Palawan in May
Great time to visit
Hot and sticky but still doable with smart planning around the heat. Fewer tourists mean better deals and less crowded attractions, though you'll work harder to stay comfortable.
Weather
May cranks up the heat with the year's highest temperatures, but it's still technically dry season. Humidity reaches 85% making it feel sultry, especially midday. Short, intense afternoon storms become regular but don't last long.
34°C high27°C low10 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$65/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Flores de Mayo celebrations
- •Labor Day holiday
- •Pre-monsoon environmental monitoring
May Tips
- •Book air-conditioned accommodations - you'll need the relief
- •Island hopping works best early morning (6-10am) before heat peaks
- •Hydrate constantly and seek shade during 11am-3pm
All Months
December through May delivers Palawan's sweet spot - dry skies, calm seas, and perfect visibility for diving. But timing matters more than you think.
December and January see the biggest crowds and highest prices. Book accommodations months ahead, especially for Christmas and New Year's. The weather stays gorgeous, but expect tour boats packed like sardine cans.
February through April offers the best balance. Seas stay calm for island-hopping, temperatures hover around 28°C, and you'll actually find space on those Instagram-famous lagoons. March and April get hot - bring serious sun protection.
May starts the transition to wet season. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in, but mornings often stay clear. Prices drop, crowds thin, and you might score that perfect lagoon shot without 50 other boats.
June through November? Forget it. Monsoon rains cancel tours, seas turn choppy, and many resorts close entirely. Some diehards visit during shoulder months (June and November) for rock-bottom prices, but you're gambling with weather.
Pro tip: book tours the day before, never in advance. Weather changes fast, and flexibility saves your vacation.
Palawan Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
9/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
7/10
BUILD YOUR PALAWAN PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.