Philippines, Asia

Palawan in January

Calm seas and blue skies. Early January still carries holiday crowds; the second half is prime.

BestDry and sunny, highs near 88F (31C), breezy

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Palawan. Calm seas and blue skies. Early January still carries holiday crowds; the second half is prime.

Weather: Dry and sunny, highs near 88F (31C), breezy
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Palawan

January in Palawan brings calm seas, blue skies, and a steady breeze. Highs sit near 88F (31C), and the dry season is in full swing, so El Nido island hopping and Coron boat trips run smoothly. The first days of the month still carry the Christmas and New Year crowds, when prices are the highest of the year. By mid-month, things settle into prime season with slightly softer rates.

This month suits families with older kids, couples, and first-timers who want easy boat days and clear water. Book early, since resorts fill up. If you want the same weather with lower prices, look at the second half of January or early February, and skip the holiday week unless you book months ahead.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Palawan this month.

El Nido Tour A in calm water

The Big and Small Lagoons are glassy and easy to paddle in dry season breezes.

Kayangan Lake early

Coron's famous viewpoint is best before the boats arrive, and January mornings are clear.

Nacpan Beach

The long golden beach north of El Nido is ideal on a weekday afternoon.

What to pack for January

Reef shoes for coral beaches
A rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen
A dry bag for boat days
A light long-sleeve shirt for sun on the water

Our timing tip

Book island hopping tours for the start of your stay, so you have spare days if a trip is canceled.

Book Palawan for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Palawan
Opens a hotel search for Palawan in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Christmas and New Year

Mid December to early January

The Philippines celebrates one of the longest Christmas seasons anywhere. Beaches and boats book out, with the highest prices of the year.

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Palawan?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Palawan. Calm seas and blue skies. Early January still carries holiday crowds; the second half is prime.

What is the weather like in Palawan in January?

Dry and sunny, highs near 88F (31C), breezy.

Is Palawan crowded in January?

Palawan is busy in January, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Palawan in January?

Christmas and New Year (mid december to early january).