The climate of El Nido
Located in the
Philippines,
El Nido primarily experiences a tropical monsoon type of climate, classified as 'Am' according to the Köppen climate classification. With this type of climate, the town hardly sees any variations in temperatures throughout the year, maintaining a stable, warm climate.
Temperatures in El Nido range from a low of 22°C (71.6°F) to a high of 33°C (91.4°F). The warmest month typically tends to be
April when the temperatures can rise up to 33°C (91.4°F), while the rest of the months see similar temperatures fluctuating between a high of 31°C (87.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Consequently, El Nido experiences a warm climate throughout the year, without any significant temperature changes.
Rainfall, however, displays a pronounced pattern, with monthly values ranging from 5mm (0.2") in
February to a staggering 433mm (17.05") in
August. The town experiences a clear period of intense monsoon between
May and
October when rainfall values rise beyond 159mm (6.26"), peaking at 433mm (17.05") in August. Conversely, the drier period extends from
November till April with minimal amounts of rainfall, the lowest being 5mm (0.2") in February.
Distinct patterns are also observable in other weather parameters. Sea temperature gradually increases from 27.7°C (81.9°F) in
January to a peak of 30°C (86°F) in May, then drops back again towards the end of the year. Oppositely, daylight hours and sunshine duration moderately increase from the start of the year till reaching their peak in
July with 12.8 hours of daylight and 6 hours of sunshine, slowly declining towards the end of the year. The UV index remains consistently high throughout the year, reaching the maximum value of 12 from February to
September.
The best time to visit El Nido
When considering pleasant weather and minimal rainfall, the best time to visit
El Nido would likely be between the months of
December to
April. During these months, rainfall levels are predominantly low, with
February receiving the least rainfall of just 5mm (0.2"). Moreover, the sea temperature in April is approximately 28.8°C (83.8°F), which serves as an additional incentive for beach activities. Furthermore, longer daylight hours from
March to April, with an average of 12.4 hours, provide ample time to explore the town and its scenic spots.
The worst time to visit El Nido
The period from
May to
October may be less suitable for visiting
El Nido due to high levels of rainfall;
August, being the rainiest month, receives about 433mm (17.05") of rainfall. These substantial precipitation levels could interfere with outdoor activities and limit exploration.
June,
July, and August also see fewer sunshine hours, averaging around 6 hours per day, and while the sea temperature remains fairly warm, hovering around 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), incessant rains could hamper beach visits and water-based activities.
Spring weather in El Nido
Spring in
El Nido, encompassing the months of
March,
April, and
May, sees gradually increasing temperatures. In March, one could expect temperatures between 22°C (71.6°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), rising to the annual peak in April with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91.4°F). By May, temperatures slightly dip to between 24°C (75.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall also begins to ramp up during spring, particularly in May, which witnesses a significant leap in rainfall levels to approximately 159mm (6.26"). Sea temperatures during these months are quite warm, beginning at 27.7°C (81.9°F) in March and peaking at 30°C (86°F) in May, providing ideal conditions for water-based activities.
Summer weather in El Nido
Summer extends from
June to
August in
El Nido. During this season, temperatures moderately drop to a range of 23°C (73.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). However, these months are marked by high rainfall levels, with August recording the highest annual rainfall of 433mm (17.05"). This period also sees shorter daylight hours, dropping to 12.7 in June and 12.5 in August, and reduced sunshine duration of approximately 6 hours. Sea temperatures remain fairly constant and warm, averaging between 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F).
Autumn weather in El Nido
The autumn season in
El Nido includes
September,
October, and
November. During these months, temperatures maintain a stable range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Notably, rainfall levels remain significantly high in September with approximately 349mm (13.74") but steadily drop down to 264mm (10.39") and 146mm (5.75") in October and November respectively. Despite the rain, sea temperatures remain quite warm, ranging from 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F), while both daylight hours and sunshine durations begin to increase from their annual lows.
Winter weather in El Nido
Winter in
El Nido encompasses
December,
January, and
February. Though 'winter', the temperatures remain reliably high, ranging between 22°C (71.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) across the three months. These months also mark the onset of the drier period with rainfall levels dropping to 60mm (2.36") in December and further to just 12mm (0.47") in January and 5mm (0.2") in February. The sea temperature during these months also remains warm, varying from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F), while daylight hours and sunshine durations gradually increase following the autumn season. Therefore, winter presents a comparatively pleasant and drier climate for visitors.
Weather in January
Changes from
December to
January in
El Nido are minimal, maintaining a consistent tropical climate. High temperatures reach 31°C (87.8°F) and rainfall is quite low, with only 12mm (0.47") recorded over a sparse two days. The warm weather makes for excellent beach days, with sea temperatures averaging a comfortable 27.7°C (81.9°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
The warmth extends into
February with minimal change in temperatures from the previous month. A conspicuous feature in the weather cycle of
El Nido emerges in February, as it experiences a drop in rainfall to 5mm (0.2"). The dry conditions make February a favorable time for outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By the time
March arrives, the weather in
El Nido experiences some interesting transitions. Temperatures marginally rise to a high of 32°C (89.6°F) and a low of 23°C (73.4°F). The town also experiences a slight rise in rainfall this month, with 7mm (0.28") dispersed across a day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the onset of the hot season in
El Nido, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C (91.4°F). April also signals an increase in rainfall, climbing to 23mm (0.91") distributed over three days. Despite these bouts of rainfall, the sunny weather persists, making it a pleasant time to visit the scenic views and pristine waters of the city.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As the calendar flips to
May,
El Nido becomes a haven for heat lovers. The temperatures remain high, but the rainfall notably spikes to a significant 159mm (6.26"). These showers intersperse the otherwise sunny weather, resulting in an interesting blend of weather patterns.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the heavy rainy season, making it the wettest month in
El Nido. With 333mm (13.11") of precipitation spread over 18 days, the region becomes a hub for moisture. Despite the rains, high temperatures and warm sea waters persist in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
El Nido,
July continues the heavy rainfall trend started by
June. With showers projected to reach 400mm (15.75") over 21 days, it's the peak of the rainy season. Interestingly, while the town experiences increased rainfall, temperatures remain consistently warm, and the sea pleasantly heated.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August rolls in, it comes with the highest amount of precipitation seen in the year in
El Nido. An impressive rainfall tally of 433mm (17.05") signifies a considerable deluge, extending over 21 days. Despite increased rainfall, temperatures remain moderate, creating a slightly humid environment.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a gradual decline in rainfall to
El Nido. In comparison to
August, the weather starts to dry up slightly, with rainfall reducing to 349mm (13.74"). Amidst these showers, the temperatures retain their consistency, keeping with the tropical feel of the region.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
El Nido experiences a further drop in rainfall, amounting to 264mm (10.39"). Temperatures remain steady, accompanying the overall warm and moist climate of the town. Although the showers still frequently appear, they become less intense, keeping most days bright and sunny.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November is characterized by a prominent reduction in rainfall in
El Nido, decreasing to 146mm (5.75"). This starts to mark the return to the dry season, even as high temperatures persist. Fewer rainy days and shorter daylight hours typify this transition period.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the year rounds off with
December, the
El Nido weather brings further respite from the heavy rains. With just 60mm (2.36") rainfall over six days, December marks the onset of the drier season. The town maintains its warm climate, friendly for outdoor activities and beach visits.
Weather in December » [Resources]