Palawan Diving Season: Your Complete Guide to Visibility, Weather & Marine Life

Let's cut through the noise. You're searching for the best time to dive Palawan because you've seen the pictures – the crystal water, the jaw-dropping walls, the wrecks, the sharks. You want that. But planning a trip to the Philippines' last frontier can feel overwhelming. Dry season? Wet season? What does that even mean for your underwater plans? I've been diving here for over a decade, guiding trips and just exploring for fun, and I can tell you that getting the season right isn't just about checking a weather box. It's about matching the conditions to the exact experience you're dreaming of.

Most blogs will just tell you "November to May is best" and leave it at that. That's not wrong, but it's like saying "food is good" – it misses all the nuance. The truth is, you can have an incredible dive trip in Palawan almost any month if you know where to go and what to expect. The "best" time entirely depends on whether you're chasing perfect visibility for photography, specific marine life like hammerheads, budget-friendly deals, or simply fewer crowds.

Quick Navigation: What's in This Guide

Understanding Palawan's Two Main Seasons

Palawan has a tropical climate, which everyone simplifies into two seasons. But for divers, this simplification is where mistakes happen. The island is long and narrow, and weather systems hit the east and west coasts completely differently.best time to dive Palawan

The Dry Season (Amihan): November to May
This is when the northeast monsoon blows. Think calm seas, sunshine, and generally lighter winds. It's the classic "high season" for tourism. Visibility on the west coast (El Nido, Port Barton) and at Tubbataha can be exceptional, often hitting 30 meters or more. The water is usually flat, making boat rides comfortable. The downside? Everyone knows this. Resorts book up, prices peak, and popular sites can get busy.

The Wet Season (Habagat): June to October
The southwest monsoon brings rain, stronger winds, and more unpredictable weather. Here's the crucial detail most miss: The west coast bears the brunt of it. El Nido can see rough seas, and many island-hopping or diving tours get canceled. However, the east coast around Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay is sheltered by the island itself. It still rains, but diving often continues. Coron's famous wrecks sit in a protected bay and are dived year-round (though the ferry ride there from El Nido often stops).

Local Insight: Don't write off the wet season. Some of my most memorable dives have been in September around Puerto Princesa. The rain can lower surface visibility slightly, but nutrient upwelling often brings in more pelagic life. You'll have sites to yourself and snag much better deals on accommodation.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions in Palawan

Let's get specific. This table breaks down what you can realistically expect. I've included the "shoulder months" because they're often the sweet spot.Palawan diving weather

Month Season Key Characteristics Best For Areas to Focus On
Jan - Feb Peak Dry Cooler air temps, steady NE winds, excellent visibility building. Reliable conditions, whale shark chances (N. Palawan). El Nido, Coron, Tubbataha (prep for March).
March - May Late Dry / Summer Hottest months, seas glassy, visibility often at its absolute peak. Underwater photography, liveaboards (Tubbataha season opens), pelagic action. Everywhere. El Nido, Coron, Tubbataha, Puerto Princesa.
June - Aug Early Wet Increasing rain & SW winds. West coast becomes challenging. Budget travelers, wreck divers, avoiding crowds. Coron (wrecks), Puerto Princesa & Honda Bay (east coast).
Sept - Oct Peak Wet Heaviest rainfall, most unpredictable weather. Frequent short storms. Serious deals, flexible travelers, sheltered bay diving. Coron, Puerto Princesa. Avoid El Nido for diving.
Nov - Dec Transition to Dry Weather settling, rains decreasing. A period of change. Good value, improving conditions, festive atmosphere. All areas becoming viable again by December.

Notice something? There's no "bad" month in that table, just different scenarios. May is stunning but packed. September is quiet but requires a Plan B. It's all about trade-offs.best time to dive Palawan

How to Choose the Right Palawan Diving Season for You

Stop asking "What's the best season?" Start asking "What's the best season for me?"

Choose the Dry Season (Nov-May) if:

  • This is your first major dive trip and you want guaranteed good weather.
  • You're a photographer obsessed with blue water and clear shots.
  • Your dream is to dive the remote Tubbataha Reefs (only accessible March-June).
  • You get seasick easily and want the calmest boat rides possible.
  • You don't mind higher prices and booking well in advance.

Consider the Wet Season (Jun-Oct) if:

  • You're on a tighter budget and love a good deal.
  • You hate crowds and want a more relaxed, personal experience.
  • Your main goal is Coron's wreck dives (they're fantastic year-round).
  • You're an experienced, flexible traveler who can roll with weather changes.
  • You're combining diving with a longer Philippines trip and dates are fixed.
A Common Mistake: Booking a non-refundable trip to El Nido in August because you found a cheap flight. The diving operations there often close or are severely limited. You'll be stuck doing land tours in the rain. If you're set on wet season travel, base yourself in Coron or Puerto Princesa.

Practical Trip Planning: Operators, Stays & Itineraries

Once you've picked your season, the real planning starts. Here’s how to make it concrete.Palawan diving weather

Recommended Dive Operators by Area

These are outfits I or trusted colleagues have dived with repeatedly. They know their local sites and conditions intimately.

  • El Nido: Look for smaller, eco-conscious shops. I've had great days with outfits that focus on small groups (6-8 divers max). They can access quieter sites. Avoid the big, cattle-boat operations if you can.
  • Coron: The wreck specialists are key here. Some operators are better at guiding the deep wrecks like Irako or Okikawa Maru. Ask about their guide-to-diver ratio for wreck penetrations.
  • Puerto Princesa: Many operators here service Honda Bay and the nearby reefs. It's worth asking if they also run trips to the less-visited Arena Island area, which can have great macro life.
  • Tubbataha Liveaboards: This is a major investment. Book at least 6-12 months in advance for the March-June season. Research the specific boat – newer doesn't always mean better; look for operator experience in the park.best time to dive Palawan

Sample Itineraries Based on Season

Dry Season 5-Day Blitz (El Nido & Coron):
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Princesa, transfer directly to El Nido (5-6hr van).
Day 2-3: Dive El Nido. Must-dos: South Miniloc's tunnels, Dilumacad Tunnel (Helicopter Island).
Day 4: Morning ferry to Coron (fastcraft, ~4hrs). Afternoon dive on a shallow wreck like Lusong Gunboat.
Day 5: Deep wreck dive (Irako, Olympia Maru) and a barracuda lake dive.
This is packed. It works because the seas are calm for the ferry crossing.

Wet Season 4-Day Focus (Coron Only):
Day 1: Fly directly to Coron (Busuanga Airport). Settle in.
Day 2: Wreck Dive Day: East Tangat Gunboat, Skeleton Wreck, maybe a penetration on Olympia Maru.
Day 3: Reef & Lake Day: Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, some coral gardens.
Day 4: Another wreck (Akitsushima is amazing) or a repeat favorite.
This is relaxed, weather-resilient, and focuses on Coron's unique strengths.

Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips from a Local Diver

I've seen divers make the same mistakes year after year. Don't be one of them.Palawan diving weather

  • Pack for rain, even in the dry season. A sudden tropical downpour is always possible. A lightweight, packable rain jacket is a lifesaver.
  • Bring a reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. The sun is intense. Protecting your skin and the coral isn't optional.
  • Hydration is a weapon. The heat and diving will dehydrate you faster than you think. Drink water constantly. Coconuts are great, but they're not enough.
  • Have a "weather day" buffer. Never book an international flight the day after your last dive. Give yourself at least one full buffer day in case trips get postponed. Use it to explore Puerto Princesa's Underground River or just relax.
  • Respect the currents. Sites like Tubbataha's Black Rock or El Nido's Cathedral can have strong currents. Be honest about your fitness and buoyancy skills with your guide.

I remember one March in Tubbataha, the seas were like oil. We dropped on Amos Rock and a school of over 30 hammerheads materialized out of the blue. That's the dry season magic. But I also recall a September day in Coron, just after a rain shower, diving the Olympia Maru with only two other people. The light was eerie and perfect. That's the wet season reward.best time to dive Palawan

Your Palawan Diving Season Questions Answered

What is the absolute best month for diving in Palawan for clear water?

If crystal-clear visibility is your non-negotiable top priority, aim for the window between mid-March and early May. The northeast monsoon has settled, the summer heat has evaporated most moisture from the air, and the seas are typically flat calm. This is when you're most likely to get those 40-meter visibility days on the outer reefs. The trade-off is that this is also peak tourist season, so sites will be busier and prices at their highest.

Is it worth diving in Palawan during the rainy season (June to October)?

Absolutely, but you must pick your location wisely. Rule out the west coast (El Nido, Port Barton) for reliable diving. Your focus should be Coron and the east coast near Puerto Princesa. Coron's wrecks are in a giant, sheltered bay and operations run every day. Puerto Princesa operators dive Honda Bay regularly. You'll get more rain showers, surface visibility might drop to 15-20 meters (still very good), and boat rides can be bumpier. The huge advantages are dramatically lower prices and having iconic sites almost to yourself.

When can I see whale sharks and hammerhead sharks in Palawan?

These are two different quests. Whale sharks are most frequently encountered in northern Palawan, particularly around El Nido, from December through May. They follow plankton blooms. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your odds are best in these months. For hammerhead sharks, you must go to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The season here is strictly limited by law and weather to the liveaboard season from mid-March to mid-June. This is the only time it's feasible and safe to make the long crossing from Puerto Princesa, and it coincides with the peak time for pelagic shark action on the park's outer atolls.

I'm planning a trip for December. Will everything be open and running?

December is a transitional month. By early December, most dive operators in all major areas (El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa) are fully operational for the high season. However, the first week or two can sometimes still see the tail end of the habagat's influence, meaning a higher chance of the odd rainy day or bumpy sea. It's also the start of the Filipino and international holiday rush, so book your accommodation and dive packages well in advance. Don't expect last-minute deals. The upside is a fantastic, festive atmosphere across the island.

So, what's the verdict on the Palawan diving season? There isn't one single answer. It's a spectrum of incredible experiences. The dry season offers predictability and postcard-perfect conditions. The wet season offers intimacy, value, and a different kind of adventure. Your job is to figure out which trade-offs you're comfortable with. Once you do, you're in for some of the best diving Southeast Asia has to offer.

Start looking at flights. And maybe pack an extra memory card.

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