Palawan is a coastal area of Philippines on the South China Sea, with 28 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
28 tracked beaches in Palawan, Philippines, with live South China Sea temperatures.
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.
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.
- 1El Nido Bacuit BayEl Nido, Philippines—
- 2Nacpan BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 3Coron Banol BeachCoron, Philippines—
- 4Nacpan BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 5Las Cabanas BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 6Hidden Beach El NidoEl Nido, Philippines—
- 7El Nido BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 8Nacpan BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 9El Nido BacuitEl Nido, Philippines—
- 10Nacpan BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 11Las Cabanas BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 12Seven Commandos BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 13San Vicente Long BeachSan Vicente, Philippines—
- 14Sabang Beach PalawanPuerto Princesa, Philippines—
- 15Las Cabanas BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 16Corong Corong BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 17Seven Commandos BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 18Papaya BeachEl Nido, Philippines—
- 19Malcapuya Island BeachCoron, Philippines—
- 20Banana Island BeachCoron, Philippines—
- 21Bulog Dos BeachCoron, Philippines—
- 22Kayangan Lake BeachCoron, Philippines—
- 23CYC BeachCoron, Philippines—
- 24Sabang Beach PalawanPuerto Princesa, Philippines—
- 25Nagtabon BeachPuerto Princesa, Philippines—
- 26Talaudyong BeachPuerto Princesa, Philippines—
- 27Port Barton BeachPort Barton, Philippines—
- 28White Beach Port BartonPort Barton, Philippines—
