Country Guide » Weather
Situated just 8 degrees above the equator, Panama has an incredibly tropical climate with periods of rain and sunshine alternating throughout the year. Like many other Central American countries, Panama experiences two seasons: wet and dry. Temperatures vary little month to month, while rainfall and humidity can greatly differ depending on the season. Panama also has destinations that enjoy a variety of climates year round, from the refreshing highland sweater weather of Boquete to the extreme heat and humidity of Colón.
Panama City is mostly quite warm and humid, comparable to Miami in climate. Air conditioning is widely used: taxis, hotels, restaurants, stores, etc. It is recommended to carry a light sweater during the day. Walking the city at noon can be uncomfortable, but the early mornings and evenings are refreshingly pleasant. Beach towns and islands enjoy warm temperatures, and a nice breeze and lower humidity on some islands are enjoyable for beach-goers.
El Valle region and Chiriqui Province are both at a higher elevation and enjoy cooler temperatures and a distinctively comfortable climate. The Caribbean and Atlantic coasts tend to be more inconsistent to typical dry/wet season weather and fluctuate between rain and sun. The Pacific side generally enjoys less rain, making for another great option for beach trips. With the wide variety of islands, mainland beaches, mountains and valleys, and numerous climatic conditions, Panama can be enjoyed and visited year-round.
Seasons
Before you plan your Panama Vacation, you’ll probably want to familiarize yourself with the various seasons. Days are warm to hot, nights much cooler: temperatures range from 32ºC ( 90ºF) during the daytime to 21ºC (70ºF) in the evening almost year-round. Humidity is always high at about 80 percent. The dry season, Panama´s ¨summer¨ last from December to April while the rainy season (winter) takes place the remaining portion of the year. Summer entails hot sunny days with mostly blue skies, cool nighttime breezes, and starlit skies. Winter mostly means warm days with hazy skies and short, refreshing bursts of afternoon downpours and/or thunderstorms. The best time to visit is during the summer months, although it is possible trip to the beach or explore other regions of Panama´s less tropical regions for an enjoyable stay.
Regions
Temperatures vary in Panama according to its´ many diverse locations. Higher elevations enjoy cooler temperatures, reflecting a comfortable climate pleasant for outdoor activities. Lush vegetation and agriculturally favorable for strawberries, coffee and even citrus fruits, these higher elevations make for a pleasant stay. The average annual temperature ranges from 10-19º C (50-66ºF) in this region. The rest of the country typically experiences an average daily temperature of 30°C (86°F) with nights cooler at around 25°C (high 70s F). February and March are the hottest months while October is typically cooler.
