Table of Contents
General Info
At around 33C all year round, it is a wonderful place to visit (check out our article on the best times to visit). The rainy season generally kicks in from June until around mid December, although often only for a short while during the day, or only at night when you are sleeping. The winds and waves can get a bit rough from December through to the end of February, but you can wear a snorkel mask to protect your eyes from any salt water splashing in your face.
For your belongings there is a watertight compartment under the hull, space in the captain’s chamber, and above, with plenty of plastic tarps to keep your stuff dry. In any case, it is always advisable to bring water bags for your sensitive electronics and which are readily available for a few bucks in Coron and El Nido.
The following are weather reports for the Linapacan area, half way along our regular route between Sibaltan (El Nido) and Coron. The section between Linapacan and Coron is generally more open ocean and rougher than the section between El Nido/Sibaltan and Linapacan, where there are a lot more islands.
You can check out the seven day forecast for the Qi Palawan weather station, north east of El Nido. The winds are generally calmer there, but it can serve as a guideline for a seven day forecast.
If the boat operator feels that the conditions are too extreme and unsafe, they might pause your tour for a day or two (no extra charge for you, only food and accommodation). The boat is their lifeblood and they will not risk losing it for a little income, and the coast guards are strict as well. Check here for our cancellation policy.
Government forecast website
The above is tropical cyclone information for a given year. Click on the image to take you to the government website and the latest info. Or the following for a two week tropical cyclone threat potential forecast.
The peak typhoon season in the Philippines typically occurs from July through October. This period is when the country experiences the majority of its typhoon activity, due to the warmer sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions that allow tropical cyclones to develop and intensify in the Pacific Ocean. Typhoons during these months can be particularly strong and have historically caused significant impacts in terms of rainfall, winds, and resultant flooding and damage.
Generally though the typhoons go around the north tip of the country and hit the east coast the hardest. By the time they get around to the Palawan area, they are generally tame and you only get the tail end of them, the main body moving on towards Vietnam and mainland China. I survived 8 typhoons last year and only about two of them actually went straight through this area, or nearby, but even then it was quite manageable and even invigorating.
Annual trade winds
From May until October the Habagat trade winds blow from the southwest. They are rather sporadic and unpredictable, but can produce strong winds.
From November until April the Amihan trade winds blow from the northeast but are much more consistent and stronger. They flow around the island to produce onshore winds on the west side but which are generally subdued and ideal for beginners and intermediates. This is generally the best time of year to come, as it is the tourist high season, it almost never rains and there are no bugs. Many of our guests sleep on the beach under the clear stars.
You can join or book one of our private custom Palawan boat tours between El Nido and Coron. Tons of paradise beach islands to see along the way, excellent snorkeling in crystal clear waters, caves to explore, Spanish fortress and much more. Completely off the beaten path!
Experience the thrill of island hopping in the Philippines
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