Best time to visit · Panama City · Panama
The best time to visit Panama City
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 123Hollic, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Panama City is the dry season, from mid-December to April, when skies are sunny, breezes take the edge off the heat and roads to the islands and the Caribbean coast are at their best. The rainy season from May to November brings heavy afternoon storms but greener forest, fewer visitors and lower prices; October and November are the wettest months.
Key facts
- Best months
- January–April
- Shoulder season
- May, July and December
- Warmest month
- March (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- September (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Rainiest month
- October (~21 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–June and September–October
Seasons
Panama City is hot and humid all year, with highs around 30–33 °C. The dry season runs from about mid-December to April; the rainy season from May to November brings heavy afternoon downpours. The country lies south of the main hurricane belt.
mid-December–April
Dry season
Sunny, breezy days around 32 °C with little rain; the busiest and priciest time, with the jazz festival and Carnival.
May–July
Early rainy season
Hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms and green forest; mornings are usually fine for sightseeing.
August–November
Late rainy season
The wettest period, especially October and November, with long downpours but low prices and patriotic parades in November.
December
Transition
Rains taper off, trade winds return and the city fills up for Christmas and New Year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 23°C | 3 | 26°C | 11.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 32°C | 23°C | 1 | 25°C | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 33°C | 23°C | 1 | 25°C | 12.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 33°C | 24°C | 5 | 26°C | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 32°C | 24°C | 15 | 28°C | 12.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 31°C | 24°C | 17 | 28°C | 12.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 31°C | 24°C | 15 | 28°C | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 17 | 28°C | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 30°C | 24°C | 18 | 28°C | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 30°C | 24°C | 21 | 28°C | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 30°C | 24°C | 18 | 28°C | 11.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 31°C | 23°C | 9 | 27°C | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Panama Jazz Festival (usually January) |
| February | Carnaval — four days of street parties before Ash Wednesday (February or early March) |
| March | Semana Santa (March or April) |
| April | Semana Santa (March or April) |
| August | Founding of Panama City anniversary (15 August) |
| October | Festival del Cristo Negro in Portobelo (21 October) |
| November | Fiestas Patrias — separation from Colombia and flag days (3–4 November); Independence from Spain (28 November) |
| December | Mother's Day holiday (8 December); New Year's Eve fireworks over the bay (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May–June and September–October, and the sights are quietest in May–June and September–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Transition | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Panama City?
The best time to visit Panama City is the dry season, from mid-December to April, when skies are sunny, breezes take the edge off the heat and roads to the islands and the Caribbean coast are at their best. The rainy season from May to November brings heavy afternoon storms but greener forest, fewer visitors and lower prices; October and November are the wettest months.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Panama City?
Usually in May–June and September–October. The rainy season begins, with afternoon thunderstorms and greener landscapes.
+What is the rainiest month in Panama City?
October, with about 21 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Panama City get?
The warmest month, March, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).