Month guide · Palawan · Philippines
Palawan in December
What December is really like in Palawan: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: shankar s. from Poona (pune), India, India, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
December is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 11.6 hours of daylight. Dry season returns; Christmas and New Year are very busy, with the highest room prices of the year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Palawan: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:14
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:47
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Transition (October–November). Rain gradually eases and seas settle; good value with improving odds for boat trips.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas and New Year — peak domestic travel (late December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Zoo · Puerto Princesa
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Known locally as the Crocodile Farm, the centre outside Puerto Princesa breeds the endangered Philippine crocodile and keeps saltwater crocodiles and other Palawan wildlife.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Nature
- Rainy day
Nature · Miniloc Island, El Nido
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon
Choose a boat that visits Miniloc early or late in the day; the lagoons are busiest from late morning.
- Time needed
- Full-day tour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Nature
- Active
- Photo spot
- Couples
Nature · Coron Island
Kayangan Lake
A clear freshwater lake ringed by limestone on Coron Island, reached by a stairway of around 300 steps.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Photo spot
- Nature
Experience · Coron Bay
Coron Bay wreck dives
Dive with a centre that matches wrecks to your certification; penetration dives need advanced training.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Expensive
- History
- Active
- Iconic
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Palawan.
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 23°C and 12 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Palawan?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, January–April are better overall. Compare every month.
Palawan in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Palawan?
It is a shoulder-season month. Dry season returns; Christmas and New Year are very busy, with the highest room prices of the year.
+How warm is Palawan in December?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Palawan in December?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.