Palawan in April-May: Last of the Dry Season Tips

Palawan in April and May: The Last of the Dry Season

April and May in Palawan occupy a unique window. The dry season (Amihan, northeast monsoon) is winding down. Conditions are still good for island hopping but the first warning signs of the wet season southwest monsoon (Habagat) begin appearing in May. Here is how to navigate this shoulder season well.

April: Still Excellent Conditions

April in El Nido and Coron is warm (32-35 degrees Celsius daytime), still predominantly dry, and notably less crowded than January-March peak season. Accommodation prices start dropping from their January peak. Island hopping tours still operate daily. Visibility in the water: 15-25 metres, slightly reduced from January but still excellent. April is arguably the best value month in Palawan -- good weather, lower prices, manageable crowds.

May: The Transition Month

May in Palawan is when the character of the trip changes. Early May (first two weeks) is often still excellent -- clear skies, calm seas. From mid-May onwards: afternoon thunderstorms become more common, occasional rough sea days cancel island hopping tours, and the humidity climbs noticeably. Accommodation prices are at their lowest. If you are flexible and willing to accept occasional weather disruptions, May offers the best value in all of Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Underground River: Best in April-May

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River -- one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature -- is actually excellent to visit in April-May. The cave system is protected from external weather, so conditions inside are consistent year-round. But the boat journey along the coast to the cave entrance is calmer in April than in November-December peak season. Book permits 2-3 months ahead -- the river is capped at 900 visitors per day.

Coron in April-May: The Hidden Advantage

Coron in Busuanga Palawan has a different microclimate from El Nido. April-May in Coron tends to be slightly clearer than El Nido in the same period. The wreck diving visibility in Coron Bay is at its annual best in March-May -- calm conditions settle the silt from the January-February swell. World War 2 wrecks (Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Kogyo Maru, Irako) are legendary dive sites and April-May conditions optimise the visibility.

Practical Tips: April-May Palawan

• Book ferry and van transport from Puerto Princesa to El Nido 1-2 weeks ahead. Schedules remain regular through April. May sees some cancellations due to weather.
• Check DOT permit availability for Puerto Princesa Underground River via the official Palawan permit website
• Pack a light rain jacket for May -- brief afternoon showers are common
• Sunscreen: April-May Palawan has intense UV. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential for any water activity.

For island-hopping tours and dive packages in Palawan, see our Palawan tours section.