2026 Climate Averages

Weather: El Nido & Palawan — May

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Climate Overview

May is a wet time to visit El Nido & Palawan. Hot conditions with temperatures reaching 32°C—stay hydrated and seek shade. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. Sea temperature of 30°C is perfect for swimming.

6.2
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

32°C

Avg Low

27°C

Rainy days

22days

Daylight

12.6h

Feels like 39°C / 32°C — humidity makes it feel warmer

Rainfall

199mm

Sunshine

10.1h/day

Humidity

79%

Muggy
Sun Strength

7.5

Very High
Wind

14 km/h (gusts 31)

Sea Temp

30°C 🏊 Comfortable

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

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:41

Sunset

18:19

12.6h daylight

Visiting El Nido & Palawan in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals
  • Warm sea perfect for swimming and snorkeling

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🎭
Pamaragua / Cuyonon Festival
May 18 Cultural

Recommended for This Weather

🌅 Early morning sightseeing (before the heat)
🏊 Swimming & beach activities
🤿 Snorkeling & water sports
🏖️ Beach relaxation & sunbathing
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours

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 Current 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 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 May

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. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Tropical Quiet

🎒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?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit El Nido & Palawan?
May is typically wet for visiting El Nido & Palawan, with average highs of 32°C and around 22 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 May?
Nights stay pleasantly warm in El Nido & Palawan during May, around 27°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 May?
With highs of 32°C and lows of 27°C in May, 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 May?
El Nido & Palawan typically sees around 22 rainy days in May. 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 May?
Yes, May is excellent for swimming in El Nido & Palawan! With warm air temperatures around 32°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 May?
In May, El Nido & Palawan gets approximately 12.6 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 May peak season in El Nido & Palawan?
No, May is not peak season in El Nido & Palawan. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

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

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Asia/Manila)

Last Updated: February 2026