November is widely considered one of the best months to visit El Nido — and among the most underrated. The southwest monsoon retreats, skies clear rapidly, and seas calm significantly from mid-October onwards. By November you get near-peak-season weather at shoulder-season prices, before the Christmas rush arrives in December. This is the month that rewards visitors who do their research. Here’s the complete guide to visiting El Nido in November 2026.
November in El Nido: At a Glance
| Factor | November in El Nido |
|---|---|
| Season transition | Wet season ending → dry season beginning |
| Average temperature | 26–30°C (79–86°F) |
| Average rainfall | 80–150mm (reducing through the month) |
| Sea conditions | Improving — early Nov rough, late Nov calm |
| Underwater visibility | 12–20 metres (improving through the month) |
| Crowd level | Low to moderate — rises toward late November |
| Hotel prices | Shoulder season → peak (prices rise from mid-Nov) |
| Overall verdict | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great value; best in second half of month |
November Weather in El Nido
November is a transition month in El Nido — the southwest monsoon (habagat) is retreating and the northeast monsoon (amihan) is establishing. The weather in November is noticeably different between early and late month.
Week-by-Week November Conditions
| Period | Weather | Sea Conditions | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Nov (1–10) | Partly cloudy, occasional rain | Moderate — some swells | Very low | Budget travel, quiet beaches |
| Mid Nov (11–20) | Clearing rapidly, mostly sunny | Calming — mostly good | Low | Diving, island hopping beginning to open fully |
| Late Nov (21–30) | Dry, sunny, excellent | Calm — peak season quality | Low-moderate | Everything — full peak-season conditions at lower prices |
The key insight: If you visit El Nido in late November (after around Nov 20), you will experience conditions virtually identical to January or February — but with significantly fewer crowds and 20–30% lower accommodation prices than the peak months. Early November is riskier (more rain, rougher seas) but rewards travellers with very low prices and uncrowded beaches.
Best Activities in El Nido in November
Island Hopping in November
Island-hopping tour availability depends on sea conditions in November. In early November, Tour B (which includes more exposed ocean crossings) may be cancelled on rougher days. By mid-November, all four tours typically operate. By late November, conditions are fully reliable and Tour A (Big and Small Lagoons) is at its early dry-season best.
Booking tip: In early November, always confirm tour availability the day before or morning of — operators won’t run tours in unsafe conditions. This is responsible practice, not an inconvenience. By late November this is rarely an issue. See our guides for Tour A and Tour C.
Diving in November
November is a fascinating month for diving in El Nido. Visibility improves significantly through the month as the wet season plankton bloom clears. By late November, visibility is typically 15–20 metres and improving. Water temperature is a comfortable 27–28°C. The sites around Cadlao wall and Dilumacad Island are particularly rewarding as resident marine life settles into their dry-season territories. Whale sharks have been occasionally reported in Palawan waters in November — the best chance of a sighting is with a dive operator who monitors current reports.
Photography in November
Late November offers outstanding photography conditions: clearing skies after the wet season mean dramatic cloud formations against the limestone karsts, the vegetation is at its greenest and most lush, and the light quality improves rapidly. November sunsets are particularly spectacular as the atmosphere still holds enough humidity from the retreating monsoon to create vivid orange and pink tones. For timing and shooting tips, see our El Nido photography guide.
Nacpan Beach in November
Nacpan Beach is magnificent in November — the long palm-fringed stretch is at its least crowded of any month with good weather. By late November, swimming is safe and the sea is calm. In early November, swells from the northeast can make the water rough — check conditions with locals before swimming. The beach itself is always beautiful regardless of sea conditions.
November vs Other Months: The Value Case
| Month | Weather Quality | Crowd Level | Relative Price | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | Improving | Very low | Budget | For experienced budget travellers only |
| Nov 1–15 | Variable | Very low | Low-Medium | Yes — if you accept weather risk |
| Nov 16–30 | Excellent | Low | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best value of the year |
| December | Excellent | High (Christmas) | High-Peak | Yes — book very early |
| January | Excellent | Moderate | High | Yes — peak quality |
Late November is arguably the best value month of the entire year in El Nido: you get peak dry-season weather and uncrowded beaches at prices 20–30% below January or February. For the full seasonal analysis, see our best time to visit El Nido guide.
Where to Stay in El Nido in November
November is the one month where booking flexibility exists — you can often find good-value last-minute accommodation in early November. By late November this window closes as pre-Christmas bookings fill up. The table below reflects typical November rates.
| Category | November Rate (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget dorms/hostels | ₱500–1,000/night | Most affordable of the year; walk-in possible in early Nov |
| Mid-range guesthouses | ₱1,500–4,000/night | Good availability early Nov; book late Nov in advance |
| Boutique hotels (Lio Estate) | ₱5,000–10,000/night | Book 2–3 weeks ahead for late November |
| Luxury (El Nido Resorts) | ₱15,000–35,000/night | Book 4–6 weeks ahead; closes briefly for maintenance some years |
For full rankings and reviews, see our El Nido hotel rankings.
Packing for El Nido in November
- Light rain jacket or packable poncho: Essential for early November — brief showers can arrive even in good weather periods
- Quick-dry clothing: Higher humidity in early November means clothes take longer to dry; technical fabrics are more comfortable
- Sunscreen SPF50+: Even on partly cloudy days, UV levels are high in Palawan
- Insect repellent: Post-monsoon humidity means more mosquitoes than the peak dry season — particularly at dawn and dusk
- Dry bag: Essential for boat trips regardless of weather — spray and occasional swells make waterproofing important
- Layers for evenings: November nights can be cooler (24–26°C) with the northeast breeze — a light long-sleeved layer is useful
Getting to El Nido in November
November is the most accessible time of year for last-minute bookings. AirSwift flights from Manila to El Nido (ENI) are more available than peak season months, and fares are typically lower. Budget travellers flying to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and taking the van transfer will also find better availability and prices. By late November, book at least 1–2 weeks in advance as demand rises sharply heading into the Christmas season. See our complete transport guide for all options.
Frequently Asked Questions: El Nido in November
Is November a good time to visit El Nido?
Yes, especially the second half of November. By November 15–20, El Nido transitions from the tail end of wet season to clear dry-season conditions — at prices 20–30% below January peak. Early November carries weather risk (occasional rain, rougher seas) but rewards travellers with very low prices and uncrowded beaches. Late November (after Nov 20) is one of the best-value times of year to visit.
Does it rain in El Nido in November?
Early November can still see rain from the retreating southwest monsoon — average rainfall for the month is 80–150mm, mostly concentrated in the first 1–2 weeks. By mid-November, rainfall reduces sharply, and late November is generally dry with the northeast monsoon established. Check forecasts and be flexible with early November plans.
Is island hopping available in El Nido in November?
Yes, but availability depends on conditions. In early November, rough seas may cancel some tours — particularly Tour B which crosses more exposed water. By mid-November all tours typically operate. By late November, conditions are fully reliable and comparable to peak season. Always confirm tour availability the day before during early November.
