What is the best time to visit Boracay?

The dry season from November to May offers the most favorable weather for beach activities, with December through February being peak travel months when conditions are coolest and driest. The wet season from June to October brings higher rainfall and humidity, though the island remains accessible year-round for tourism.

How do I get to Boracay from Panay Island?

Boracay lies just 0.8 kilometers off the northwest coast of Panay Island and is accessible by ferry and boat services. Most visitors arrive at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport near Kalibo, approximately 60–90 kilometers away, then travel by road and ferry to reach the island.

What is the population of Boracay?

Boracay had a population of approximately 37,802 residents according to the 2020 census. The population is distributed across three barangays within Malay, Aklan, and has grown significantly due to the island's development as a major resort and tourism destination.

How large is Boracay Island?

Boracay covers a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers, making it a relatively small but densely developed island. Despite its compact size, it functions as a major hub for beach tourism and resort activities in the Western Visayas region.

What administrative divisions does Boracay have?

Boracay is divided among three barangays that fall under the jurisdiction of Malay, Aklan. This administrative structure reflects the island's development and its integration into the broader local government system of the province.

Boracay Island: Premier Beach Resort Destination

Boracay is a resort island located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, situated 0.8 kilometers off the northwest coast of Panay Island. The island covers a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers and falls under the jurisdiction of three barangays in Malay, Aklan. According to the 2020 census, the island's population was approximately 37,802 residents. As a major beach and resort destination, Boracay attracts visitors seeking tropical island experiences and water-based recreation. The island's compact size and coastal geography make it an accessible destination for travelers exploring the Visayas region.

Updated 2026-05-04 · Source: GeoNames, Wikipedia

Image: Wikimedia Commons contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikipedia

Population: 38K
Climate: tropical
Best months: Jan–May, Nov–Dec

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Local currency

PHP

Timezone

Asia/Manila

Boracay Island: Premier Beach Resort Destination: 11.980, 121.919Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

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Quick facts

Boracay is located 0.8 kilometers off the northwest coast of Panay Island in the Western Visayas.
The island covers a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers across three barangays in Malay, Aklan.
Boracay had a population of approximately 37,802 residents in the 2020 census.
The island is situated in the Asia/Manila timezone, the same as the broader Philippines.
Boracay's dry season runs from November to May, with December through February experiencing cooler temperatures.
The wet season occurs from June to October, with increased rainfall and humidity typical of tropical regions.
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport near Kalibo, the nearest major airport, lies approximately 60–90 kilometers from ferry terminals serving Boracay.

Geography and Location

Boracay is positioned off the northwest coast of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region. The island encompasses 10.32 square kilometers of land area. Its proximity to Panay Island—separated by just 0.8 kilometers of water—provides easy access from the larger island. The island's geography is characterized by its coastal setting and relatively small footprint, which has shaped its development as a concentrated resort destination. Boracay is administratively divided among three barangays within Malay, Aklan.

Land area: 10.32 sq km (3.98 sq mi)
Distance from Panay Island: 0.8 km (0.50 mi)
Timezone: Asia/Manila

Population and Settlement

Boracay had a population of approximately 37,802 according to the 2020 census. This represents the resident population of the island across its three barangay divisions. The island's population has grown substantially due to its development as a tourism and resort destination. The relatively concentrated population reflects the island's small land area and its function as both a residential community and major tourist hub for the Western Visayas region.

Population (2020 census): 37,802
Administrative divisions: 3 barangays in Malay, Aklan

Getting There

Boracay is accessible via Panay Island, located just 0.8 kilometers away. Travelers typically reach the island by ferry or boat services operating between Panay and Boracay. The nearest major airport serving the region is Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Kalibo), which provides domestic and international connections. From Kalibo, it is approximately 60–90 kilometers to the ferry terminals serving Boracay, with travel times of 1–2 hours depending on road conditions and departure point.

Nearest airport: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (KLO), ~60–90 km
Ferry distance from Panay: 0.8 km

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Boracay experiences a tropical climate typical of the Philippines. The dry season generally runs from November to May, offering the most favorable conditions for beach activities and outdoor recreation. The wet season occurs from June to October, with higher rainfall and increased humidity. The cooler and drier months of December through February tend to attract the highest number of visitors. Weather patterns are influenced by the island's location in the Western Visayas, with trade winds and seasonal monsoons affecting local conditions.

Dry season: November to May
Wet season: June to October

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Boracay?: The dry season from November to May offers the most favorable weather for beach activities, with December through February being peak travel months when conditions are coolest and driest. The wet season from June to October brings higher rainfall and humidity, though the island remains accessible year-round for tourism.
How do I get to Boracay from Panay Island?: Boracay lies just 0.8 kilometers off the northwest coast of Panay Island and is accessible by ferry and boat services. Most visitors arrive at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport near Kalibo, approximately 60–90 kilometers away, then travel by road and ferry to reach the island.
What is the population of Boracay?: Boracay had a population of approximately 37,802 residents according to the 2020 census. The population is distributed across three barangays within Malay, Aklan, and has grown significantly due to the island's development as a major resort and tourism destination.
How large is Boracay Island?: Boracay covers a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers, making it a relatively small but densely developed island. Despite its compact size, it functions as a major hub for beach tourism and resort activities in the Western Visayas region.
What administrative divisions does Boracay have?: Boracay is divided among three barangays that fall under the jurisdiction of Malay, Aklan. This administrative structure reflects the island's development and its integration into the broader local government system of the province.

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Sources & methodology

Geographic data from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Narrative sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and structured by Claude. Map by © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). See the methodology and sources registry for full attribution and update cadence.

This page last refreshed 2026-05-04.

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