Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Palau has a tropical maritime climate with high temperatures year-round averaging 27-30°C (81-86°F). The dry season runs November through April with lower humidity and excellent diving visibility, while the wet season from May through October brings heavier rainfall and occasional typhoons but also lower prices. Sea temperatures remain warm at 28-30°C year-round making it excellent for diving and snorkeling in every month.
Best time to visit
Best: December to April (dry season, best visibility for diving)
Peak Season: December to April (dry season, best visibility for diving)
Shoulder Season: May and November (fewer crowds, occasional rain)
Avoid: June to October (wet season, typhoon risk, lower prices)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
29C/84F
Peak dry season, excellent visibility, low humidity. Busiest month with highest prices.
February
29C/84F
Dry, sunny, ideal conditions. Manta ray season at German Channel is excellent.
March
29C/84F
Still excellent dry season conditions with good diving visibility and calm seas.
April
30C/86F
End of dry season with slightly increasing humidity. Still excellent for all activities.
May
30C/86F
Wet season begins with afternoon showers. Fewer tourists and lower prices than peak season.
June
29C/84F
Wetter with regular afternoon rain. Diving remains good and prices are more affordable.
July
29C/84F
Wet season in full swing with daily rainfall. Good for budget travelers wanting fewer crowds.
August
28C/82F
Typhoon risk increases this month. Monitor weather closely and book flexible accommodation.
September
28C/82F
Peak typhoon season - highest risk month. Many operators reduce boat tours during tropical storms.
October
29C/84F
Typhoon risk remains; wet season continues but gradually improving toward November.
November
29C/84F
Transition to dry season with improving conditions. Fewer tourists than December but excellent value.
December
29C/84F
Dry season begins. Christmas and New Year period brings peak tourist numbers. Book well ahead.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Dry
Months: Nov-Apr
Best season for diving visibility up to 60 meters, calmer seas, and outdoor activities. December to March is peak tourist season with maximum crowds and prices.
Wet
Months: May-Oct
Heavier rainfall and higher humidity with occasional typhoons especially August-October. Diving is still excellent and prices are 20-40% lower with far fewer tourists.
Transition
Months: May and November
Brief transitional periods with mixed weather, often offering good diving conditions at moderate prices with smaller crowds than peak season.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Dec-Apr (especially Christmas-New Year and Chinese New Year when Asian visitors peak)
- Shoulder Season
- May and Nov (good conditions, moderate prices, manageable crowds)
- Low Season
- Jun-Oct (wet season, lowest prices, typhoon risk Aug-Oct)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Palau Independence Day
National holiday celebrating Palau's independence from UN Trusteeship in 1994. Features traditional dances, canoe races, cultural performances, feasts, and community celebrations. Best cultural experience for visitors.
Belau National Museum Festival
Cultural festivals showcasing traditional Palauan arts, crafts, storytelling, and performances. Check museum schedule for current events.
Palau Eco-Cup Regatta
International sailing regatta and ocean festival promoting marine conservation. Includes races, educational programs, beach cleanups, and ocean advocacy events.
Manta Ray Season
Not an event but peak season for manta ray encounters at German Channel cleaning station. Dive operators run special manta-focused trips.
Christmas and New Year Celebrations
Hotels host special dinners, local churches hold services, and community gatherings celebrate. Mix of Western and Palauan traditions.
Peleliu WWII Memorial Services
Commemorative services honoring fallen soldiers from the Battle of Peleliu. Veterans, families, and officials gather for remembrance ceremonies.