Palawan is a coastal area of Philippines on the Sulu Sea, with 23 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 26°C in the coolest month to 29°C at the summer peak, with roughly 12 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.
Palawan
23 tracked beaches in Palawan, Philippines, with live Sulu Sea temperatures.
Sea
Sulu Sea
Avg sea temp now
28.0°C
Best months
Year-round
Best time to swim in Palawan
The sea in Palawan peaks in May, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Palawan sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Palawan shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Palawan, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Jan
26°C
Feb
26°C
Mar
27°C
Apr
28°C
May
29°C
Jun
29°C
Jul
28°C
Aug
28°C
Sep
28°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
27°C
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Palawan sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Palawan?
May is the warmest month in Palawan, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Palawan?
The coldest month in Palawan is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Palawan without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Palawan runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Palawan?
Palawan stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Palawan?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Palawan is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Palawan?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Palawan, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Palawan
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Seven Commandos BeachEl Nido, Philippines28.6°C
- 2Papaya BeachEl Nido, Philippines28.6°C
- 3Malcapuya Island BeachCoron, Philippines28.6°C
- 4Kayangan Lake BeachCoron, Philippines28.5°C
- 5Hidden Beach El NidoEl Nido, Philippines28.4°C
- 6Banana Island BeachCoron, Philippines28.3°C
- 7Bulog Dos BeachCoron, Philippines28.3°C
- 8Nacpan BeachEl Nido, Philippines28.1°C
- 9Nacpan BeachEl Nido, Philippines28.1°C
- 10White Beach Port BartonPort Barton, Philippines28.0°C
- 11Coron Banol BeachCoron, Philippines27.9°C
- 12El Nido BeachEl Nido, Philippines27.9°C
- 13San Vicente Long BeachSan Vicente, Philippines27.9°C
- 14Talaudyong BeachPuerto Princesa, Philippines27.9°C
- 15Port Barton BeachPort Barton, Philippines27.9°C
- 16Seven Commandos BeachEl Nido, Philippines27.8°C
- 17Las Cabanas BeachEl Nido, Philippines27.8°C
- 18Corong Corong BeachEl Nido, Philippines27.8°C
- 19Las Cabanas BeachEl Nido, Philippines27.7°C
- 20Sabang Beach PalawanPuerto Princesa, Philippines27.7°C
- 21El Nido BacuitEl Nido, Philippines27.6°C
- 22CYC BeachCoron, Philippines27.4°C
- 23Nagtabon BeachPuerto Princesa, Philippines27.3°C
Swimming in the Palawan — FAQ
How warm is the sea in the Palawan in September?
The Sulu Sea off the Palawan averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in the Palawan?
The Palawan is warmest in May (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 26.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in the Palawan?
Across all twelve months, the sea in the Palawan averages about 27.6°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in the Palawan?
In peak season (around May, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 26.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.