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Best time to visit El Nido: month by month
Short answer
December to May is the best time: the dry season, with calm seas especially from February to April and highs of 29–31°C. June to October is the south-west monsoon, with 23–28 rainy days a month, rough seas and frequent tour cancellations, but lower prices. Christmas and Holy Week are the busiest times.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°C | 25°C | 16 | high |
| Feb | 29°C | 25°C | 10 | high |
| Mar | 30°C | 25°C | 14 | high |
| Apr | 30°C | 26°C | 20 | very high |
| May | 31°C | 26°C | 25 | medium |
| Jun | 30°C | 26°C | 25 | low |
| Jul | 30°C | 26°C | 26 | low |
| Aug | 30°C | 26°C | 23 | low |
| Sep | 29°C | 25°C | 28 | low |
| Oct | 30°C | 25°C | 27 | low |
| Nov | 30°C | 26°C | 24 | medium |
| Dec | 30°C | 26°C | 18 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Mar–May
Hot and dry with highs of 30–31°C and calm, clear water; the best months for boat tours, though April–May get very hot and Holy Week is crowded.
Jun–Aug
The monsoon brings rain on most days (23–26 rainy days) and rougher seas; tours can be cancelled, but prices fall and the land is green.
Sep–Nov
The wettest time, with 24–28 rainy days a month and typhoon risk until November; conditions improve in late November.
Dec–Feb
Dry season begins, with 10–18 rainy days and highs of about 29–30°C; Christmas and New Year are very busy.
Events worth planning around
- Holy Week (March or April), when Filipino visitors fill Palawan
- Christmas and New Year, the peak holiday season
- Chinese New Year (January or February)
When to avoid
Avoid July to October if boat tours are the reason for your trip: the monsoon and typhoons bring rough seas and many cancellations.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit El Nido?
February to April for the calmest seas and driest weather.
Can I visit El Nido in the rainy season?
Yes, but tours are often cancelled from July to October. Allow spare days and accept the risk; prices are lower.
When should I book the Big Lagoon?
A day or two ahead in high season; your agency reserves the time slot when you book Tour A.