Palawan Weather & Climate: A Year-Round Guide for Travelers

Palawan, often called the Philippines' "last ecological frontier," possesses a tropical maritime climate defined by two primary seasons: the dry and the wet. Its unique geography—a long, narrow strip of land stretching toward Borneo—creates a weather profile that is distinct from the rest of the archipelago, offering a relatively stable environment shielded from many of the country's most severe natural disasters.

Seasonal Rhythm and Periodic Winds

The climate is dictated by two major monsoon systems that govern wind direction and moisture levels:

• The Dry Season (Amihan): Spanning from late November to May, this period is characterized by the Northeast Monsoon. These winds bring cooler, drier air from the north. February and March are typically the driest months, offering nearly cloudless skies and the calmest seas.
• The Wet Season (Habagat): From June to October, the Southwest Monsoon takes over, pulling warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean. While this is the "rainy" season, it rarely means constant downpours. Instead, the weather often follows a pattern of sunny mornings followed by intense, brief afternoon or evening thunderstorms.

Daily Climate Behavior

In Palawan, the daily weather is a predictable cycle. Mornings are generally bright and humid, with temperatures rising steadily until mid-afternoon. Because of its coastal nature, the island experiences significant sea breezes that moderate the midday heat.

As the sun sets, the land cools faster than the surrounding ocean, creating a land breeze. This transition often results in a "feel-good" cooling effect in the late evening. Even during the hottest months of April and May, nighttime temperatures drop to a comfortable 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F), while daytime highs can peak at 34°C (93°F).

Geographic Microclimates

Despite its small width, Palawan’s terrain creates notable weather variations:

• The East-West Divide: The central mountain range acts as a rain shadow. The west coast (facing the West Philippine Sea) generally experiences a more pronounced dry season. The east coast (facing the Sulu Sea) has a shorter dry season, often receiving more scattered rainfall throughout the year.
• Northern vs. Southern Palawan: Northern areas like Coron and El Nido are more exposed to open sea currents and can be slightly windier. Southern Palawan, including Puerto Princesa, tends to be more sheltered and resides further south of the typical typhoon belt, making it one of the most weather-stable regions in the Philippines.

Historical Context and Local Adaptation

Historically, Palawan was considered a "typhoon-free" zone. While it remains far safer than the northern islands of Luzon or the eastern Visayas, recent decades have seen a shift. Significant events, such as Super Typhoon Rai (Odette) in 2021, have taught locals to be more vigilant.

Local residents have adapted their livelihoods to these rhythms. Fishermen utilize the "Amihan" months for long-range expeditions when the water is glass-like, while farmers in the interior rely on the "Habagat" rains to nourish the island's lush rainforests. You will notice traditional architecture often features high-pitched roofs and open slats (bahay kubo style) to maximize cross-ventilation, a necessary adaptation to the year-round humidity, which averages 80%.

The "Feel" of the Weather

Understanding Palawan's weather requires looking beyond the thermometer. During the peak of the dry season (April/May), the "RealFeel" temperature can be significantly higher than the recorded 32°C due to the high humidity. Conversely, during the Amihan months (December/January), the wind chill from the northeast can make a boat trip feel surprisingly brisk, especially when moving at high speeds across the water.

When the rains do come, they transform the landscape into a vibrant, deep green. The air becomes incredibly fresh, and the scent of damp earth and tropical blooms—known locally as alimuom—defines the sensory experience of the wet season.