Philippines, Asia
Palawan in October
Rain eases late in the month but storms are still possible. A gamble that sometimes pays.
The straight answer
October is a month of real tradeoffs in Palawan. Rain eases late in the month but storms are still possible. A gamble that sometimes pays.
- Weather
- Transitional, highs near 87F (31C), rain easing
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What October is like in Palawan
October is a transition month. Highs near 87F (31C) come with rain easing late in the month, but storms are still possible. Some days are great, others wet. Prices are low and crowds are light. The coast guard can still halt boats on rough days, so tours are not guaranteed.
This month is a gamble that sometimes pays. It suits flexible travelers who want low prices and can change plans. Build extra days into your plan and book refundable rooms. For better odds, wait for November, when the dry season arrives.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Palawan this month.
Late month improvement
Weather often gets better toward the end of October.
Low prices
Resorts are still at low season rates.
Quiet lagoons
When boats run, the lagoons are nearly empty.
What to pack for October
- A light rain jacket
- Reef shoes
- A dry bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Our timing tip
Book your trip for the last week of October, when the weather is more likely to improve.
Book Palawan for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in PalawanOpens a hotel search for Palawan in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Palawan?
October is a month of real tradeoffs in Palawan. Rain eases late in the month but storms are still possible. A gamble that sometimes pays.
What is the weather like in Palawan in October?
Transitional, highs near 87F (31C), rain easing.
Is Palawan crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in Palawan; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Palawan.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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