The climate of Puerto Princesa
According to Köppen climate classification,
Puerto Princesa possesses a tropical monsoon, or "Am," climate. Given its location in the
Philippines, this is quite expected. The hallmark of this climate is warm temperatures persisting throughout the year, coupled with annual heavy rainfall.
Throughout the months, the temperatures in Puerto Princesa range from lows of 22.6°C (72.7°F) to highs of 32.9°C (91.2°F). This high consistency in temperature, barring minimal fluctuations, is a classic characteristic of the tropical monsoon climate. In reflection of this trend, the relative humidity maintains itself between 79% to 87% throughout the year. This combination of warm temperatures and high humidity often makes the atmosphere feel much hotter than it actually is.
A thorough study on the rainfall patterns presents a clear picture. The city experiences rainfall between 17mm (0.67") to 210mm (8.27") with the heaviest rainfall recorded between
May and
November. It is usual for a slight decrease in rainfall to occur in
April before it picks up once again. The number of rainfall days fluctuates from 2 days to 17 days, with the highest numbers coinciding with the seasons of monsoon rains. A unique observation is the constant duration of daylight hours throughout the year, between 11.6 to 12.7 hours.
The best time to visit Puerto Princesa
Considering the weather trends and conditions, the best time for visitors to explore
Puerto Princesa would be from
January to
March. During this period, not only are temperatures agreeably warm, ranging from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), but the rainfall is also on the lower end of the scale, falling between 17mm (0.67") to 37mm (1.46"). With humidity levels marginally lower, fluctuating between 79% to 83%, the overall weather experience remains comfortable for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Puerto Princesa
On the other hand, the months from
May to
November are better avoided if possible, representing the city's monsoon season. Tempestuous weather conditions prevail during this time, with the heaviest rainfall, ranging from 142mm (5.59") to 210mm (8.27"), accompanied by a high concentration of rainy days. Moreover, the humidity escalates to as much as 86%, creating a rather uncomfortable, stifling atmosphere, particularly when combined with temperatures between 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F).
Spring weather in Puerto Princesa
March and
April mark springtime in
Puerto Princesa. Temperatures during spring remain fairly warm, from 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F), with the relative humidity levels staying between 79% and 80%. Substantially fewer rainfall days, between 4 to 5, bring lighter showers, falling between 37mm (1.46") to 42mm (1.65"). Sea temperatures warm up around this time, ranging from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F), making water-based activities increasingly enticing.
Summer weather in Puerto Princesa
Summer, from
May to
July, is a rather wet period in
Puerto Princesa. Although temperatures remain comfortably high, from 23.9°C (75°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F), the high levels of rainfall and increased humid conditions do impact the overall weather experience. Rainfall quantities peak from 142mm (5.59") to 184mm (7.24"), and rainy days escalate from 12 to 16 days in a month. Despite the wet conditions, sea temperatures remain warm, hovering around 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F).
Autumn weather in Puerto Princesa
Autumn, spanning
August to
October, continues the wet trend initiated during summer. The rainfall is still heavy, falling between 184mm (7.24") to 210mm (8.27") with 16 to 17 days of rain in a month. Although temperatures range from 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 30.9°C (87.6°F), the elevated humidity levels might cause discomfort to certain visitors. This season boasts sea temperatures reaching between 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Winter weather in Puerto Princesa
Winter in
Puerto Princesa, which extends from
November to
February, is characterized by a gradual decrease in rainfall, from 205mm (8.07") to 31mm (1.22"), and a decrease in rainy days, from 14 to 4 days in a month. Despite it being winter, temperatures only slightly lower to between 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). In line with the seasonal shift, there is a decline in sea temperatures too, dipping from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F).
Weather in January
In
Puerto Princesa, the first month of the new year brings a blend of warm temperatures and decent rainfall. There's a subtle shift in weather from
December, with a slight uptick in temperatures. Notable in
January is the average rainfall of 31mm (1.22"), a significant decrease from December's numbers.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Puerto Princesa transcends into
February, there's a minor shift in the temperature dial, but this is hardly perceptible. The month comes with marginally lower humidity levels compared to
January. The most trivial level of rainfall occurs in February, bottoming out at 17mm (0.67").
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Puerto Princesa witnesses an incremental escalation in heat, as the mercury climbs a little higher compared to
February. The indicators point towards the tail end of the dry season, with an uptick in rainfall. Increased daylight is a distinct feature of the month, indicating a gradual transition towards the wet season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the advent of the hot season in
Puerto Princesa, thereby indicating a transition period from the dry to the wet season. Temperatures marginally tip the scale further this month, reaching an average high of 32.9°C (91.2°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in intensified weather conditions in
Puerto Princesa with a sharp hike in rainfall. The appointed harbinger of the wet season, this month is characteristically marked by an average rainfall shooting up to a whopping 142mm (5.59").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June imprints a continuation of the wet pattern from
May in
Puerto Princesa. A notch towards the cooler side is discernible in the temperature measurements. While rainfall peaks further, the sea temperature remains remarkably stable.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Puerto Princesa is characterized by steady, relentless rain, closely echoing the weather patterns set in
June. The elevated precipitation of 178mm (7.01") on average is accompanied by a slight dip in the temperature arena.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
Puerto Princesa moves into
August, the weather remains quite consistent with that of
July. Another surge in rainfall establishes August firmly within the wet season territory. Equally comfortable sea temperature continues to attract divers and snorkelers.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September propels the wet trend forward in
Puerto Princesa, maintaining similar climatic characteristics as
August. The highlight of September’s weather is its recorded maximum rainfall of 196mm (7.72"). The days start getting shorter, with a gradual decrease in daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Puerto Princesa witnesses a continuity of the monsoon season, albeit with marginally lower rainfall than
September. No significant fluctuation in temperature occurs, with the figures remaining relatively stable. The city expresses its beauty eloquently in October, with nature flourishing under the monsoon rains.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in a subtle change, signaling the approaching end of the wet season in
Puerto Princesa. There's a slight relief in the rainfall curve, bearing similarity to the preceding month's features. The month is marked by a decrease in rainfall days, indicating a slow transition towards the dry season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Puerto Princesa can be regarded as a transitional month, featuring a significant shift in climatic conditions. The month is marked by reduced rainfall, winding down to an average of 137mm (5.39"). This gradual descent from the previous month's highs indicates the onset of the much-awaited dry season.
Weather in December » [Resources]