November is when El Nido transforms. The Amihan (north-east trade wind) establishes itself, sweeping away the last of the rainy season clouds and delivering the clear skies and calm seas that make El Nido famous. Visitor numbers are rising but still well below December-January peak — making November one of the best-value months of the entire year.
Table of Contents
El Nido November at a Glance
| Factor | November Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Dry season established; mostly sunny |
| Sea conditions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Calm, clear water |
| Snorkelling visibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | 15-22 m at top sites |
| Crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low–moderate | Rising through the month but manageable |
| Prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | Below December peak; rising through month |
| Tour availability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | All tours run; cancellations very rare |
| Overall verdict | ✅ One of the best months | Dry season quality at pre-peak prices |
November Weather in El Nido
| Metric | Early November | Late November |
|---|---|---|
| Average temperature | 27-30°C | 26-29°C |
| Average rainfall | 40-80 mm | 20-50 mm |
| Rainy days | 5-8 days | 3-5 days |
| Sunshine hours | 7-8 hrs/day | 8-9 hrs/day |
| Sea conditions | Calm | Calm–glassy |
November is the dry season’s opening act. Early November may still see occasional brief showers — remnants of the monsoon — but by mid-November, El Nido is firmly in dry season mode. The landscape is still lush green from the rainy season while the skies are clear: a combination that only exists for a few weeks each year.
Island-Hopping in November
All four tours run reliably throughout November. Snorkelling visibility improves rapidly — by late November, 18-22 m is common at Tapiutan Strait (Tour C) and Cadlao reef (Tour D). The combination of clear water, calm seas, and manageable crowds makes November arguably the best month for underwater photography.
- Tour A: Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon at their most photogenic — clear skies, turquoise water, green cliffs
- Tour C: Helicopter Island’s white sand strip is fully exposed; snorkelling visibility excellent
- Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon mirror reflections with clear blue sky — stunning conditions
- Tour B: Cathedral Cave light filtering is excellent in November’s clear conditions
November Prices
| Category | Early November | Late November | December Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget hostel dorm | 500-750 PHP/night | 600-850 PHP/night | 700-1,000 PHP/night |
| Mid-range hotel | 2,000-3,500 PHP/night | 2,500-4,000 PHP/night | 3,000-5,500 PHP/night |
| Boutique hotel | 4,000-7,000 PHP/night | 4,500-8,000 PHP/night | 6,000-12,000 PHP/night |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit El Nido?
November is one of the best months to visit El Nido. Dry season conditions arrive, all tours run reliably, snorkelling visibility is excellent, and prices are meaningfully below December-January peak. Early November offers the best value — dry season quality at near-shoulder-season prices. By late November, prices are rising toward peak but crowds are still manageable. For the combination of good weather and reasonable cost, November is hard to beat.
Is November the start of dry season in El Nido?
Yes. The Amihan (north-east monsoon) typically establishes itself in El Nido in early-to-mid November, marking the transition to dry season. The exact timing varies by year — some years the transition is complete by 1 November, others it takes until mid-November. By late November, dry season conditions are reliably in place.
Plan Your November El Nido Trip
Resources: where to stay · budget guide · best time to visit · El Nido in October
| Platform | Best For | El Nido Deals |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Hotels, resorts, free cancellation | View deals → |
| Agoda | Best Asia prices, loyalty rewards | View deals → |
| Klook | Tours & activities | Browse tours → |
