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Weather in El Nido
Limestone karsts and the last frontier of the Philippines
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About El Nido
El Nido is where the Philippines keeps its most extraordinary scenery. The Bacuit Archipelago — hundreds of islands with limestone karsts rising from water the colour of liquid jade — is one of Southeast Asia's great destinations. Island-hopping between secret lagoons and white sand beaches is the defining activity.
Best months to visit
January, February, March
Language
Filipino / English
Things to do in El Nido
Island-hopping tours
Big and Small Lagoon
Shimizu Island snorkelling
Nacpan beach
Kayaking sea caves
Sunset at Las Cabanas
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
April
31C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
May
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
September
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
November
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
December
29C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
El Nido is among the world's most dramatically beautiful archipelago destinations — the Bacuit Bay is studded with 45 limestone karst islands rising sheer from turquoise water, sea kayaking through hidden lagoons accessed only by swimming under limestone walls, and snorkelling in the most vivid coral gardens in the Philippines. It's relatively remote, the infrastructure is basic, and this is entirely to its credit. Come before the roads are extended and every last lagoon has a queuing system.
Best areas to stay in El Nido
El Nido Town
The small backpacker-oriented base town with budget guesthouses, seafront restaurants, and the departure point for all island hopping tours in the Bacuit Bay.
Bacuit Bay & Lagoons
The extraordinary limestone archipelago — Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Hidden Beach are the headline attractions, all accessed by bangka boat and in some cases by swimming through narrow gaps in the rock.
Nacpan & Calitang Beach
Twin beaches of white sand and coconut palms 45 minutes north of El Nido — one of the Philippines' most beautiful and least developed beach settings.
Miniloc & Pangalusian Islands
Upscale island resort properties offering the El Nido experience in a more exclusive setting, with private beach access and excellent diving from the islands themselves.
Getting to El Nido
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Flights
Fly from London to Manila (MNL) then connect to El Nido (ENI) with Air Swift, or to Puerto Princesa (PPS) for the overland route. Manila is served from London via multiple Asian hubs (Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai).
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From London
~18–22 hours total journey time from London
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Getting around
Bangka boat tours are the primary island activity; tricycles and motorbike hire serve El Nido town and nearby beaches; vans and shared transfers connect El Nido to the airport and Puerto Princesa.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit El Nido?
November to May is the dry season — the ideal window for island hopping and diving. December to February is peak season with the finest weather. The west monsoon (June–October) brings rain and choppy seas that can prevent island hopping for days at a time.
How do I get to El Nido?
Fly from Manila to El Nido (ENI) with Air Swift — a small carrier operating direct flights in around 70 minutes. Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and take a 5–6 hour van/bus journey north. El Nido airport handles small aircraft only.
What are the A, B, C, D island hopping tours?
Organized island hopping tours are the main activity in El Nido — Tour A covers the famous Big and Small Lagoon and Secret Beach; Tour C is considered the most spectacular for limestone formations; Tour B visits remote islands and coral gardens; Tour D covers the southern islands.
Is El Nido suitable for non-swimmers?
Most activities involve boats rather than swimming — you can enjoy the stunning scenery without swimming. However, snorkelling and lagoon swimming enhance the experience significantly. Life jackets are always provided on tours.
What is the internet connection like in El Nido?
Connectivity is variable — some guesthouses and cafés have reasonable wifi, but mobile data can be slow. This is broadly part of El Nido's appeal as a digital detox destination; plan offline accordingly.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
El Nido is the most beautiful place I have ever been — kayaking through the Small Lagoon with limestone cliffs rising 300m on all sides and water the colour of liquid jade was an experience I cannot adequately describe to anyone who hasn't been.
Charlotte K. · February 2024
★★★★★
Tour C is the absolute standout — Cathedral Cave snorkelling with shafts of light through the cave ceiling, Helicopter Island's extraordinary stegosaurus ridge, and the most vivid coral I've seen outside the Red Sea. Arrive for sunrise on any tour.
Jake B. · December 2023
★★★★☆
El Nido requires a certain tolerance for basic infrastructure and very hot weather, but if you embrace it the rewards are extraordinary. Nacpan Beach for a whole day was our highlight — twin beaches of white sand and almost no one there. Perfect.
Hannah T. · January 2024
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