Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Palawan
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Palawan? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Palawan
The most expensive time to visit Palawan is during the dry season and around major holidays, when both international tourists and local travelers head to its world-famous islands and beaches.
Dry Season (November to May)
This is the peak season with sunny skies and calm seas, ideal for island-hopping.
- Hotels in El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa are at their highest rates.
- Tours to lagoons, beaches, and dive spots are heavily booked.
Christmas & New Year (Late December to Early January)
The holiday season coincides with dry weather, creating extreme demand.
- Resorts and hotels across Palawan raise prices significantly.
- Flights into Puerto Princesa and El Nido are more expensive.
Holy Week – Semana Santa (March or April, varies by year)
A major holiday period when Filipinos travel heavily.
- Hotels in El Nido, Coron, and beach areas fill up quickly.
- Ferries, buses, and flights see sharp price increases.
Summer Vacation (April to May, local school break)
Domestic travel peaks before the rainy season.
- Hotels and tours remain at high prices.
- Popular beaches and attractions are crowded.
Cheapest Time to Visit Palawan
The cheapest time to visit Palawan is during the rainy season and shoulder months, when demand slows and accommodations are more affordable.
Rainy Season (June to October)
Frequent rain showers and the risk of typhoons deter many tourists.
- Hotels and flights are at their lowest of the year.
- Attractions are much quieter, though some tours may be canceled due to weather.
Early November (Before peak season starts)
A short shoulder period with improving weather.
- Hotels begin raising rates but remain affordable compared to December.
- Fewer tourists at lagoons and beaches.
Late May to Early June (After summer rush, before monsoon)
A transitional period offering good value.
- Hotels and flights are cheaper than in peak dry season.
- A calmer time to enjoy tours with lighter crowds.
Price Summary Table for Palawan Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – May (Dry Season) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Best weather, island-hopping, peak demand |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Very High | Christmas & New Year holidays, heavy tourism |
| March/April (Holy Week) | 💲💲💲 High | Semana Santa, nationwide holiday travel |
| April – May (Domestic Summer) | 💲💲💲 High | Local vacations, crowded beaches |
| June – Oct (Rainy Season) | 💲 Lowest | Typhoon risk, cheapest hotels & flights |
| Early November | 💲 Low | Pre-peak shoulder, affordable stays |
| Late May – Early June | 💲 Low–Mid | Post-summer lull, budget-friendly travel |
How To Save Money When Visiting Palawan?
When you go will most certainly make the difference in costs like flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel dates with Palawan’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut expenses. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
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