Panama has two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. The dry season, which Panamanians call their summer, commences in December and ends in April. The wet season, on the other hand, happens from April to December. This season is also called the “green season,” and locals call it their winter.
During the dry season, Panama rarely experiences any rain. However, in the wet season, it rains almost every day, although it only rains for an hour or so.
You don’t want to visit Panama in November since rainfall is highest during this month. November also has many holidays, so most businesses are very busy, and hotels are filled. If you must visit in November, make your reservations early to avoid any last-minute rush.
The rainy season has its advantages. For example, it provides a break from the excessive heat with a daily shower. During this time, everything is a brilliant green, unlike in the dry season when what is generally green browns because of lack of rainfall.
Best Time to Visit
Most tourists visit Panama between December and April during the dry season. Around this time, birds flee their freezing homelands in Europe and America and take shelter in Panama for warmth.
However, there are no restrictions on when you can or cannot visit Panama. Your visit to this breathtaking region should be determined by the kind of experience you are looking forward to. For example, if you want to watch birds, visit the beaches, go biking and hiking, take road trips, or have other similar experiences, it would be best to travel to Panama between December and April.
Alternatively, if you want to visit museums, engage in indoor activities, or spend some quiet time all by yourself, you can visit during the wet season.
Based on your destination, you can also choose what time to visit Panama. Some places are best visited during the cold season, while others are more fun to experience in the dry season.
Visiting the Caribbean Coast
This part of Panama receives more rain than the area near the Pacific Ocean. Actually, it rains heavily there almost all year. Because of the tropical climate, humidity is widespread and relatively high, and temperatures are pleasant all year, ranging between 25⁰C and 32⁰C.
Visiting the Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast has similar temperatures and climate to that of the Caribbean coast, but this region does see a dry season, allowing tourists to appreciate the beauty of the terrain without getting rained on. The first four months of the year are the driest months, making them ideal for walking and going on adventures.
The Best Time to Visit Panama City Beach
The best time to explore Panama City Beach is between May and October. Even though the area receives an average of 320 days of sunshine each year, the highest air and water temperatures are seen in late spring, summer, and early fall.
Between May and October, you will also be able to avoid the huge number of college students who visit the area’s ivory beaches every year for spring break in March and April. During the slow season, which takes place between November and February, you’ll save money on hotels, but it’ll be too cold to enjoy the beach.
Diving at San Blas Archipelago
The San Blas archipelago consists of close to 378 islands that are located along the Caribbean coast. These islands, inhabited by Kuna Indians, have a distinct culture as well as their own language and economic structure. The best time to dive here is between April and June, although you can swim here any time of the year.
When to Visit Taboga
On the breathtaking beach of Taboga, you will feast your eyes on the most dazzling flock of pelicans in the world. Here, you will be able to enjoy the tropical rainforests containing native plants and animal species.
This area is accessible all year. However, the dry season, which runs from December to May, is better for exploring Taboga. During the rainy season, between June and November, you will discover fewer tourists and lower prices, but you’ll have to contend with the tropical rain. Luckily, due to its geographical location to the south of the most threatened area, there is no risk of hurricanes.
Best Time to Watch Humpback Whales and Surf
August is the best time to visit Panama and watch humpback whales in the Pacific. Surfers will be able to enjoy the waves in Bocas del Toro throughout September and October when the weather is pleasant. If hiking is your thing, May and June are ideal months for discovering the best nature has to offer.
Visiting Panama during Easter, Christmas, New Year, and November Holidays
During Christian feast days and festivals, Panamanians come out on large to have a good time, so it always fun to visit during the holidays. Locals travel to the seaside in large family groups, and beaches can get crowded. Get there early to get a spot on the sand.
Plan ahead for any public holiday. Hotel prices might double, or triple, and public transportation is sometimes booked out many weeks in advance. After the rains and the cold season, December warms up, and the temperatures rise even higher around Easter, to as high as 90ºF.
If you travel in March or April, try to stay near the seaside or a waterfall.
Cheapest Time to Visit
Whatever time of the year you decide to visit Panama, you will most likely have a good time. During the wet season, when not many people want to tour Panama due to the rains, prices are pretty affordable. It is also easier to make reservations and enjoy some quality alone time.
Final Thoughts
Even though touring Panama is fun and exciting any time, you are likely to enjoy it more when you get your timing right. For example, you might travel hoping to see the birds and miss them if you travel during the wet season. Similarly, you may be looking forward to spending some alone time but experience disappointment because of the many visitors during the dry season. Ideally, you would find out what’s happening in Panama, so you can maximize your time there and have a once in a lifetime experience.
Now that you know what the weather is like in Panama and the best time to visit, all you have to do is pick a day and get ready for your vacation. This Central American country has a never-ending list of options that will make your trip one-of-a-kind.
