The best time visit Panama

January is one of the most popular months to visit Panama, thanks to dry, sunny days, low humidity and temperatures averaging 28–31°C. The dry season is in full swing across the Pacific coast, highlands and Panama City, with only occasional brief showers on the Caribbean side. It’s an excellent time for outdoor adventure, wildlife spotting, cultural festivals and travelling between regions with minimal disruption. In Boquete, the hills are green but dry underfoot, perfect for hiking and coffee tours. The Pacific beaches, from Pedasi to the Pearl Islands, are calm and crystal-clear for snorkelling. January also marks the return of international events and an uptick in visitor numbers, so advance bookings are essential for accommodation and domestic flights.

February offers consistent sunshine and warm temperatures across Panama, making it one of the most desirable times to visit. The dry season remains in full effect, especially along the Pacific coast, Azuero Peninsula and highlands of Chiriqui. The Caribbean still experiences occasional showers, but days are largely sunny. This month is dominated by carnival, celebrated nationwide with parades, water fights and cultural performances. Accommodation fills up early, especially in beach towns, so advance planning is essential. February is also excellent for snorkelling, birdwatching and hiking before the onset of the rains. Panama’s most iconic Carnival takes place in Las Tablas, where street parties erupt with dancers, floats, fireworks and water trucks. It’s the ultimate immersion into Panamanian culture and music.

March is one of the hottest and driest months in Panama, especially in the interior lowlands and Pacific beaches, with daytime highs reaching 32°C or more. Rain remains rare and most trails, islands and jungle paths are highly accessible. It’s the last full month of the dry season before transitional weather begins in April. The highlands, especially around Boquete, offer cooler temperatures and prime hiking conditions. March also brings wildflower blooms, ideal for photography. Visitor numbers are high, particularly around Easter, so reservations for popular destinations like Bocas del Toro and Panama City should be made in advance.

April straddles the end of the dry season. While the Pacific regions, Panama City and highlands remain largely dry, occasional showers may begin to appear on the Caribbean coast. Humidity rises slightly, but trails are still in good condition and wildlife becomes more active in forests. The crowds of February and March start to thin, offering a more relaxed experience in major destinations. Birdwatching is especially good and the cultural calendar includes Easter celebrations in more traditional parts of the country like the Azuero Peninsula.

May signals the beginning of the green season, with rains arriving gradually, typically as short afternoon downpours following sunny mornings. The Pacific coast and highlands remain easy to travel, while the Caribbean sees heavier, more persistent rain. May is a quieter month, with fewer tourists, fresh green foliage and lower prices. It’s a good time for rainforest photography, birdwatching and river-based activities. Some rural roads may become muddy, but major routes are passable. This is the start of the coffee growing season and wildlife is more active.

June brings deeper into the green season, with regular afternoon showers across much of Panama. The Pacific coast and highlands still enjoy dry mornings, making early exploration rewarding, while the Caribbean is much wetter. The rain brings vibrancy to the forests, swells to the rivers and fewer crowds across popular sites. This is one of the best months for birdwatching and wildlife sightings, with lush backdrops for photography. Roads in remote areas may require 4×4 access, but national parks remain open and navigable.

July often sees a brief respite from the rain called the veranillo de San Juan, particularly on the Pacific side, making it a great time to explore with more reliable weather. Rivers run full, forests are vivid and whale migration season begins in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Domestic travel increases during school holidays, particularly to beach destinations. It’s also a good time for white-water rafting, diving and rainforest lodges.

August is firmly in the rainy season, particularly wet on the Caribbean coast and Guna Yala, though mornings often remain dry. The highlands are cool and misty and the Pacific coast sees lighter rainfall. With fewer visitors, this is a quiet time to explore Panama’s cultural and natural richness. Rivers and waterfalls are in full flow and visibility in some marine parks is excellent between rains.

September is typically the wettest month of the year, especially in Bocas del Toro, Colon, and San Blas. However, it can be a magical time for those willing to brave the elements: lush forests, powerful rivers and dramatic skies make for stunning photography and uncrowded trails. Road travel to remote areas requires care, but Panama City and the highlands remain relatively accessible. Wildlife activity is high and costs are lower across the board.

October remains very wet, especially on the Caribbean side, with frequent, heavy rainfall. It’s the quietest month for tourism, but rewards patient travellers with lush landscapes, colourful festivals and great value. The highlands are atmospheric and cool, and it’s an ideal time for coffee lovers as harvest activities begin. Roads may be slippery, so consider basing in more accessible regions and exploring nearby rainforests or towns between showers.

November is packed with national holidays, including Independence Day and Flag Day, which are celebrated across the country with music, parades and fireworks. Rain continues, especially in the north and east, but the season is slowly beginning to ease. Roads are more reliable again and the country’s patriotic spirit makes this one of the most culturally rewarding months to visit. Expect local tourism to peak during long weekends.

December sees a transition to the dry season, especially in Panama City, the Azuero Peninsula and Pacific beaches. Skies begin to clear, humidity drops and the festive season ramps up. It’s a great time to explore both cultural and natural sites before the Christmas crowds peak mid-month. Outdoor activities become easier again and marine visibility improves. The highlands are still fresh and green from recent rains, offering the best of both seasons.