Philippines, Asia
Palawan in March
Excellent for island hopping and diving. Tubbataha's liveaboard season opens in mid March.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Palawan. Excellent for island hopping and diving. Tubbataha's liveaboard season opens in mid March.
- Weather
- Hot and dry, highs near 90F (32C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Palawan
March is hot and dry, with highs near 90F (32C). Seas are calm, and island hopping and diving are excellent. Tubbataha's liveaboard season opens in mid-March, the only time boats can cross to the reefs. Holy Week sometimes falls in March, bringing a wave of domestic travelers, the highest prices, and some business closures on Good Friday.
This month suits divers, snorkelers, and families who want sunny boat days. Look up the Holy Week dates for your year and avoid them if you want calm towns and better prices. For the lowest humidity, go in February.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Palawan this month.
Tubbataha season opens
From mid-March, liveaboards can reach the Tubbataha Reefs. Book a year ahead.
Calm seas everywhere
El Nido and Coron tours run reliably in the dry season.
Skeleton Wreck snorkeling
The shallow Coron wreck is easy for snorkelers to see.
What to pack for March
- A rash guard
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A dry bag
- Electrolyte packets for hot days
Our timing tip
Check the dates of Holy Week for your year, and book around it if you want lower prices.
Book Palawan for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in PalawanOpens a hotel search for Palawan in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Palawan?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Palawan. Excellent for island hopping and diving. Tubbataha's liveaboard season opens in mid March.
What is the weather like in Palawan in March?
Hot and dry, highs near 90F (32C).
Is Palawan crowded in March?
Palawan is busy in March, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Palawan in March?
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 March
Before you book.
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