Palawan in November 2026: Weather, Crowds and What to Expect
November is when Palawan’s dry season officially begins, and for travelers with flexibility, it’s one of the most underrated months to visit. The weather is improving week by week, the Christmas holiday crowd hasn’t arrived yet, and the accommodation prices are still pre-peak. But it’s not without trade-offs. Here’s the honest breakdown for November in Palawan.
Palawan November Weather: What’s Actually Happening
November marks the transition from the southwest monsoon (Habagat, June to October) to the northeast monsoon (Amihan, November to May). For El Nido on Palawan’s northwest coast, this means the rain gradually eases and the winds swing to the northeast, which leaves Bacuit Bay in the lee of the mainland and makes sea conditions calmer as the month goes on.
Early November (weeks one and two) often still carries some wet weather from the tail end of the Habagat. You can expect occasional afternoon showers, overcast mornings, and seas that are calmer than October but not yet at their December-April best. By mid-November, the weather is usually solidly improving, and late November (the last two weeks) typically feels like genuine dry season: sunny, warm, and good for island hopping.
The PAGASA weather service tracks the seasonal transition in real time, and checking it a few days before your trip gives you a better picture than any general guide can. In most years, the Amihan establishes itself firmly in Palawan by the second or third week of November.
Temperature in November: between 26°C and 32°C during the day, cooling slightly at night. Humidity is lower than October and drops further through the month. For most travelers from temperate climates, November in Palawan feels warm and comfortable rather than oppressive.
El Nido in November
For El Nido specifically, November is one of those months where the experience varies significantly depending on when exactly you arrive. A trip in the first week of November carries real risk of tour cancellations due to choppy seas. A trip in the last two weeks of November is likely to give you good-to-excellent island hopping conditions.
The practical implication: if you’re visiting in early November, keep your schedule flexible and don’t book non-refundable transport or accommodation that locks you into specific days. If you’re visiting in late November, you can plan more confidently. Our team behind the El Nido tour packages can usually advise on current sea conditions when you contact us ahead of your trip.
The crowds in November are noticeably lower than December through February. The lagoons at Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are less congested, and you’re more likely to get good morning access without a crowd forming by 9am. This is actually one of the better reasons to choose November: more space in the places that are always busy in peak season.
Insider tip: If you visit El Nido in early November and conditions are rough, prioritize Tour A (Big Lagoon) and a Nacpan Beach day trip. Tour A stays in sheltered water, while Tour C runs through open water and is the first route to be cut short when the wind is up. Check our Tour A guide for what’s included and what conditions affect it.
Coron in November
Coron sits in the Calamian Islands north of mainland Palawan. The lakes themselves, like Kayangan and Barracuda, are sheltered, but you still need a boat to reach them, and boat trips can be suspended on windy days. Keep one spare day in your Coron plan in November, the same as in El Nido.
Wreck diving in Coron in November is still possible but may be limited to shallower wrecks on rougher days. The main lakes (Kayangan, Barracuda) are relatively sheltered and accessible most of November regardless of sea conditions. Island hopping tours to the outer islands may face cancellations in early November.
Late November in Coron is usually excellent, with calmer water and the start of peak visibility for wreck diving. If diving is your reason for going to Coron, late November through April is the window.
November Crowds and Prices
November is shoulder season in Palawan: past the wet season but before the Christmas-New Year peak. In practical terms, this means:
Accommodation is available without much advance notice, and rates are usually lower than the December-January peak. Some guesthouses and resorts run shoulder-season promos. El Nido’s eco fee doesn’t change by season: it’s ₱400 (since June 2024) and valid for 10 days, so the only real savings come from accommodation.
Tour availability is high. In November you can generally book an island hopping tour 1 to 2 days in advance without issues. In December, January, and February, the same tours book out faster and require more lead time. This flexibility is a genuine November advantage for spontaneous travelers.
Restaurants and cafes in El Nido town are operating normally but without the December queues. You can walk in to most places without a wait. The town feels calmer and more like a community than a tourist operation.
One more November planning note: since March 29, 2026, flights to El Nido leave from Clark International Airport, not NAIA, according to the Cebu Pacific advisory. If you’re flying from Manila, either get yourself to Clark or fly NAIA to Puerto Princesa and take the van north.
What to Pack for Palawan in November
Pack for a mix of sunshine and occasional rain in early November, and for reliable dry season by late November. Regardless of timing, you’ll want:
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, since you’ll be swimming over live coral in a protected area, and it’s cheaper to buy before you arrive. Rash guards are practical for full-day sun exposure on boats. A light rain jacket or packable poncho is useful for early November when afternoon showers are still possible. Quick-dry clothes are standard for any Palawan trip, especially on boat days.
Water shoes help at rocky entry points to some lagoons and beaches. A dry bag or waterproof case for your phone and electronics is essential on any island hopping boat regardless of month.
November vs Other Months: How It Compares
November vs December
December has more reliable weather (the Amihan is fully established) but significantly more tourists and higher prices from December 20 onward. For weather that’s good but not guaranteed perfect, November beats the crowd. For certainty and festive atmosphere, December wins.
November vs October
October is still wet season, particularly in the first half. November is always better than October for Palawan travel. If your choice is between those two months, November is the clear call.
November vs April/May
April and May are late dry season with consistently excellent weather but also warm humidity and higher domestic tourist numbers (Holy Week and summer holidays). November offers similar weather quality in the second half of the month with lower crowds. Both are good choices; the decision often comes down to your personal calendar.
Specific Advice by Destination
Puerto Princesa in November
Puerto Princesa is on Palawan’s east coast, facing the Sulu Sea, and is relatively sheltered. November is generally fine here. The Underground River needs a permit booked ahead, and trips can be suspended when the sea at Sabang is rough, so keep a backup day. The Honda Bay island hopping is also available in November.
Port Barton in November
Port Barton sits on Palawan’s west coast and is exposed to southwest swells in late wet season. November can be variable for Port Barton’s island hopping. Check conditions locally when you arrive.
If seas are rough, the mainland beaches around Port Barton itself are still accessible and pleasant. Our Port Barton island hopping guide has more on what to expect.
El Nido in November
As covered above: late November is significantly better than early November. If you have flexibility, aim for November 15 onward for the best conditions in Bacuit Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Palawan?
Yes, especially the second half of November. The dry season is starting, crowds haven’t peaked yet, and prices are below December levels. Early November carries some residual wet season weather that clears by mid-month.
Can you go island hopping in El Nido in November?
Yes, with the caveat that early November can see occasional rough days that limit tours. By mid-November, island hopping is generally available and conditions are improving daily. Tour A stays in sheltered water and runs in a wider range of conditions than open-water Tour C.
Is it raining in Palawan in November?
Decreasing rain through the month. Early November can still have afternoon showers. By late November, Palawan is largely rain-free and entering its best season. The wet season officially ends with the arrival of the Amihan trade winds, which typically settle into Palawan by mid-November in most years.
What is the water like in El Nido in November?
Sea temperature is warm (27-29°C). Underwater visibility improves through November as the wet season runoff clears. By late November, snorkeling visibility is approaching the December-April peak of 15 to 20 meters at the better sites.
Should I book accommodation and tours in advance for November in Palawan?
Less urgently than December-February. November is shoulder season and availability is generally good. That said, booking island hopping tours a few days ahead is always sensible, and good accommodation still benefits from advance reservation, especially for weekends.
Helpful External Resources
Heading to El Nido in November? Our El Nido tour packages run whenever conditions allow, and we can advise on sea conditions before your tour day. Contact us at CMT Ticketing and Services with your travel dates and we’ll help you plan around November’s variable start-of-season conditions. You can also reach us on Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.