Philippines, Asia

Palawan in August

Rough seas and grey skies on the west coast. Cheap, but you may spend days waiting for boats.

Think twiceWet and windy, highs near 86F (30C)

El Nido Palawan, Philippines — PalawanPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Palawan. Rough seas and grey skies on the west coast. Cheap, but you may spend days waiting for boats.

Weather: Wet and windy, highs near 86F (30C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What August is like in Palawan

August is wet and windy, with highs near 86F (30C). Rough seas and gray skies cover the west coast, and island hopping is often canceled. Prices are very low. Some resorts in remote areas are closed or on reduced service. The good news is that the forests are lush and the towns are quiet.

This is another month to avoid unless you are on a tight budget and flexible. You may spend days waiting for boats, and visibility for snorkeling is poor after heavy rain. For calm seas and clear water, go in February or March.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Palawan this month.

Rock-bottom prices

Deals on resorts and flights are the honest reason to come.

Green landscapes

The rains make the hills and forests very lush.

Puerto Princesa city

The city offers restaurants and markets for rainy days.

What to pack for August

A rain jacket
Quick-dry clothes
A dry bag
Waterproof sandals

Our timing tip

Book everything refundable and keep extra days in your plan.

Book Palawan for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Palawan
Opens a hotel search for Palawan in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Palawan
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Palawan
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Palawan for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Palawan

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Permits are limited per day and required. Book through an accredited operator or the city permit office ahead of time.

Tickets and tours →

Tubbataha Reefs

Liveaboard only, and only in the calm season from about mid March to mid June. Book a year ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Port Barton

A slow village beach town between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, with island hopping minus the crowds.

Tickets and tours →

Nacpan Beach

A long golden beach north of El Nido town. Go on a weekday afternoon.

Tickets and tours →

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 August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Palawan?

August is a month to think twice about visiting Palawan. Rough seas and grey skies on the west coast. Cheap, but you may spend days waiting for boats.

What is the weather like in Palawan in August?

Wet and windy, highs near 86F (30C).

Is Palawan crowded in August?

August is one of the quieter months in Palawan; most sights can be done without long waits.