Best Time to Visit Panama
Panama is at its sunniest and driest in January–March.
The best time to visit Panama for sunny, dry weather is January–March — 3 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers July–August and December–April, while the wetter half runs through May–June and September–November. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 26°C / 78.8°F in January to 27.5°C / 81.5°F in April, and monthly rainfall from 20 mm / 0.8 in (February) to 320 mm / 12.6 in (October). Panama's climate is broadly tropical. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Panama can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C78.8°F | 30 mm1.2″ | Sunny & Hot, Sunny & Warm |
| February | 26.5°C79.7°F | 20 mm0.8″ | Sunny & Hot |
| March | 27°C80.6°F | 25 mm1″ | Sunny & Hot |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Panama?
The best time to visit Panama for sunny, dry weather is January, February, March. The warmest month is April (27.5°C / 81.5°F country-wide average) and the driest is February (about 20 mm / 0.8 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Panama?
The rainy season in Panama runs through May–June and September–November, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 210 mm / 8.3 in. The wettest single month is October, averaging 320 mm / 12.6 in.
What is the dry season in Panama?
The drier half of the year in Panama covers July–August and December–April, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 210 mm / 8.3 in. The driest single month is February with about 20 mm / 0.8 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Panama?
The least comfortable months for travel in Panama — based on our climate data — are January, June, September, October, November, December. These are Panama's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 320 mm / 12.6 in in October, and temperatures bottom out at 26°C / 78.8°F in January.
Is there a shoulder season in Panama?
Shoulder-season months in Panama — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include April, May, June, July, August, September, November, December. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.