THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PANAMA: MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE

Panama is a country of Central America which is inhabited by different indigenous tribes. The country is not only home to diverse cultures, but its forest contains a number of tropical plants and animals as well. Being the seventh most competitive country in the world, Panama has played an important role in shaping international organizations such as the United Nation and WHO. The country is highly modern with skyscrapers, nightclubs and casinos along with colonial buildings in different cities. Every year, the country experiences a great influx of tourist visiting from the United States, Canada, Europe and different parts of Central America. The main areas of tourism are business us national parks tourism, as well as the beaches and national parks. With the bridge connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean being one of the famous attractions of Panama, the country also has heritage sites which are center of the national history. The country has a rich and an intense history which it shares with its visitors in form of the Historic centers. The cathedral towers and the ancient sites like Panama Viejo also play an important part in narrating the country’s heritage. Panama is also home to lakes and coasts which allow activities like boating to be available fortourists.

Panama experiences a tropical climate with the temperature being highly consistent throughout the country and has a few seasonal variations. A typical dry season day causes the temperature to drop up to 24 °C, while the maximum temperature of 30 °C is experienced during the afternoon. The mountain ranges have a lower temperature with frequently occurring frosts. Rainfall often leads to seasonal changes and it occurs heavily near the Pacific regions. The country experiences tropical climate in the forest region, along with slight humidity. The plantations are decreasing rapidly due to the wet environmental conditions. Instead of summer and winter months, the country experiences dry and wet seasons. Take a look at our guide to Panama’s weather to have a better idea and plan your trip accordingly.

January

While the rest of the world may be enjoying a cold winter season, the weather in Panama is getting hot and humid. The average daily temperature at this time of the year reaches around 27°C while the highest and the lowest temperatures are 31°C and 23°C during the day and the night. There are roughly about eight hours of sunshine each day while the precipitation, in the form of rainfall, reaches a rate of about 68mm over a six-day period during this month. Since the rain is cooling off in January, you might want to consider going on some outdoor tours. PBA Holding Group Private Tours offers lots of options.

February

This month is really hot and dry in Panama. The average daily temperature may reach almost 28°C while the maximum during the day and night might be 32°C and 23°C. There is a lot of sunshine during this month which totals about nine hours each day. The rain fall decreases to 32mm over the course of four days only. The Canal Inn is a great B&B where you can take a short break or a longer stay. It’s a small guesthouse in a central location, giving you access to plenty of local areas of interest.

March

This is considered to be one of the hottest months here in Panama. The average daily temperature is roughly around 28°C while the highest and the lowest temperatures might touch 33°C during the day and 23°C in the evenings. The sun shines for eight hours, making the days dry and very humid. The average rainfall may reach around 31mm over a four-day time period. The main landmark here is the Bridge of the Americas, which you can see from the beach, getting some great photo opportunities.

April

Those considering travelling to Panama may get ready to enjoy the hot and dry weather at this time of the year. The average daily temperature might hit nearly 29°C while the highest in daytime may be expected to touch 33°C with the night reaching an all-time high of about 24°C. There is seven hours of sunshine each day. The rainfall totals in 99mm over a course of seven days during this month. The beach is beckoning with average sea temperatures of 28°C, and it does not want to be ignored! Coronado is an interesting beach to visit as it was actually developed carefully within a gated community.

May

This month is marked by a very high rate of rainfall. The average rainfall during this month totals about 279mm over a course of 15 days. The highest and the lowest temperatures reach nearly 32°C and 24°C during the day andnight while the average daily temperature during this month is 28°C. The sun stays up and shines for six hours each day. If you want to brave the outdoors, try Monkey Island. Here you can find many species of monkeys all living together in a wonderful natural environment.

June

With the average daily temperature reaching almost 28°C, one might consider this to be a perfect time to visit Panama. The maximum during the day reaches just 31°C while the nights may drop to 24°C. The sun shines for six hours each day. There is a lot of rain during this month which might reach a rate of almost 272mm over a course of 16 days only. You could explore the Plaza de Francia, for example: a historic landmark with great views out over the rest of Panama City.

July

As the rainy season continues, Panama experiences a fall in average daily temperature. The average temperature at this time of the year is about 27°C while the highest during the day may be approximately around 31°C and as low as 23°C atnighttime. The sun shines seven hours each day during this month. The rainfall may be in heavy showers. At Manolo Caracol, you can eat Spanish style food made from local ingredients produced at country farms. The restaurant is the brainchild of Manuel Maduro, a chef from Barbate, who also sells books and art.

August

This is a very pleasant time to visit the country. The average daily temperature reaches about 27°C while the highest and the lowest temperatures may go to 31 °C and 23°C. There are six hours of sunshine each day during this time of the year. August enjoys 276mm of rainfall spread across 18 days of the month. If you love a bit of shopping, head to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall. Even if you do not want to buy anything, it’s great to wander through this mall – and if you have some cash to spend, all the better.

September

This is the last time to visit Panama right before the rainy season sets up. The average rainfall during this month is about 280mm over a 15-day time period. If you still visit the country, make sure to carry a raincoat and an umbrella. The average daily temperature is around 27°C while the highest and the lowest temperature may reach 30°C and 23°C. There are five hours of sunshine each day during this month. One area where you might wish to stroll when the September weather is clear is the Amador Causeway. It is a six-kilometre road which connects four islands to the nearby mainland, allowing easy access without the use of boats.

October

October is one of the wettest months of the year. The weather may be warm, reaching almost 26°C on an average during the day, the highest and the lowest temperatures during this month reach 30°C and 22°C. There aresix hours of direct sunshine each day during this month. The total rate of rainfall may reach almost 310mm over a course of 17 days. The Bahai Temple is another interesting location to visit and will allow you to spend some time indoors.

November

This is the peak of the rainy season here in Panama. Touching an all-time high of 401mm in just over 18 days of the month, the weather is very unpredictable as it may rain any time. The highest temperature during this month reaches almost 30°C while the lowest may touch 22°C. The average daily temperature may be near 26°C during the month of November. The Biomuseo is a great place to visit inside. This incredible structure was designed by Frank Gehry, the only work of his that you will see in Latin America.

December

The weather remains warm during this month as well. The highest and the lowest temperature reach around 30°C in daytime and 22°C during the night hours. The average daily temperature is around 26°C during this month. The sun shines six hours each day during this time of the month. The average rainfall reaches a rate of about 235mm just over a course of 12 days. The Albrook Mall has to be one of your key destinations, because here you will find the chance to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents.

CONCLUSION – THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PANAMA:

Mountain ranges, beaches and coasts are among the country’s famous attractions and in order to enjoy them completely visiting them in apt weather conditions is essential. The wet season of the country is highly dominated by the harsh strong winds which cause the temperatures to drop drastically. Outdoor activities like boating are limited and restricted due to the cold weather. Moreover, apart from the dry season, the country experiences an abundant amount of rainfall throughout the year which leads to humidity, making the climate unpleasant. The country is most enjoyable during the dry season, and the months best for enjoying the attractions are December to March. The months of May to August are also perfect for visiting the country butare usually the most crowded time of the year. Tourist from all over the world visit during these months to enjoy the unique fauna and flora of the rainforests along with indulging in activities like boating and spending time on the beach.

The country is a perfect combination of modern and colonial era with skyscrapers and cathedral towers. With the beautiful wonders and the fun activities available for tourist, you’ll have the urge to visit the country again and again.

If you’re looking for more information on Panama or any other country you’d like to visit, take a look at Backpackertrail. The German start-up knows all about backpacking and will help you with planning your adventure, so you to get the best out of your travels and experience the diversity and beauty of our world.