When to go
The best time to visit El Nido for island-hopping
By the El Nido Private Tours team
Updated:
5 min read
Short answer
The best time to visit El Nido for island-hopping is the dry season, from about December to May, when the seas are calmest. March to May is the hottest and most settled; December to February is the busiest. June to October is the wetter southwest monsoon, with fewer crowds and some cancelled trips.
Two seasons
El Nido faces west across Bacuit Bay. From about December to May the winds come from the northeast and the bay stays sheltered and calm. From about June to October the southwest monsoon, the habagat, brings rain and swell straight into the bay, and trips are cancelled more often.
| Months | Weather | On the water | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry, warm, cooler mornings | Generally calm | Busiest, peak at the holidays |
| March to May | Hot and dry | Calmest of the year | Busy, peak around Holy Week |
| June | Showers begin | Mostly fine, more changeable | Quieter |
| July to September | Wettest months | Swell can cancel trips | Quietest |
| October to November | Drying out | Improving, occasional storms | Picking up |
Planning around the weather
- Leave a spare day. If a trip is suspended, you can move it rather than miss it.
- Book ahead in peak season. Boats and lagoon visits fill up around Christmas, New Year and Holy Week.
- Go early in the wet season. Mornings are often calmer, and a private boat lets you choose an early start.
- Choose the route for the day. Tour C crosses the most open water. Tour D stays sheltered close to town.
Have dates in mind? Tell us and we will plan around them
Plan my dayQuestions people ask
Roughly June to October, during the southwest monsoon. July to September are usually the wettest months, and some boat trips are cancelled because of swell.
Yes, on many days. Trips run when conditions allow and are suspended when they do not. Leave spare days in your plans and consider early starts.