El Nido in November 2026: The Start of the Good Season
November is one of El Nido’s best-kept secrets. The southwest monsoon retreats, the skies clear, the seas flatten, and the crowds have not yet arrived in the numbers seen in December through April. For travellers who plan ahead and visit in November, the reward is El Nido at close to its best — excellent conditions, reasonable prices, and a far more relaxed atmosphere than peak season.
November Weather in El Nido
- Average temperature: 27-30°C — warm, pleasant, less humid than the wet season peak
- Rainfall: Low to moderate — typically 5-8 rainy days, mostly brief afternoon showers rather than extended rain events
- Sea conditions: Generally good. The monsoon transition creates variable conditions in early November, settling into consistently calm seas by mid-to-late November.
- Wind: Northeast trade winds begin — lighter and more predictable than the southwest monsoon
- Visibility (snorkelling/diving): Improving — 15-25 metres by mid-November. Some of the best underwater conditions of the year.
Why November Is One of El Nido’s Best Months
- Transition to dry season: November marks the changeover — by mid-November, conditions are typically dry-season quality
- Low crowds: December and January see a dramatic spike in visitors. November is significantly quieter — beaches, tours, and restaurants are all more relaxed.
- Better prices: Hotels have not yet switched to peak rates. Expect prices 15-30% below December levels — and 30-50% below the January-February peak.
- Whale shark season begins: Whale sharks start appearing offshore from November, with numbers increasing through January-March. See our whale shark guide for encounter details.
- Great light for photography: November’s partly-cloudy skies create dramatic lighting conditions — better for photography than the bleached-out midday light of peak dry season.
What to Watch Out For in November
- Early November can be variable: The first week of November sometimes still has monsoon-influenced weather — seas can be rough and tours cancelled. By November 10-15, conditions are usually reliably good.
- Occasional late typhoons: The Philippine typhoon season officially runs until November 30. Late-season typhoons are less common but not impossible. Travel insurance is still recommended.
- Tour operator preparation: After the wet season, some tour boats and equipment are undergoing maintenance in early November. Full tour schedules (all four routes) are usually restored by mid-November.
Best Activities in El Nido in November
- Island hopping (Tour A, B, C, D): All routes running from mid-November. Conditions are excellent — Tour A with near-empty lagoons is a highlight.
- Whale shark encounters: November sees the first whale shark sightings near Lio Beach — join an organised encounter trip for a responsible experience
- Snorkelling and diving: Visibility is excellent — among the best of the year. The El Nido diving guide covers the best sites
- El Nido to Coron boat trip: November is one of the last months to do this before it fills up for December. Conditions are good — see our full route guide
- Nacpan and Duli Beaches: The northern beaches are beautiful in November — calm water, light breezes, almost no other visitors on weekdays
November Crowds and Prices
- Accommodation: 20-35% below December peak. Walk-in availability is common even at popular mid-range hotels.
- Tours: Shared tour boats run with smaller groups — 6-10 people instead of the 12-15 that fill them in December-February
- Flights: AirSWIFT and PPS routes are not yet sold out. November is one of the last months with reliable booking flexibility.
- Restaurants: No queues, easy reservations, full menus operating
November Packing Tips
Pack for transition weather from our full El Nido packing list:
- A light rain jacket for early November showers
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen — marine sanctuaries enforce this year-round
- Dry bag — still important even in clearer weather; boat spray is constant
- Light layers for evenings — November nights can be pleasantly cool (22-24°C)
November Verdict
| Factor | Early November | Late November |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Variable | Excellent |
| Sea conditions | Improving | Excellent |
| Crowds | Low | Low-moderate |
| Prices | Low | Low-moderate |
| All tours running | Partially | Yes |
| Whale sharks | First sightings | Growing numbers |
November — especially the second half — is arguably El Nido’s sweet spot: dry-season conditions without peak-season crowds or prices. If your schedule allows, aim to arrive November 12-15 and stay through the end of the month. Check current rates and availability on our El Nido hotel guide — November is one of the few months where good rooms are still available with reasonable notice.
Sources: PAGASA Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration historical climate data; Philippine Department of Tourism El Nido seasonal visitor statistics 2026.
