Best (& Worst) Time Of The Year To Visit Panama: Weather By Month

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If you’re thinking about heading to Central America, have you ever considered visiting Panama? If this is the case, you might want to know when the best time to visit Panama is.

To make sure you have the best experience, you’ll need to plan your trip around Panama’s tropical climate. It’s an equatorial country which sees both the sunshine and the rainy weather.

Whenever you decide to go, know that Panama is one of our favourite countries and surpassed all of our expectations. We spent weeks backpacking the country and loved every moment of our trip! It’s filled with nature and wildlife and soft sandy beaches; it’s literally a haven for adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts.

So, to help you plan an epic adventure, we’ve written this guide to tell you everything there is to know about Panama’s weather, month by month!

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Don’t Get Caught Out, Discover Panama’s Weather Month By Month And The Best Time To Visit For You!

In this post, we will cover the weather in Panama month by month to help you plan your perfect holiday! I’ll also include topics:

• The best time of the year to visit Panama
• The worst time to visit Panama
• Our experience visiting Panama in May
• The Geographic overview of Panama
• Festivals and carnivals in Panama not to be missed!

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When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Panama?

This is a relative question because depending on your reasons and which activities are attracting you to Panama, the time of year to visit will change.

However, most will agree that the best time of the year to visit Panama for a holiday is during the dry season between January, February and March.

The period from mid-December to March sees the most pleasant temperatures. You will get dry days with plenty of sunshine. There is also a gentle breeze with some cloud coverage so it brings relief from the sun and high temperatures.

That said, there are some questions you should ask yourself to help narrow down the best time of the year to visit Panama for you. Answer these questions to get started:

• Which part of the country are you thinking of exploring?
• Are you okay with variable terrains?
• Does the presence of crowds bother you?
• Does high humidity have a negative impact on your comfort?
• Are you comfortable with cooler or warmer temperatures?
• Do you lean towards spending your time outdoors hiking, by the beach or delving into a new city experience?

Give these questions some thought, and once you’ve determined the answers, you’ll be on your way to discovering when the best time to visit Panama is for you.

Ultimately, 

• The best times for dry weather is between January and March
• The best time for budget travellers is April to early December
• The best time for surfers is May to November

What We Think 

We think the best time to visit Panama is during the shoulder seasons. In Panama, these are a couple of weeks during mid-December and mid-April to early May. These shoulder months bring short spells of sunshine between the wet and dry seasons and fewer crowds. Due to this, they are actually great times to visit Panama!

👉 Further Reading We think Panama is worth visiting, find out why here!

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What Is The Worst Time To Visit Panama?

Is it the wet season?

Again, this is relative. If you’re a surfer and want to visit Panama to enjoy its waves, then the rainy season is the best time to visit! This isn’t true for those of you seeking endless days on the beach or wanting to experience Panama’s incredible hiking trails. 

Even so, most will agree that the worst time to visit Panama is during the wet season, especially the months of October and November which see the most rainfall. Then again, the country holds some fantastic festivals during these months!

That said, it’s a busy time for domestic travel due to the number of national holidays. You’ll find many roads are blocked due to parades and the shops and businesses all but shut down. So, not ideal if you’re trying to travel and have a relaxing holiday.

Ultimately, 

• The worst times for wet weather is October and November
• The worst times for budget travellers is late-December to March
• If you’re looking for beach days, the worst time to visit is…depends on what side of the country you go!

Caught you out? We were confused at first, too…Panama has an interesting geological topography and climate. 

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Panama Geographic Overview

Panama has both a Caribbean side and a Pacific side and is generally categorised into two climates: dry and wet. But the Caribbean side doesn’t really see a dry season. 

This is because although Panama has a tropical weather pattern created by the collision of the north and south Trade Winds, it features a subclimate on the Caribbean side: an equatorial climate. 

You can expect it to be hot and rainy all year round on the north Caribbean coast, as is expected by an equatorial climate but, tropical on the Pacific Coast.

Tropical climates are categorised by hot weather but with a dry and wet season.

Panama is a Central American country located just 8 degrees north of the equator, its close proximity to the equator is the reason why it has a tropical climate. It doesn’t matter what side of the country you are on; temperatures will be fairly consistent all year round.

In fact, the landscape is what alters the temperatures. North of the Isthmus, Panama has a central mountain range which divides the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Coast. 

You will find that the temperatures vary with altitude rather than with seasons. The higher you go, the cooler it becomes and even the nights can become chilly. Whereas, in the lowlands, it is hot and humid during the day and only slightly cooling off to give pleasant nights.

The North Pacific Coast sees drier plains than the South as it is sheltered by Panama’s mountainous spine. However, due to this, the south is more lustrous. If you’re visiting during the wet season the Azuero Peninsula could be a great shout as it sits in the north Pacific side of Panama!

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Our Experience Visiting Panama

“There are more species of birds and plants in Panama — a country the size of South Carolina — than there are in all of Canada and the United States combined.”

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Jack and I have only been to Panama once but it was enough to carve the destination into our hearts forever. So much so that we are already planning a return trip!

The start of my journey to Panama found me on a sailing boat in early May 2022. Departing from Colombia’s popular port city of Cartagena, I was heading for the San Blas Islands on a 5-day sailing trip. 

Jack decided to fly straight to Panama City and meet me after this adventure as he isn’t a fan of boats! It was a decision he questions now and again…

Early May

The San Blas Islands were my first encounter with Panama. They were something special and along with 8 other people we created lifetime memories there. If you get the chance to go, make sure you plan for at least a day trip to the San Blas Islands, preferably more!

The weather was perfect. We had sunny skies for the most part although there were a few dark clouds and the odd shower but these didn’t last long and were generally at night. There was one time we were snorkelling and soft droplets began to fall, but the water was warm and, in my opinion, it made the activity even better! 

May is the start of the rainy season, but even if there are heavier skies the downpours seem to be less frequent and softer on the Caribbean side.

After the San Blas Islands, I headed to Panama City where we spent a few days. We experienced only one day of rain – when we were walking around Casco Viejo. And, although the skies were duller the sun still made a constant appearance. 

Mid-May

By the time we reached Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula, we had a solid week of rain. We were there to surf and since we were in the water most of the day it didn’t affect us. However, there was no opportunity for sunbathing.

Afterwards, we headed to Boquete which is a town in Panama’s central mountain range. There, we had a fantastic time hiking, exploring and eating our way through local delicacies. 

👉 Related Post: We loved Boquete and so to help you plan your visit we’ve written a guide for where to stay to suit ALL BUDGETS!

We saw rain but not as frequently as the week before and generally only in the evening and night. The mornings were fresh and filled with wildlife, and when we did most of our exploration – this was the best time to take a guided wildlife tour through the jungles.

Would We Recommend Visiting Panama In May?

Panama is a year-round destination and although May is thought of as a bad time to visit we had a great time. It is just at the end of the shoulder season which means you’re likely to get both sunshine and rain, with more rain towards the end of the month.

Since we enjoy hiking and nature experiences just as much as beach days we weren’t bothered that we couldn’t enjoy sunbathing. If the beach is what you’re after, I would suggest visiting mid-April instead.

For all other activities, May is a good time to visit. Since it falls into the off-season, attractions are cheaper, there are fewer tourists and accommodation is more affordable. This makes May a great time to visit if you’re travelling on a budget.

During May and with most of the wet season you’ll notice the downpours lasting no more than an hour or two during the day with most occurring at night. Therefore, it is still possible to plan activities but aim for the mornings.

As the wet season progresses, hiking trails can become bogged down, soggy and dangerous so I also wouldn’t recommend visiting later in the season if you want to go hiking.

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Panama Weather By Month

Do you know which month you’re visiting Panama? Find out below if it’s a good time to go.

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Panama In January

In January, Panama offers the perfect escape. With an average temperature of 27ºC, it marks the first month of the dry season, making it an ideal time to explore. This is when Panama’s beaches shine their brightest, with golden sands beckoning sun-seekers.

For nature enthusiasts, the rainforest hiking experiences are truly enchanting during this time as the forests are lustrous and green following the rainy season. 

Adventurers can also embrace the thrill of kitesurfing along the coast. With the Trade Winds at their strongest from December to mid-February you’ll get the perfect conditions for this exhilarating sport.

The downside is that it’s one of the busiest months to visit Panama. January stands out as a popular month of the year where the skies are often exceptionally clear, creating a stunning backdrop but attracting the most crowds and higher prices.

Panama In February

In February, Panama is at its prime with an average temperature of 28ºC. It’s the height of the peak season, offering up to 9 hours of glorious sunshine. 

The weather is warm and dry, making it an excellent time for beach lovers and rainforest hiking. It’s the perfect time to visit if you want to explore the islands on the Pacific Coast, go snorkelling and take part in adventure sports such as kitesurfing

Just keep in mind, it’s a bustling time to explore this beautiful country so you can expect high prices for tourist attractions and accommodations. You’ll need to book activities in advance to ensure they don’t get booked up so pre-planning is a must!

Panama In March

In March, Panama continues its sunny streak, much like January and February. With an average temperature of 28ºC, it’s still the height of the dry season. Panama’s golden beaches and rainforest hikes remain irresistible. 

Additionally, it’s an excellent time to explore places like Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala – San Blas Islands. Notably, Bocas del Toro enjoys two relatively dry spells, one being around March, making it a prime time to visit this coastal gem.

Again, expect higher prices.

Panama In April

In April, Panama has the warmest of temperatures, with an average of 29ºC that can occasionally peak at 32ºC. It marks the end of the dry season, offering the last of the dry weather up until mid-April. 

Easter is a highlight with the country celebrating this holiday. The beaches get crowded and you’ll find daytime highs often reaching over 30ºC. 

It’s worth noting that Easter coincides with spring break, so expect bustling crowds if you’re visiting during this period.

This is an ideal time for hiking in the forests as you’ll be shaded from the heat by tropical trees. But, it’s important to keep in mind that mid-April signals the start of the wet season. However, this shoulder season can be an excellent period to visit, as prices start to drop. 

Just remember that while April brings warmth, sunshine isn’t always guaranteed and it begins to get humid. Puffy hair anyone?

Panama In May

In May, Panama offers an average temperature of 28ºC. It marks the first month of the wet season, signalling the end of the shoulder season towards mid-May. 

If you’re a surf enthusiast, it’s an exciting time as waves begin to grow larger, creating ideal conditions for catching the perfect ride!  Hiking is still possible and the wetter weather brings fewer crowds and more affordable rates.

Nature lovers will find May remarkable, as it’s the start of the nesting season for loggerhead and green sea turtles along the Caribbean coast.

You can expect the odd showers at the start of the month and becomes more frequent towards the end. Even so, rain showers during the wet season last no more than an hour or two during the day.

Panama In June

This month is a dream for surfers, as the waves are at their best, providing thrilling rides along the coast. It’s also a fantastic time for nature enthusiasts as it can be one of the best times to spot wildlife.

The rain brings life to the jungle and oceans making it the very best time to experience water based-activities. You’ll find that the lakes and rivers fill and flow faster so if you fancy white water rafting, this is the month to visit.

Additionally, June marks the celebration of the Corpus Christi festival in La Villa de Los Santos, a cultural highlight with vibrant parades and festivities. 

However, it’s essential to note that humidity soars in June, and rain showers, along with regular thunderstorms, become more frequent. Be prepared for a downpour if you plan to explore Panama during this time.

The good news is that even though the skies are in near-constant cloud coverage, the rain lasts only for an hour or two and tends to be mid to late afternoon. 

Panama In July

In July, Panama embraces a comfortable average temperature of 27ºC. It’s a haven for surfers along the Pacific Coast, where the best waves continue to form; head to Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula for a great experience.

While the Caribbean Coast still sees regular showers it is drier in comparison to the Pacific side, for history enthusiasts, this is a good time to visit Portobelo.

Surprisingly, the Pacific Coast is drier than that in May and June; humidity is also slightly lower than in July. 

July also sees the start of the humpback whale migration which attracts wildlife fanatics to the Pacific Coast. July is still considered an off-peak month for visitors, meaning you can find better hotel rates and fewer crowds.

July is also quite a festive month in Panama, with a range of celebrations, including the Fiesta de Virgen del Carmen in Santa Catalina, Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Isla Taboga, and two more in Las Tablas. 

It’s a great time to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Panama!

Panama In August

The month of August in Panama is a haven for divers and wildlife enthusiasts as humpback whales, sharks, and orcas continue to gather in their thousands along the Pacific shoreline. The best place to spot them is at Pearl Island.

For surfers, the waves are still inviting, making it a fantastic time for riding the waves. However, it’s worth noting that August is the cloudiest month of the year in Panama.

Despite the clouds, it’s still possible to visit the Caribbean side of Panama. The San Blas Islands typically see rain for only an hour or so in the afternoon but have warm, sunny skies in the morning. The rain actually brings a welcome relief from the humidity, leaving clear skies afterwards.

In the lush rainforests, August marks a thriving period, with nature bursting with life and greenery. It’s a unique time to witness Panama’s natural beauty in full bloom.

Panama In September

In September, Panama is well and truly into the wet season, offering an average temperature of 27ºC. This month continues to present an exciting opportunity for divers and wildlife enthusiasts, as humpback whales, sharks, and orcas gather off the Pacific coast.

However, due to the rain, there’s less visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling so it’s preferable to take boat trips to see them rather than underwater adventures. 

September also marks the last chance to experience Panama‘s hiking trails before heavy rains set in, so it’s a unique time to explore the country with fewer visitors and better rates, ideal for budget travellers!

Surfers will continue to find fantastic waves during this season. For those of you interested in the Bocas del Toro islands, September is surprisingly one of the driest months to visit.

Keep in mind that for hiking, towards the end of September, it isn’t the most ideal time to explore, as it marks the beginning of a wetter period that extends into October and November.

Panama In October

In October, Panama offers a comfortable average temperature of 26ºC. This is the prime time to experience Panama with as few visitors as possible, ensuring a more tranquil exploration of the country.

The landscape thrives during this month, creating a vivid rainforest. The rivers and lakes are full and new life has sprung into every nook and cranny of the country. It continues to be a great time to observe the whale migration.

Although daily rain is guaranteed, the downpours are typically confined to a few hours in the late afternoon. Luckily, the weather is quite predictable, allowing for easy itinerary planning.

The best part is Panama begins to celebrate regional fairs during October, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural traditions.

For those interested in visiting Bocas del Toro, note that Bocas enjoys two relatively dry spells, one of which is in October. This makes it a great time to explore this coastal treasure!

Panama In November

In November, Panama continues to offer a pleasant average temperature of 26ºC. It’s still the best time to experience the country with as few visitors as possible.

However, it’s worth noting that the rain can be unrelenting in November, with the most rain per year, often up to 5 hours a day, although this is still usually in the afternoons. 

This month is when the whole country takes off to celebrate multiple independence-related festivals, a time of cultural richness and celebrations from both Spain and Colombia.

Panama City tends to empty out as people head to the beaches, but the rain, at times torrential, still accompanies the festivities.

November isn’t the best time to visit the Caribbean Coast, as it experiences heavy rainfall. However, the end of November sees a drastic change in weather, with the rains starting to die off, particularly on the Pacific Coast.

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly options, November is the cheapest time of the year to visit Panama. 

Again, the month continues to be a unique opportunity to witness humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres as they migrate to mate and give birth, creating a remarkable natural spectacle.

Panama In December

In December, Panama’s average temperature remains 26ºC, setting the stage for a delightful holiday season. However, it’s essential to pre-book accommodations, as Christmas and the period onwards mark the start of the dry season, drawing visitors from around the world.

As the month progresses, the weather warms up, and by mid-December, Panama experiences a dramatic decrease in rainfall, making it an excellent time to explore. The sea temperatures are also comfortable, at around 27°C (81°F).

If your plan is to witness the wonder of the Panama Canal, mid-December just before Christmas and New Year’s is the best time to visit, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey through this engineering marvel.

The rainforests in December are truly special, buzzing with new life after the rains. It’s an exceptional time to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Panama.

It’s also the best time to take to the water, activities such as white water rafting and kitesurfing are ideal during this period.

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Does Panama Have Seasons?

Panama does not have the typical four seasons most of the northern hemisphere experiences. Instead of spring, summer, autumn and winter, Panama has only two seasons: dry and wet. 

However, these seasons can differ slightly depending on which month and which side of the country you visit. 

This is due, in part, to the Isthmus of Panama, Panama’s central mountain spine and the convergence of the northern and southern Trade Winds.

Generally, the Caribbean Coast will remain damp throughout the year although the sun will appear in the mornings and afternoon. During the wet season, areas such as Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side of Panama actually experience their driest months!

The Pacific coast sees a typical tropical climate. The dry season is from mid-December to mid-April whereas the wet season starts from mid-April and ends mid-December.

That said, Panama is a year-round destination.

Dry Season

During the dry season in Panama, most of the country enjoys sunny days and minimal rainfall. However, as I mentioned the Caribbean Coast will still experience occasional showers as will the highlands.

Due to the guaranteed sunshine, this is the busiest time for visiting Panama and therefore it becomes the most expensive time to visit as well. 

For hiking, popular places like Boquete and the group excursions into the national parks from Panama City can become crowded alongside excursions to the stunning San Blas Archipelago.

👉 It’s best to pre-book all your tours during the high season. We use Get Your Guide and Viator to pre-book our tours. They are both safe and reputable companies that we love!

While it’s ideal for hiking and water-based sports, the wind during this season can reduce visibility for snorkelers, so keep that in mind if you’re planning aquatic adventures!

The peak season encompasses major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter, as well as Carnival season. 

Wet Season

The rainy season in Panama stretches from mid-April through December, with its peak occurring in late October and November. During these wettest months, travel in the highlands can become challenging, if not impossible. 

The low season in Panama corresponds to the rainy months, particularly from June through November. This is when you’ll find the most affordable rates in travel, tours and accommodation.

The highlight of the wet season is the beauty of Panama’s natural landscape which truly flourishes. The annual whale migration also takes place during this season which is perfect for nature enthusiasts.

On the Pacific side, you’ll encounter thunderstorms and brief, intense tropical downpours. Meanwhile, on the Caribbean side, showers are less frequent, often occurring at night.

The rain is quite predictable which means it’s possible to plan your itinerary if you’re visiting during this period.

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Panamanian Festivals & Public Holidays

Festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Panama. Traditionally, you’ll find water trucks, known as “culecos,” at most celebrations during the hottest months which spray the crowds with water. 

Popular celebrations are:

• January: Feria de las Flores y del Café in Boquete (date varies).
• February: Carnival and Ash Wednesday (Feb/March) are celebrated all over the country, but especially in Las Tablas and Panama City, with an aquatic version in Penonomé; Comarca de Guna Yala (Feb 25) celebrates the Guna Revolution of 1925, their independence day; Festival de los Diablos y Congos, biennially in Portobelo (2019,2021,2023…)
• March: Feria Internacional de David, Chiriquí; Semana Santa celebrations, celebrated everywhere, but most colourfully in La Villa de Los Santos, Pesé and Guararé, on the Azuero Peninsula.
• April: Feria de las Orquideas in Boquete (date varies); Feria International del Azuero in La Villa de Los Santos (date varies). Easter holidays!
• May: Labor Day.
• June: Corpus Christi, La Villa de Los Santos.
• July: Fiesta de Virgen del Carmen, Santa Catalina; Nuestra Señora del Carmen (July 16) on Isla Taboga; Patronales de La Santa Librada and Festival de la Pollera in Las Tablas (July 20–22).
• August: Panama La Vieja Day, Panama City; Festival Nacional del Manito Ocueño, Ocú. 
• September: Feria Internacional del Mar, Bocas del Toro; Feria de la Mejorana, Guararé.
• October: Festival del Toro Guapo, Antón. Festival of Nogagope (Oct 10–12) on Isla Tigre, Comarca de Guna Yala; Feria Guna (mid-Oct) on Isla Tigre; Festival de la Mejorana (five days mid-Oct) in Guararé; Fiesta de Cristo Negro (Oct 21) in Portobelo.
• November: Día de la Independencia (November 28). Cities and towns across the nation put on parades featuring school drumming troupes and majorettes, which the whole population comes out to watch.
• December: New Year and Christmas

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Panama Resources

After reading all that I hope you’re considering Panama as your next destination! If it’s your first time visiting, we’ve written loads of useful guides to help you plan your itinerary. Here are the most popular articles to get you started:

• Perfect Panama 14-Day Itinerary: Travel Made For You
• 19 Fantastic Things To Do In Boquete Panama
• 21 Best Things To Do In Panama City
• Playa Venao To Boquete: How To Get There & Tips
• Panama City To Playa Venao: How To Get There & Tips
• Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro: How To Get There & Tips

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What To Pack For Panama

Since Panama has both wet and dry seasons, knowing what to pack can be confusing. In truth, you don’t need to pack too differently as the temperatures remain constant throughout the year. 

Instead, you will only need to pack a rain jacket and potentially some warmer layers for the cooler evenings if you are visiting the highlands. 

Click the link below to download your very own Panama packing list:

However, to quickly bullet point the essentials:

• City exploration: lightweight trousers/shorts and skirts, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes/trainers.
• Evening wear: Semi-formal trousers and short-sleeved shirts for men / smart dresses and flat sandals for women
• Beach exploration: lightweight dresses, shorts, vests, flip-flops and sandals 
• Mountain exploration: lightweight, absorbent trousers/shorts/t-shirts and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
• General: lightweight rain/windproof jacket, rainproof phone cover, bug repellant and a Panama travel book!

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Panama Weather By Month FAQs

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Best Time Of The Year To Visit Panama Conclusion

In our opinion, the best time of the year to visit Panama is late November into mid-December or mid-April into early May. Panama is a wonderful country which remains less crowded than other Central American countries. 

Therefore it’s a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in local culture, food and experiences without being swamped by other tourists. The country is still unique and authentic with multiple locations to visit. 

It has a typography for most holiday-makers with pristine beaches, untouched islands and mystical cloud forests. The urban buzz around Panama City is fun and lively and the Panamanians are a friendly, welcoming people.

Overall, no matter what time of the year you decide to visit Panama, I guarantee you’ll have an amazing experience come rain or shine!