2026 Climate Averages

Weather: El Nido & Palawan — December

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

December is an excellent time to visit El Nido & Palawan. Hot conditions with temperatures reaching 30°C—stay hydrated and seek shade. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists. Sea temperature of 29°C is perfect for swimming.

5.1
GoTripzi Score Fair

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

30°C

Avg Low

26°C

Rainy days

21days

Daylight

11.5h

Feels like 35°C / 30°C — humidity makes it feel warmer

Rainfall

203mm

Sunshine

8.8h/day

Humidity

82%

Very Muggy
Sun Strength

5.9

High
Wind

20 km/h (gusts 43)

Sea Temp

29°C 🏊 Comfortable

Is December a good time to visit El Nido & Palawan?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:14

Sunset

17:42

11.5h daylight

Visiting El Nido & Palawan in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Warm sea perfect for swimming and snorkeling
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • High humidity makes the heat feel oppressive

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🏊 Swimming & beach activities
🤿 Snorkeling & water sports
🏖️ Beach relaxation & sunbathing
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

El Nido & Palawan Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 30°C 25°C 15d (112mm) 9.3h
79% Muggy
6.3 High
Excellent
Feb 31°C 25°C 9d (66mm) 10.2h
77% Muggy
7.7 Very High
Excellent
Mar 32°C 26°C 11d (75mm) 10.5h
74% Muggy
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Apr 33°C 26°C 11d (62mm) 10.9h
74% Muggy
8.5 Very High
Excellent
May 32°C 27°C 22d (199mm) 10.1h
79% Muggy
7.5 Very High
Wet
Jun 31°C 26°C 27d (332mm) 8.3h
84% Very Muggy
6.4 High
Wet
Jul 31°C 26°C 28d (394mm) 7.4h
84% Very Muggy
6.2 High
Wet
Aug 31°C 25°C 25d (298mm) 8.6h
83% Very Muggy
6.9 High
Wet
Sep 31°C 25°C 29d (411mm) 7.6h
85% Very Muggy
6.1 High
Wet
Oct 30°C 25°C 30d (420mm) 7.7h
86% Very Muggy
5.8 High
Wet
Nov 31°C 26°C 25d (222mm) 9h
83% Very Muggy
6.2 High
Excellent
Dec Current 30°C 26°C 21d (203mm) 8.8h
82% Very Muggy
5.9 High
Excellent

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthAugScore: 8.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around El Nido & Palawan – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

El Nido & Palawan

Philippine paradise with limestone cliffs, lagoons, island hopping, pristine beaches, and underwater biodiversity.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for December

Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are essential. Opt for loose-fitting clothing in light colors to stay cool. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Tropical Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to El Nido & Palawan?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit El Nido & Palawan?
December is typically excellent for visiting El Nido & Palawan, with average highs of 30°C and around 21 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in El Nido & Palawan in December?
Nights stay pleasantly warm in El Nido & Palawan during December, around 26°C. Light evening wear is sufficient, and outdoor dining is very comfortable. Many locals and visitors enjoy late-night walks and outdoor activities after sunset.
What should I pack for El Nido & Palawan in December?
With highs of 30°C and lows of 26°C in December, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes, Lightweight breathable clothes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in El Nido & Palawan in December?
El Nido & Palawan typically sees around 21 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in El Nido & Palawan in December?
Yes, December is excellent for swimming in El Nido & Palawan! With warm air temperatures around 30°C, the water is comfortable for extended beach sessions. This is peak beach season, so arrive early to secure a good spot at popular beaches.
How many hours of daylight are there in El Nido & Palawan in December?
In December, El Nido & Palawan gets approximately 11.5 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in El Nido & Palawan?
Yes, December is peak season in El Nido & Palawan. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Manila)

Last Updated: February 2026