What’s the ideal time to travel to Panama?

With stunning islands, Indigenous communities, lush rainforests, vibrant cities, and two spectacular coasts to discover, Panama is a place to savor.

Timing is key—situated just 9 degrees north of the equator and influenced by trade winds, Panama often experiences tropical downpours as part of its charm.

The perfect time for your Panama adventure hinges on your activities. For sunbathing on sandy beaches or rainforest hiking, aim for the dry season from December to April.

Surfers favor the rainy season from April to December when the best swells hit the coast. Meanwhile, divers and wildlife enthusiasts flock from August to September to witness humpback whales, sharks, and orcas off the Pacific coast.

Many locals believe Panama has two distinct climates—one for the Caribbean and another for the Pacific. A trip to the Caribbean Coast can be quite wet year-round, though you can expect sunshine in the mornings and afternoons. Conversely, the Pacific Coast enjoys clear skies (and higher prices) during the dry season from December to April, attracting throngs of sun-lovers from the US.

Don’t overlook the influence of public holidays in Panama; daily life comes to a standstill during major celebrations like Día de la Independencia in November, Easter in April, and Christmas in December. Use our seasonal guide to climate and events to find the ideal time for your visit.

Easter, November, Christmas, and New Year are prime times for festivities.

During festivals and Christian feast days, Panamanians truly celebrate, making these holidays a vibrant time to visit. Families flock to the coast in large groups, causing beaches to become quite crowded. Arrive early to claim your spot on the sand.

It’s crucial to plan your travel well in advance for any public holiday—hotel rates can skyrocket to twice their normal price, and transportation often gets booked weeks ahead.

Panama enjoys warm weather throughout the year, but temperatures rise significantly starting in December, reaching daytime highs of 32ºC (90ºF) around Easter. If you visit in March or April, aim to be near the ocean or a waterfall.

Surfers still catch waves on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts in March, and if Easter falls within the same month, it can get quite hectic. Semana Santa celebrations light up Panama in the week leading up to Easter, featuring processions and reenactments of the crucifixion across the country. As April progresses, tourist numbers decrease, leading to lower prices and less competition for space.

Keep in mind that Easter aligns with spring break, when North American students join the influx of tourists, increasing the demand for lodging and transportation.

Don’t plan on accomplishing much in Panama during November—the entire country pauses to celebrate various independence festivals related to Spain and Colombia, including Colón Day and Día de la Independencia. Panama City becomes quite empty while beaches fill up, but expect frequent and sometimes torrential rain.

The lead-up to Christmas significantly affects travel throughout December. Locals are on the move across the country, and tourists, especially from North America seeking winter sun, begin to arrive. Demand and prices peak during Christmas itself.

With the dry season and peak tourist season in full swing, January is a major travel month in Panama, especially in beach areas. The warm weather provides ideal conditions for kitesurfing, with the Pacific at its warmest and steady breezes along the coast. The mountain town of Boquete comes alive with its flowers and coffee festival, while Panama City resonates with music during the Panama Jazz Festival.

Pleasant, dry weather keeps tourists flocking to the Pacific Coast well into February, with the Caribbean Coast also drawing many visitors. Depending on when Ash Wednesday falls, February can become one of the busiest months as carnival festivities kick off in Panama City.

The optimal periods for dry weather are from mid-December to mid-April.

The best time to experience Panama is during the dry season, though you'll encounter crowds. Beach destinations are bustling with local and international tourists from Christmas to Easter. Wise travelers balance beach time with adventures in the rainforests inland.

Keep in mind that “dry season” can vary in Panama. While the Pacific Coast—including Panama City and areas south of the continental divide—enjoys clear skies, the highlands and Caribbean Coast may still experience some rain.

This is peak season for hiking in Boquete and exploring the San Blas Archipelago, although windy conditions can affect visibility for snorkelers.

With an influx of winter sun-seekers, be prepared for fierce competition for accommodations, transport, and beach space throughout Panama. Prices are elevated across the board, and hotel rates are close to peak festival prices during the dry season.

For budget travelers, mid-April to early December is the prime time to visit.

The rainy season is the least crowded and most economical time to explore Panama, though you should be ready to get wet. While heavy rain showers are common, it doesn’t rain all day, allowing for plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun.

May brings sporadic, refreshing rain showers, making the weather generally pleasant across Panama. This month marks the beginning of the five- to six-month nesting season for loggerhead and green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast, making it an ideal time to observe them in their natural habitat.

June and July see a spike in humidity, with increasing rain showers and regular thunderstorms. While tourist numbers and prices remain low, the heaviest rains are still some months away. During this time, locals celebrate Corpus Christi, blending Catholic traditions with Panamanian customs, while music and dancing fill the streets of Santa Catalina for the Fiesta de Virgen del Carmen.

The rainy season aligns with the best surfing conditions on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, drawing in many surfers. August and September are also optimal for visiting Parque Nacional Coiba and the Archipiélago de Las Perlas to spot sharks, whales, or orcas.

Travel wisely during this period; late October and early November can bring persistent rain, so it’s beneficial to stay somewhere with plenty of indoor activities. However, crowds thin out and prices drop to more affordable levels across the country.

Contrary to the national trend, September and October are the driest months to visit the Bocas del Toro islands. This time also features the Feria Internacional del Mar in September, a festival celebrating folk music and a seafood feast. In October, regional fairs like Isla Tigre in San Blas take place, while Portobelo hosts the Festival del Cristo Negro, attracting thousands of pilgrims for penance and celebration.

Scuba diving can be enjoyed year-round, even during the rainy season, but land-based activities may become more challenging. In the wettest months, travel in certain areas of the highlands can be nearly impossible.