Philippines El Nido Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in El Nido is high
El Nido Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 30° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 90mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, El Nido in December averages a high of 30°C and low of 24°C with 90mm of rain over about 9 days. Dry season with pleasant, slightly cooler days — around 30°C/24°C and sea breezes. Light clothing, swimwear, rash guard, hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A light layer for breezy evening boat rides.
December is high for El Nido.
December brings comfortable, dry weather — around 30°C/24°C, among the most pleasant of the year, with calm seas, sea breezes, and reliable island-hopping.
Conditions are excellent for the lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling, and it's a favorite time to visit. The catch is that the Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive stretch of the year: hotels run at peak rates and sell out early, and the lagoons get crowded over the holidays.
Travel score
El Nido December Weather Stats
Avg High
30°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
9
90mm total
Sunshine
7h
Daily avg
Humidity
79%
humid
UV Index
10
Very high
Wind
16 km/h
Gusts 30
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
9 μg/m³
PM10
18 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
34°C
Nighttime
25°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
16 km/h
Max gust 30 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pleasant, dry, breezy weather
- Calm seas — prime island-hopping
- Festive holiday atmosphere
- Good snorkeling and diving
Cons
- Highest prices of the year (Christmas/New Year)
- Hotels sell out — book far ahead
- Crowded lagoons over the holidays
- Extreme UV — strong protection needed
December Events & Festivals
- Peak holiday season — Christmas and New Year
- Calm, dry conditions — prime island-hopping
- Highest prices of the year; hotels sell out
El Nido in December — Full Picture
December brings comfortable, dry weather — around 30°C/24°C, among the most pleasant of the year, with calm seas, sea breezes, and reliable island-hopping.
Conditions are excellent for the lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling, and it's a favorite time to visit. The catch is that the Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive stretch of the year: hotels run at peak rates and sell out early, and the lagoons get crowded over the holidays.
Outside the holiday week itself, early December can be a touch calmer while still enjoying the fine dry-season weather.
Practical notes: book accommodation and the AirSWIFT flight well ahead for the holidays, carry plenty of cash for unreliable ATMs, and pack a power bank for brownouts. Reef-safe sunscreen remains essential under extreme UV. A near-ideal month for weather, at peak-season cost.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Dry season with pleasant, slightly cooler days — around 30°C/24°C and sea breezes. Light clothing, swimwear, rash guard, hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A light layer for breezy evening boat rides.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
32.7°C
25.7°C
5/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
31°C
25°C
19.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
25°C
16/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current30.3°C
24°C
6.7/mo
El Nido Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 30° | 24° | 7d·70mm | 7.5h | 78% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 24° | 4d·50mm | 8h | 76% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 32° | 25° | 4d·55mm | 8.5h | 75% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 33° | 26° | 3d·45mm | 8.5h | 74% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| 33° | 26° | 8d·110mm | 7.5h | 76% | 12 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 18d·280mm | 5h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 21d·385mm | 4.5h | 84% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 20d·350mm | 4.5h | 84% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 19d·300mm | 5h | 83% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 17d·230mm | 5.5h | 82% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·150mm | 6.5h | 80% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| December (Best) | 30° | 24° | 9d·90mm | 7h | 79% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
El Nido December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit El Nido?
El Nido in December is high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in El Nido in December?
El Nido December averages a high of 30°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in El Nido in December?
El Nido December averages 90mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in El Nido in December?
Dry season with pleasant, slightly cooler days — around 30°C/24°C and sea breezes. Light clothing, swimwear, rash guard, hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A light layer for breezy evening boat rides.
What time are sunrise and sunset in El Nido in December?
El Nido December sunrise is 06:05 and sunset is 17:35, with 11h 30min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in El Nido in December?
El Nido December air quality (AQI) averages 29, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 9μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in El Nido in December?
In December, El Nido is great for All four island-hopping tours, Snorkeling and diving, Nacpan Beach.
Is December peak season in El Nido?
El Nido December crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit El Nido
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to El Nido?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.