Philippines, Asia
Palawan in September
Still monsoon season. Coron's sheltered bays sometimes fare better than El Nido's open coast.
The straight answer
September is a month of real tradeoffs in Palawan. Still monsoon season. Coron's sheltered bays sometimes fare better than El Nido's open coast.
- Weather
- Wet, highs near 87F (31C), heavy rain
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What September is like in Palawan
September is still monsoon season, with highs near 87F (31C) and heavy rain. Coron's sheltered bays sometimes fare better than El Nido's open coast. Crowds are at their lowest and prices are very low. Boat trips are often canceled, and the Underground River can close in bad weather. Some small resorts in remote areas close or cut services.
This month suits only very flexible budget travelers. Families and first-timers should wait for November or later. If you do go, base yourself in Coron, book refundable, and keep a few spare days for waiting out storms.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Palawan this month.
Coron's sheltered water
Coron's bays can still offer some boat days when El Nido is shut.
Empty resorts
Quiet beaches and very low prices.
Lush green hills
The island is at its greenest.
What to pack for September
- A rain jacket
- A dry bag
- Quick-dry clothes
- Mosquito repellent
Our timing tip
Choose Coron over El Nido this month for better odds of getting on the water.
Book Palawan for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in PalawanOpens a hotel search for Palawan in September, 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 September. 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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Palawan?
September is a month of real tradeoffs in Palawan. Still monsoon season. Coron's sheltered bays sometimes fare better than El Nido's open coast.
What is the weather like in Palawan in September?
Wet, highs near 87F (31C), heavy rain.
Is Palawan crowded in September?
September 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 September
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.