November marks the exciting transition in El Nido — the southwest monsoon fades, the skies clear, and the world-famous dry season begins to announce itself. It’s one of the most underrated months to visit: you get improving weather, significantly fewer crowds than peak December–March, and prices that haven’t yet climbed to their holiday highs. This guide explains exactly what to expect when visiting El Nido in November 2026.
- El Nido Weather in November 2026
- Is November a Good Time to Visit El Nido?
- Island Hopping in November
- Top Things to Do in El Nido in November
- El Nido November: Pros and Cons
- Where to Stay in El Nido in November
- November vs Other El Nido Travel Months
- Frequently Asked Questions — El Nido in November
- Plan Your November El Nido Trip
El Nido Weather in November 2026
| Factor | November Conditions |
|---|---|
| Average temperature | 26–30°C (79–86°F) |
| Rainfall | Decreasing — 80–150mm (much less than Oct) |
| Rain pattern | Occasional showers, mostly in first 2 weeks |
| Sea conditions | Improving — calm by mid-to-late November |
| Humidity | Moderate (~75%) — more comfortable than monsoon months |
| Typhoon risk | Very low |
| Crowd level | Low to moderate — picking up from mid-November |
November is a transitional month in El Nido. The first two weeks often still carry some residual rain from the monsoon — expect a mix of partly cloudy days with occasional showers. By mid-November, conditions typically stabilize, the northeast trade wind (amihan) begins to establish itself, and sunny, dry days become the norm. Late November is often beautiful — arguably some of El Nido’s best weather of the year, with green lush jungle still vibrant from the rains and crystal-clear seas.
Is November a Good Time to Visit El Nido?
Yes — especially late November. November sits in a sweet spot:
- 🌤️ Weather improving rapidly — especially after mid-month
- 👥 Crowds well below peak season — lagoons and beaches are uncrowded
- 💰 Prices below peak — most hotels still offering shoulder-season rates
- 🌿 Landscape at its most lush — jungle is brilliantly green from monsoon rainfall
- 🐠 Marine life excellent — visibility is great, reefs healthy
The main caution is early November (first 1–2 weeks), which can still have unsettled weather. If you have flexibility, aim to arrive in the second half of November for the best combination of improving weather, low crowds, and reasonable prices.
Island Hopping in November
By mid-to-late November, all four island-hopping tours operate reliably. Even in early November, Tour A (protected Bacuit Bay) runs on most days. November is actually a fantastic time for island hopping — the lagoons are less crowded than in peak season (December–March), and the water is just as beautiful.
| Tour | November Reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tour A | ★★★★★ — Excellent (by mid-month) | Protected bay — runs almost daily |
| Tour B | ★★★★☆ — Good (by mid-month) | Reliable from mid-November onward |
| Tour C | ★★★★☆ — Good (by mid-month) | Improving conditions; may cancel early Nov |
| Tour D | ★★★★☆ — Good (by late-month) | Remote islands — best in final two weeks of November |
Compare all tours: El Nido Tour A vs B vs C vs D.
Top Things to Do in El Nido in November
1. Lagoon-Hopping on Tour A
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in November — calm turquoise water, fewer boats, and the dramatic limestone karst scenery at its most photogenic. With smaller tour groups than peak season, you’ll get more time exploring each site. Book for a morning departure (8am) for the best light.
2. Nacpan Beach Motorbike Day Trip
November’s improving weather makes the Nacpan motorbike run a highlight. By mid-month, the twin beach is golden, the water warm and calm, and crowds are well below peak season. Rent a motorbike (₱500–600/day) and go early for the beach largely to yourself. Full guide: Nacpan Beach Visitor Guide 2026.
3. Scuba Diving
November is excellent for diving in El Nido. Visibility is superb (15–25m+), the water temperature is comfortable (~28–29°C), and dive sites throughout Bacuit Bay are fully accessible. Whale sharks are occasionally spotted at offshore sites in the transition season. See: El Nido Scuba Diving Beginners Guide.
4. Kayaking to Hidden Beaches
November’s calmer seas make kayaking ideal — paddle from El Nido town toward Corong-Corong and into the bay for some self-directed exploration. Rent a kayak from town (₱300–500/half day) and discover small coves inaccessible by larger tour boats.
5. Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
With improving weather, November sunsets in El Nido can be extraordinary — the clearing skies from the monsoon’s end often produce dramatic colour and cloud formations at dusk. Las Cabanas Beach (10 minutes by trike from town) is the ideal viewing spot, backed by good food and cold beers.
6. El Nido Town Exploration
November’s smaller visitor numbers mean you can experience El Nido town without queuing for restaurants or fighting for trike drivers. Explore the local market, try Hama Street’s local eateries, and walk the seafront at Poblacion Beach. See our El Nido Town Walking Tour guide.
El Nido November: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent weather from mid-November onward | First 2 weeks can still have rain |
| Low crowds — peaceful lagoons and beaches | Some tour/activity variations in early November |
| Shoulder-season hotel prices (below peak) | Prices start climbing late November toward Christmas |
| Lush green landscape after monsoon rains | Humidity still moderate early in the month |
| Excellent diving and snorkeling visibility | Fewer direct flights than peak season |
| Relaxed, authentic local atmosphere | Some seasonal restaurants may still be closed |
Where to Stay in El Nido in November
November is an ideal time to book El Nido’s mid-range resorts and guesthouses at shoulder-season rates. Most hotels, guesthouses, and hostels are open and ready for the approaching high season. Key areas:
- El Nido town center — convenient for tour departures, restaurants, ATMs
- Corong-Corong — quieter beach area, 15-minute walk from town, excellent sunset strip
- Lio Beach area — upscale resorts north of town; great for a splurge
- Las Cabanas area — beachside guesthouses near the famous sunset spot
Book early if you’re visiting in the final week of November — this is when the first wave of Christmas/New Year tourists starts arriving and availability tightens quickly.
November vs Other El Nido Travel Months
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November (early) | Transitional, some rain | Low | Low-medium | Good for budget travelers |
| November (late) | Dry, sunny, improving | Low-moderate | Medium | Excellent sweet spot |
| December | Dry season begins | High | High | Peak season starts |
| January–March | Best dry season | Very high | Highest | Best weather, most crowded |
| September–October | Wet monsoon | Very low | Lowest | Budget travel only |
Frequently Asked Questions — El Nido in November
Is November a good time to visit El Nido?
Yes — especially the second half of November. You get improving weather, low crowds, and prices below the December–March peak. Late November is one of El Nido’s most underrated travel windows.
Does it rain a lot in El Nido in November?
Less than in August–October. Early November still has some rain from the tail of the monsoon, but by mid-month conditions typically dry out significantly. Late November is often sunny and dry.
Can I go island hopping in El Nido in November?
Yes — Tour A runs reliably throughout November. Tours C and D become more reliable from mid-month. Build a flexible itinerary with 4–5 days on the ground to allow for any early-November weather variation.
Are hotels open in El Nido in November?
Yes — unlike some beach destinations, El Nido’s hotels generally stay open year-round. November sees most properties preparing for the incoming high season, so you’ll find good availability and competitive pricing.
How does November compare to December in El Nido?
Late November offers similar weather to early December but with significantly fewer tourists and lower prices. If you can visit late November instead of December, you’ll have a quieter, more affordable experience with nearly equivalent weather.
Plan Your November El Nido Trip
November is a genuinely excellent time to visit El Nido — particularly if you arrive in the second half of the month. You get the best of both worlds: the improving weather and lush post-monsoon scenery of the transition season, combined with the crystal-clear seas and world-class island hopping that El Nido is famous for — all without the December–March crowds and price premium.
📅 Plan your visit: El Nido 3-Day Itinerary | Island Hopping Tours Guide | Nacpan Beach Guide
