The Best Time to Visit Palawan for Island Hopping
Palawan is worth visiting most of the year, but for multi-day island hopping the season genuinely matters — it decides how calm the sea is, how clear the water is, and how many boats you'll share a beach with. Here's the honest breakdown.
The short answer
The dry season, roughly late November to May, is the best time for island hopping. Calmer seas, reliable sun, and the clearest underwater visibility.
Month by month
| Period | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Feb | Dry, peak | Best weather, busiest, book early |
| Mar – May | Dry, hot | Calm seas, great visibility, fewer crowds |
| Jun – Sep | Wet | Green, quiet, cheaper; occasional storms |
| Oct – Nov | Shoulder | Transitional; can be excellent value |
The sweet spot
If we had to pick, March to early May is the sweet spot: the sea is at its calmest for the open-water crossings around Linapacan, visibility peaks, and the Christmas–New Year crowds have thinned out.
When to book
Because our expeditions run in small groups, dry-season dates fill up first — especially December through Easter. If you're targeting peak months, reserve several weeks ahead.
Planning the trip itself? See our El Nido to Coron expedition guide and the Linapacan island hopping guide.
Know your dates? Check our upcoming departures.