Panama Weather by Month

Panama, located at the southernmost tip of Central America, is a narrow isthmus connecting North and South America. The country is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Covering approximately 75,417 square kilometers, Panama’s geography is diverse, featuring rugged mountains, dense rainforests, rolling hills, and coastal plains. The most famous geographical feature is the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, playing a vital role in global maritime trade.

Panama has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and two distinct seasons: the dry season (known locally as “verano”) and the wet season (“invierno”). The country’s weather is heavily influenced by its geographical location and the surrounding oceans. The dry season typically lasts from December to April, while the wet season runs from May to November. The climate varies slightly between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with the Caribbean side being more humid and receiving more rainfall throughout the year. The mountainous regions also experience cooler temperatures compared to the lowlands.

January

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Rainfall: Minimal rain, especially on the Pacific side

January is one of the driest months in Panama, marking the height of the dry season. The country experiences warm, sunny days with low humidity, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The Pacific coast, including Panama City and the surrounding areas, remains dry, while the Caribbean coast may receive some light rain.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Caribbean coast: Slightly wetter, with occasional showers and temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Highlands (Boquete, Volcán): Cooler temperatures, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F)

January is a popular month for tourists, as the weather is perfect for exploring Panama’s beaches, national parks, and cultural attractions.

February

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Rainfall: Very little rainfall, especially on the Pacific coast

February continues the dry season, with warm temperatures and little to no rain across much of the country. The Pacific side remains dry and sunny, while the Caribbean coast may experience occasional light showers. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, including hiking, beach visits, and exploring the rainforests.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Hot and dry, with temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Caribbean coast: Slightly more humid, with occasional showers and temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Highlands: Cooler temperatures, between 15-25°C (59-77°F)

February is one of the best months for visiting Panama, as the country enjoys stable and pleasant weather conditions.

March

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-33°C (75-91°F)
Rainfall: Very dry, particularly on the Pacific coast

March is another dry and warm month in Panama, with temperatures climbing slightly compared to earlier months. The Pacific coast remains hot and dry, while the Caribbean coast experiences more humidity and occasional rain. Inland and highland areas stay cooler, making them perfect for hiking and ecotourism.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25-33°C (77-91°F)
Caribbean coast: More humid, with occasional showers and temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Highlands: Mild temperatures, ranging from 16-25°C (61-77°F)

March is ideal for visiting Panama’s beaches and coastal areas, as the weather is consistently dry and sunny.

April

General Overview

Average temperature: 25-33°C (77-91°F)
Rainfall: Increasing humidity and the beginning of the transition to the rainy season

April marks the end of the dry season, with humidity levels rising and the occasional rain shower becoming more frequent, especially toward the end of the month. The Pacific coast remains relatively dry, but the Caribbean coast experiences more rain. Inland regions also start to see increased humidity and rain.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm and mostly dry, with temperatures around 26-33°C (79-91°F)
Caribbean coast: Humid, with increasing rain showers and temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F)
Highlands: Cooler and more humid, with temperatures ranging from 17-26°C (63-79°F)

April is still a good time to visit Panama, particularly in the first half of the month, before the rains become more frequent.

May

General Overview

Average temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Rainfall: Start of the rainy season, with frequent showers and increased humidity

May signals the official start of the rainy season in Panama, with rainfall becoming more frequent, particularly in the afternoons. The rains usually come in short, heavy bursts, followed by sunshine. The Pacific coast begins to experience more rain, while the Caribbean coast and inland areas see significant increases in humidity and rainfall.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with frequent afternoon showers, temperatures around 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Caribbean coast: More rain and humidity, with temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Highlands: Cooler, with more frequent showers and temperatures between 18-26°C (64-79°F)

May is still a viable month for travel, but visitors should be prepared for daily rain showers, particularly in the afternoon.

June

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Rainfall: Heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons and on the Caribbean side

June is well into the rainy season in Panama, with frequent rain showers occurring daily. While the rain can be intense, it usually doesn’t last all day. Mornings are often sunny, with rain falling in the afternoon and evening. The Pacific coast remains warm but receives more rain, while the Caribbean side experiences consistent heavy rainfall.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with daily rain showers, temperatures around 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Caribbean coast: Heavy rain and high humidity, temperatures around 24-29°C (75-84°F)
Highlands: Cool and wet, with temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F)

June is a month for those who don’t mind rain, as Panama’s lush landscapes become even more vibrant during the wet season.

July

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Rainfall: Rain continues, but there is often a brief break in the rainy season

July sees a continuation of the rainy season, but Panama sometimes experiences a short dry spell, known locally as the “Veranillo de San Juan” (Little Summer of Saint John). During this period, rain showers may decrease for a week or two, providing a temporary break from the wet conditions. However, afternoon rain is still common.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with occasional rain showers, temperatures around 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Caribbean coast: Humid with frequent rain, temperatures around 24-29°C (75-84°F)
Highlands: Cool with afternoon rain, temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F)

July’s weather can vary, but the possibility of a brief dry spell makes it a good time for visitors seeking a mix of sun and rain.

August

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Rainfall: Heavy rain returns after the brief dry spell, especially in the afternoons

In August, the rainy season resumes in full force after the brief lull in July. Afternoon and evening rain showers are common, but mornings often remain sunny. The Caribbean coast receives the heaviest rainfall, while the Pacific coast is slightly drier but still wet.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with frequent rain showers, temperatures around 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Caribbean coast: Very rainy and humid, temperatures around 24-29°C (75-84°F)
Highlands: Cool with frequent rain, temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F)

August is ideal for experiencing Panama’s rainforests, as the vegetation is lush and wildlife is active, although visitors should be prepared for daily showers.

September

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Rainfall: Consistent rain, particularly in the afternoons and evenings

September is deep into the rainy season, with daily showers continuing across the country. Rain tends to fall in the afternoon and evening, but mornings may still offer some sunshine. The Pacific coast remains warm but wet, while the Caribbean side experiences even more rainfall.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with frequent rain, temperatures around 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Caribbean coast: Heavy rain and high humidity, temperatures around 24-29°C (75-84°F)
Highlands: Cool with regular rain showers, temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F)

September is a great time for visitors interested in eco-tourism, as Panama’s national parks and rainforests are in full bloom, though rain gear is essential.

October

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Rainfall: One of the wettest months of the year, with heavy, frequent rain

October is one of the wettest months in Panama, with heavy and consistent rainfall across the country. The rain often falls in short, intense bursts, followed by periods of calm. The Caribbean coast, in particular, receives torrential downpours, while the Pacific coast is slightly drier but still experiences significant rain.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with heavy rain, temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Caribbean coast: Very wet and humid, temperatures around 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Highlands: Cool with frequent rain, temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F)

October is not ideal for beach activities, but it is excellent for experiencing Panama’s rainforests and wildlife in their lush, rainy-season splendor.

November

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Rainfall: Frequent rain continues, but the rainy season begins to taper off

November is still part of the rainy season in Panama, but the intensity of the rain starts to decrease as the month progresses. Heavy showers remain common, particularly in the afternoon, but the country begins to experience more dry periods. Temperatures remain warm, but the humidity is high.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm with decreasing rain, temperatures around 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Caribbean coast: Humid with frequent rain, temperatures around 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Highlands: Cool with afternoon rain, temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F)

November is a month of transition, with the rainy season slowly coming to an end, making it a decent time to visit if you don’t mind some lingering showers.

December

General Overview

Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Rainfall: End of the rainy season, with drier conditions emerging, especially on the Pacific coast

December marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season, particularly on the Pacific side of the country. Rainfall decreases significantly, and sunny days become more frequent. The Caribbean side may still experience some rain, but overall, the weather becomes more stable.

Regional Differences

Pacific coast: Warm and mostly dry, with temperatures around 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Caribbean coast: Humid with occasional rain, temperatures around 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Highlands: Cool and drier, with temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F)

December is a popular month for tourists, as the weather is transitioning to the dry season, making it perfect for beach activities, hiking, and exploring Panama’s diverse landscapes.

Summary of Panama’s Climate by Region

Pacific Coast (Panama City, Playa Blanca)

Best months: December to April (dry season, warm and sunny)
Rainy season: May to November (frequent rain, especially in the afternoons)

Caribbean Coast (Bocas del Toro, Colón)

Best months: February, March, September, and October (drier periods)
Rainy season: May to November (heavy rainfall throughout most of the year)

Highlands (Boquete, Volcán)

Best months: December to April (dry season, cool and pleasant)
Rainy season: May to November (frequent rain, especially in the afternoons)

Panama’s climate is generally warm and tropical year-round, with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The Pacific side experiences more defined seasons, while the Caribbean coast remains humid and rainy for much of the year. The highland areas offer cooler temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities and nature exploration. Visitors can enjoy Panama at any time of year, though the dry season (December to April) is particularly favorable for beach vacations and outdoor adventures.