Walking on sunshine in Panama
Home to the historic Panama Canal, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and several indigenous tribes, Panama is an enticing mix of breathtaking natural wonders and enriching cultural experiences. To experience the best of what this diverse country has to offer, it’s important to find out the best time to visit Panama.
The period from December to March sees pleasant temperatures, dry days, and plenty of sunshine and are some of the best months to travel to Panama. With tourists visiting the country for Christmas, New Year’s, and the Carnival that happens in February or early March, you’ll have to plan well in advance if you want to be part of the festivities.
The months from May to September are characterized by short showers that last for no more than an hour or two. While not peak tourist season, it’s still a good time to visit Panama if you don’t mind the occasional rain. The region is uniformly warm and humid and temperatures don’t vary much during the year with daytime highs averaging between 86 – 91°F.
Best Time To Visit
overview
we recommend
- Visit the Miraflores Locks, part of the historic and impressive Panama Canal, to watch the passage of ships to and from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
- Jazz lovers unite at the internationally acclaimed Panama Jazz Festival that takes place in Panama City
overview
we recommend
- Join in the celebration of the country’s largest party at the Carnaval
- Take in impressive views of of the city’s skyline and the Bridge of the Americas from the Paseo las Bóvedas in Casco Viejo
overview
we recommend
- Shop for the quintessential Panama hat and traditional Mola fabrics from the Kuna tribe at Paseo Esteban Huertas
- Stroll the busy Avenida Central and take in stunning views of the city at Cinta Costera
overview
we recommend
- Live it up in Panama City’s most happening neighborhood, Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter.
overview
we recommend
- For the freshest ceviche, head to the Mercado de Mariscos
overview
we recommend
- Savor a cup of Panamanian Geisha, one of the most expensive coffees in the world
overview
we recommend
- Discover the natural history of Panama with a trip to the colorful BioMuseo
- Watch Humpback whales breaching at the Panamanian Pacific Coast
overview
we recommend
- Catch a performance at the Teatro Nacional that boasts of beautiful, ornate interiors
- Go dolphin-spotting in the Pacific Ocean
overview
we recommend
- Savor some of Panama’s unique cuisine – a blend of Caribbean, Spanish, African, and Native American flavors!
- It’s the last month to see the majestic Humpback whales in Panama before they migrate southward
overview
we recommend
- Marvel at the Altar de Oro (Golden Altar) at the Iglesia de San José church
overview
we recommend
- Get up close with monkeys, anteaters, and sloths and spot a staggering number of bird species at the Parque Natural Metropolitano
overview
we recommend
- Head to one of the city’s many swanky rooftop bars and welcome the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display.
Best Time to Visit Panama by Season
With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Panama follows a typical tropical weather pattern. The dry season runs from mid-December to mid-April, and the wet season lasts from May to December. The Caribbean Coast receives more rainfall while the Pacific Coast offers slightly lower temperatures.
Panama is a year-round destination with rain showers during the wet season lasting no more than an hour or two during the day and the environs turning a beautiful shade of green. If, however, you want to laze under a warm Caribbean sun with uninterrupted hours of beach bliss, the best months to visit Panama are January, February, and March, when day time temperatures are in the 80’s, and there’s plenty of sunshine to go around. The wet season starts in May with short but heavy rain spells making an appearance. The months of July to September are ideal for whale watching in Panama when the waters are rife with breaching humpback whales and dolphins too! October and November see the most rainfall. It’s a busy time for domestic travel due to a number of national holidays. During festivals such as Christmas, New Year, Easter and the Carnival, traveling to Panama may be difficult due to road-blocks, parades and closure of shops and businesses.
What to pack
City exploration calls for lightweight pants and skirts and a good pair of walking shoes. You will find local women dressed in smart dresses, and we recommend packing a few of those for times when you want to attend a party or eat out at an upscale restaurant. Semi-formal trousers and short-sleeved shirts work well for men.
Panama experiences a typical tropical weather pattern with short bursts of rain happening throughout the year. It is wise to pack a lightweight rain jacket and rainproof phone cover, even if you are visiting the country during the dry season.
Our experts can advise you on the best time to visit, and craft a customized all-inclusive Panama vacation package for you. Get in touch with us now for your obligation-free itinerary.
Popular Trips to Panama
Discover Panama’s natural and cultural charms on this customizable vacation, which takes you through the UNESCO-listed city centre of Panama City and the lush wilderness of Soberania National Park. While here, you will of course get to visit the famous Panama Canal and watch the amazing Miraflores Locks in action. The highlight of your time…
Retrace the footsteps of the great scientist Charles Darwin on this exciting journey through the Galapagos. Head out on land and sea excursions and come face to face with the most fascinating creatures. Feel the adrenaline rush when you snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, fishes and even, sharks! An exhilarating yet safe adventure. Cruise…
Experience the best of Colombia as you traverse through the country, staying at exceptional boutique hotels and witnessing the many natural, cultural, and historical highlights along the way. Start your trip in Bogota and explore the most famous attractions of the Colombian capital, such as the Plaza de Bolívar and the La Candelaria district, on…
Sorry, your search found no results.
