When to go to Palau, plus extra Qantas flights from Brisbane

Travellers weighing up a trip to Palau can now pick from a clear seasonal breakdown of the Pacific archipelago, alongside extra flights from Australia during the driest months. December to March offers the calmest seas and clearest water, and Qantas is boosting its Brisbane–Koror schedule over exactly that window.

Key facts

• December to March is the driest season, with lower humidity and calm seas
• Underwater visibility in that period frequently extends beyond 30 metres
• Qantas will fly its Palau Paradise Express route between Brisbane and Koror twice weekly from December 2026 to the end of March 2027
• Temperatures from June to August hover between 26°C and 31°C
• June to August brings the year's lowest tourist numbers and seasonal resort discounts

What are the seasons like?

December to March is described as the prime window for clear water and blue skies. Warm sunny days, lower humidity and predictable conditions make it the top choice for divers, snorkellers and first-time visitors, particularly around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands — jungle-capped limestone formations rising from turquoise lagoons.

April and May offer a quieter version of peak season. April still has generally calm seas and good underwater visibility, with rewarding encounters with manta rays and reef sharks. By May, rainfall and humidity start to increase, though conditions remain warm and diving is usually good, with visibility still able to be excellent at exposed reef sites.

June to August is the low season: higher rainfall but the fewest visitors. Rain usually falls as short, torrential downpours or afternoon squalls rather than prolonged washouts, and temperatures sit between 26°C and 31°C. Visitors can expect quiet attractions, seasonal resort discounts and uncrowded dive sites.

September to November is the green season. Rain is more frequent but broken up by sunshine, leaving jungle trails lush and waterfalls full. The wet season dwindles into calmer conditions by November. Warm ocean temperatures mean water activities are possible year-round, and plankton-rich waters draw filter feeders such as manta rays. Inner lagoon sites, including Palau's WWII shipwrecks, stay sheltered and dive-able whatever the weather.

What flights are available?

Qantas will operate its Palau Paradise Express service between Brisbane and Palau's Koror twice weekly from December 2026 to the end of March 2027, adding a second return service to the existing schedule. The airline says the extra return makes a four-day long weekend in Palau possible, whether for a summer holiday escape or a New Year break.

What this means for travellers

Anyone planning a diving or snorkelling trip focused on visibility should look at the December to March window, when the extra Brisbane–Koror services also run. Travellers after lower prices and fewer crowds may prefer June to August, while those comfortable with variable conditions can consider the green season from September to November. A flexible itinerary that mixes marine activities with land-based sightseeing is recommended for the wetter months.

No end date has been given for the seasonal flight boost beyond the end of March 2027.