Palau in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Palau
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- October sits at the tail end of dry season - fewer than 10 rainy days total with most showers brief afternoon downpours lasting 15-20 minutes
- Water visibility peaks at 30-40 m (100-130 ft) for diving - best conditions all year for seeing deeper sites like Micronesia and German Channel
- Tourist numbers drop 40% after September school holidays end, meaning shorter queues for kayak launches and easier booking for Rock Islands tours
- Jellyfish Lake reaches optimal temperature 27-28°C (81-82°F) with millions of golden jellies concentrated in the upper 5 m (16 ft) - perfect snorkeling conditions
Considerations
- Northeast trade winds pick up mid-month creating choppy 1-2 m (3-6 ft) swells on outer reef sites - some dive operators cancel advanced trips 2-3 days monthly
- Humidity stays consistently above 70% with minimal evening cooling - even lightweight clothing feels sticky by midday
- Several local restaurants reduce hours as tourist season winds down - dinner options limited after 8pm outside main hotels
Best Activities in October
Rock Islands Kayaking Tours
October's calmer lagoon conditions make this the ideal month for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage mushroom-shaped islands. Morning tours (7am-11am) avoid afternoon humidity peaks and offer glass-calm waters for photography. The reduced tourist volume means you'll often have entire lagoons to yourself.
Blue Corner Drift Diving
October offers the year's best visibility and shark activity at this world-famous dive site. Grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and occasional hammerheads gather in large schools. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F) with minimal thermoclines.
Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling
October conditions are perfect for this unique ecosystem - warm water temperatures and millions of golden jellies concentrated near the surface. The 200 m (650 ft) hike to the lake is manageable in October's lower rainfall, though still humid.
WWII Historical Site Tours
October's dry conditions make jungle trekking to crashed aircraft and bunkers much more comfortable. Sites like the Japanese Zero fighter and Peleliu battlefield are accessible without muddy trails that plague rainy months.
Milky Way Lagoon Spa Treatment
This natural limestone mud spa is most enjoyable in October when water levels are optimal and fewer crowds mean more relaxed experience. The mineral-rich white mud creates natural skin treatment while surrounded by pristine lagoon.
Ngardmau Waterfall Hiking
October's reduced rainfall makes this Palau's tallest waterfall more accessible via the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) jungle trail. The 30 m (98 ft) cascade flows steadily but isn't overwhelming, perfect for swimming in the natural pool below.
October Events & Festivals
Palau Independence Day Cultural Festival
October 1st celebration featuring traditional dances, local food vendors, and cultural demonstrations at the Capitol Complex. Local families picnic and children perform school programs showcasing Palauan heritage.