When is the best time to visit Panama

We could say that the best time to travel to Panama is really at any time of the year.  The only thing you need to bear in mind is that outside of the dry season (from December to April), it can rain quite a lot.

When to travel to Panama

If you don’t know when to travel to Panama, don’t worry, the climate of this country enables you to visit at any time of the year.  Only if you plan on going hiking, do you need to choose the months from December to April to avoid the rain.  Otherwise, you can discover Panama practically at any time of year.

However, let’s see which is the best time to travel to Panama according to the region, there are two different climate zones in the country.  We can tell you in advance that this country has a very warm climate, above all on the coast and the lowland areas all year round.

When to visit the Caribbean coast of Panama

This region of Panama has more rain than the area near to the Pacific Ocean, in fact, it rains quite intensely practically all year round.  Given the tropical climate, humidity is also very common and quite high, so, the temperatures are pleasant, they range between 25ºC and 32ºC all year round.

When to visit the Pacific coast of Panama

On the other hand, and although the climate and temperatures are the same, in this region there is a dry season that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the landscape without getting soaked in the rain.  This dry season is concentrated mostly in the months of January, February, March and April.  Therefore, these are the perfect months to play walking and adventure trips.

Meanwhile, other areas of Panama, such as Taboga Island or the San Blas Archipelago have their own characteristics.

When to travel to Taboga and San Blas.

If you want to see the most beautiful colony of pelicans in the world, you can’t miss the beautiful beach of Taboga.  On this island you will also be able to discover incredible tropical rainforests full of native species, both plants and animals.

San Blas, on its part, offers a total of 378 islands scattered around the Panamanian Caribbean.  This paradise, which has its own language and culture is ideal for lovers of diving and is home to the Kuna Indians.

You can travel to both places all year round, although the dry season is recommended, from December to May.  During the wet season (from June to November), you will find less tourists and cheaper prices, but you risk travelling in tropical rain.  It’s true that there is no danger of hurricanes thanks to its geographical position located to the south of the most affected area.

On the other hand, you will never feel cold in Panama, except in the Chiriqui region, where the thermometer drops to 16ºC, which still isn’t very cold.  The region can experience drastic climatic changes, it houses different micro climates with hardly any kilometres to separate them.

Best time to travel to Panama depending on the tourist season

To decide when to travel to Panama and benefit from the best prices, bear in mind the three tourist seasons:

  • High season (includes Easter, Christmas and New year and the first week of November). During the high season the prices in general are higher, above all in hotels and resorts, since they will be full of local tourists.
  • Mid-season (coincides with the dry season, from December to April). During the mid-season you will find some rain on the Pacific coast and in Panama City, but the prices are not so high.
  • Low season (rainy season, from May to November). Although the accommodation, air fares and resorts in general are cheaper, you may find yourself with significant amounts of rain throughout the country.

However, it must be made clear that, during the rainy season, it normally rains in the afternoon and only for a few hours.  The sun shines for the rest of the day, so, if you don’t mind putting up with a little bit of rain, you can visit Panama at this time of year and avoid the crowds of tourists.

On the other hand, for those who want to see the humpback whales plough through the Pacific, the best time to travel to Panama and enjoy this breathtaking sight is the month of August. Surfers will be able to glide on the waves in Bocas del Toro during the months of September and October with good temperatures.  On the other hand, if you prefer walking to explore the best of nature, May and June would be the best months for this.

Now you know what the weather is like and the best time to travel to Panama, you just need to set a date and get ready for your trip.  This Central American country offers you never ending suggestions that will make your trip a unique experience.