,500. Check current operator options in booking section below.

Puerto Princesa City Food Tours

September's rains make covered food markets particularly appealing. This is mango season's tail end, plus rambutan and lanzones are at peak ripeness. Evening food tours (6-9pm) avoid afternoon showers while showcasing night markets at their liveliest. Tamilok (woodworm) season is excellent now.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost ฾800-1,200 per person including tastings. Choose evening tours with covered stops. Tricycle food tours (฾1,500-2,000) provide rain protection. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend tours. See booking options below.

Waterfall Trekking Adventures

September rains create spectacular waterfall conditions. Nagkalit-kalit Falls has strong flow perfect for swimming, while Tamraw Falls offers the best natural pools. Trek difficulty increases slightly due to muddy trails, but waterfalls are at 100% capacity compared to 30% during dry months.

Booking Tip: Guided waterfall tours cost ฾1,800-2,800 including transport and lunch. Book with operators providing proper trekking gear and safety equipment. Early morning starts (6am) beat both heat and afternoon rains. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Firefly Watching River Cruises

September's humidity and evening warmth create perfect firefly conditions along Iwahig River. Peak activity occurs during the 7-9pm window when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Mangrove vegetation is lush from recent rains, supporting larger firefly populations than dry season months.

Booking Tip: Evening firefly tours cost ฾600-900 per person including dinner. Book tours with covered boats for rain protection. Best viewing occurs on clear evenings after afternoon showers. Tours run nightly but book 2-3 days ahead. Current options available in booking widget below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Pista y ang Kagueban (Forest Festival)

Puerto Princesa's environmental awareness celebration featuring tree planting activities, eco-tourism exhibits, and traditional performances. Local communities showcase sustainable practices and visitors can participate in reforestation efforts around the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing in breathable fabrics - cotton and linen work better than synthetic materials in 75% humidity conditions

Lightweight waterproof jacket with ventilation - afternoon showers last 1-3 hours and umbrellas are impractical for outdoor activities

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for island hopping and waterfall activities where sudden rain is common

SPF 50+ sunscreen in waterproof formula - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during tours

Comfortable water shoes with good grip - wet rocks around waterfalls and boat entries become slippery in September conditions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - increased humidity and standing water from rains boost mosquito populations, especially at dusk

Portable power bank in waterproof case - humid conditions drain batteries faster and charging opportunities are limited on island tours

Light cotton pants for evening - provides mosquito protection while staying cool in humid temperatures

Hat with chin strap - afternoon winds during rain squalls can be strong, especially on boat tours

Personal toiletries including anti-fungal powder - high humidity can cause skin issues, particularly for feet in wet shoes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations with strong air conditioning and backup generators - September power outages increase 30% due to storms, and humidity makes rooms uncomfortable without cooling

Schedule outdoor activities for early morning (6-9am) when humidity is lowest and afternoon rains haven't started - locals avoid outdoor work between 11am-3pm

Carry small denomination bills (₱20, ₱50) in waterproof wallet - many island tour operators and tricycle drivers can't make change for ₱500+ notes, especially in remote areas

Download offline maps and translation apps before touring - cell coverage drops during storms and internet can be spotty for 2-3 days after heavy rains

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking rigid itineraries without weather flexibility - September requires 1-2 backup days for weather delays, especially for multi-island tours

Packing only summer clothes - evenings can feel cool (25°C/77°F) after air conditioning exposure and you'll want coverage from mosquitoes

Expecting consistent boat schedules - rough seas can delay or cancel western coast tours, always confirm departure times the evening before