When to go · El Nido
El Nido in December
Good month. Outside the best window (Jan–Apr (dry, calm seas)). Across Philippines: Dry in Luzon; Christmas season peak prices and traffic.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C) / 24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 9
- Crowds
- High
- Philippines overall
- Prices
- High
- Philippines overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Jan–Apr (dry, calm seas)). Across Philippines: Dry in Luzon; Christmas season peak prices and traffic.
Is another month better than December?
December is rated good. These months rate higher:
Weather in December
- El NidoHighs around 31 °C (88 °F), lows around 24 °C (75 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 88 °F (31 °C), lows around 75 °F (24 °C), rain on about 9 days
- Palawan, Philippines · El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesafine
Best Jan–Apr; southwest monsoon (habagat) Jun–Oct makes island-hopping rough; Coron more sheltered.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Philippines overall
- High
- Prices · Philippines overall
- High
Philippines overall: Dry in Luzon; Christmas season peak prices and traffic.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in El Nido, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Good
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 31 °C (88 °F)88 °F (31 °C)
Jan: 31 °C (88 °F)88 °F (31 °C)
Night low
Dec: 24 °C (75 °F)75 °F (24 °C)
Jan: 24 °C (75 °F)75 °F (24 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 9
Jan: 5 (better)
Crowds
Dec: High
Jan: High
Prices
Dec: High
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Dec: 0
Jan: 1
December: Outside the best window (Jan–Apr (dry, calm seas)). Across Philippines: Dry in Luzon; Christmas season peak prices and traffic.
January: Inside El Nido's best window: Jan–Apr (dry, calm seas).
El Nido: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen