Philippines, Asia
Palawan in April
Glassy seas and full sun. Holy Week often falls in March or April and is the busiest domestic travel week of the year.
The straight answer
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Palawan. Glassy seas and full sun. Holy Week often falls in March or April and is the busiest domestic travel week of the year.
- Weather
- Hottest month, highs near 92F (33C), very dry
- Crowds
- 5 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What April is like in Palawan
April is the hottest month, with highs near 92F (33C) and very dry weather. Seas are glassy and the sun is full, making it perfect for boat days and diving. Holy Week often falls in April, and it is the busiest domestic travel week of the year. El Nido and Coron fill up, prices peak, and some businesses close on Good Friday.
This month suits divers and beach lovers who can handle heat. It is great for Tubbataha liveaboards. Families should plan early starts and midday shade. If you want fewer people, avoid Holy Week or come in February instead.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Palawan this month.
Glassy seas
The flattest water of the year makes island hopping a breeze.
Tubbataha liveaboards
Peak conditions for diving the remote reefs in the Sulu Sea.
Coron's wrecks
Clear, calm water makes the World War II wrecks easy to explore.
What to pack for April
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- A rash guard and hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
Our timing tip
Book everything months ahead if your dates fall during Holy Week.
Book Palawan for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in PalawanOpens a hotel search for Palawan in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in PalawanWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in PalawanTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Palawan for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
The week before Easter, usually March or April
Filipinos travel en masse. El Nido and Coron are full, prices peak, and some businesses close on Good Friday.
Tubbataha dive season
Roughly mid March to mid June
The only window when liveaboards can cross the Sulu Sea to the reefs.
Things to do in Palawan
El Nido island hopping (Tours A to D)
Tour A covers the Big and Small Lagoons. Boats need coast guard clearance and are cancelled in rough seas, so book early in your stay.
Coron: Kayangan Lake and the wrecks
Kayangan's viewpoint is best early before the boats arrive. Wreck dives suit certified divers; snorkelers can see the shallower Skeleton Wreck.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Permits are limited per day and required. Book through an accredited operator or the city permit office ahead of time.
Tubbataha Reefs
Liveaboard only, and only in the calm season from about mid March to mid June. Book a year ahead.
Port Barton
A slow village beach town between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, with island hopping minus the crowds.
Nacpan Beach
A long golden beach north of El Nido town. Go on a weekday afternoon.
Beat the crowds
- Do El Nido's Tour A as early as operators allow, or charter a private boat and run the route in reverse to hit the lagoons before the big groups.
- Avoid Holy Week, Christmas to New Year, and Chinese New Year week; resorts fill and prices jump.
- Split the trip between a busy hub and a quiet base like Port Barton or San Vicente.
- Book a few buffer days. In shoulder months, boat cancellations for rough seas can knock out a day or two of tours.
Know before you go
- The coast guard cancels island hopping and ferry trips when seas are rough, most often from June to October.
- The Puerto Princesa Underground River has limited daily permits and can close in bad weather or for maintenance; confirm your slot.
- El Nido charges an environmental fee (the Ecotourism Development Fee) for island hopping; keep your receipt for the length of your stay.
- Some small resorts in remote areas close or reduce services during the rainy season.
Palawan in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Palawan?
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Palawan. Glassy seas and full sun. Holy Week often falls in March or April and is the busiest domestic travel week of the year.
What is the weather like in Palawan in April?
Hottest month, highs near 92F (33C), very dry.
Is Palawan crowded in April?
April is peak crowd season in Palawan; expect lines at the headline sights.
What is happening in Palawan in April?
Holy Week (Semana Santa) (the week before easter, usually march or april); Tubbataha dive season (roughly mid march to mid june).
Keep planning Palawan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
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