What is the best time to visit Panama?

Best Time to Visit Panama

The best time to travel to Panama is during the dry season (December to April) and the green season (May to November).

Dry Season in Panama

The dry season in Panama runs from December to April. During this time, travelers can expect sunny and dry days with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (23 to 30 Celsius). This season is a great time to explore the country’s many beaches, national parks, and other outdoor attractions. Popular festivals such as the Festival de San Blas and the Festival Nacional de la Pollera also take place during this season.

Green Season in Panama

The green season in Panama runs from May to November. During this time, travelers can expect mild temperatures and occasional showers. Despite the rain, the country’s lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife remain a highlight for visitors. Popular attractions such as the Panama Canal and the San Blas Islands are still accessible during this season, and travelers can take advantage of discounted rates on accommodations.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Panama

Panama in January

Weather

January in Panama is typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 73°F to a high of 89°F. It is one of the wettest months of the year, with an average of 8-9 days of rainfall.

Events

• The Festival de San Juan is held on January 6th and is a celebration of the patron saint of Panama City. It is a day of traditional music, food, and dancing.
• The International Jazz Festival is held in Panama City every January. It is a celebration of jazz music and culture, with performances by jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Panama Canal is a popular tourist attraction in January, as the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable for visitors to explore the area.
• The Panama City Marathon is held in January and is a popular event for runners of all levels.
• The Panama International Film Festival is held in January and showcases films from around the world.

Panama in January

Weather

January is the start of the dry season in Panama. Temperatures during this month range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (23-30°C). January is one of the driest months of the year, with an average of only 2.4 inches (6 cm) of rain.

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival is held in January, showcasing the best of Latin jazz music.
• The San Blas Islands are a popular destination in January, as the dry season brings clear skies and warm temperatures.
• The Panama Canal celebrates its 100th anniversary in January, with a variety of events and activities to commemorate the occasion.
• The Panama International Film Festival is held in January, showcasing the best of independent cinema from around the world.
• The Carnaval de Las Tablas is held in the city of Las Tablas in January, featuring colorful parades, music, and dancing.

Panama in March

Weather

March is the beginning of the dry season in Panama, with temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius. The humidity is high and there is usually a light breeze.

Events

• Carnaval de Las Tablas: This colorful festival is held in the city of Las Tablas and is celebrated with parades, dancing, and music.
• International Jazz Festival: This festival is held in Panama City and features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
• Festival de las Flores: This festival is held in the town of El Valle and celebrates the beauty of the local flowers.
• Festival de la Pollera: This festival is held in the town of La Chorrera and celebrates the traditional dress of Panama.
• Festival de la Música: This festival is held in Panama City and features some of the best musicians from around the world.

Panama in April

Weather

April in Panama is characterized by warm and humid weather. Temperatures range from a low of 75°F (24°C) to a high of 90°F (32°C). The average rainfall is 4 inches (10 cm).

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival is held in Panama City during the first two weeks of April. It is a celebration of jazz music, featuring performances by both local and international artists.
• The International Flower Festival is held in April in the city of Boquete. It is a celebration of the beauty of nature, featuring flower displays, music, and dance performances.
• The Panama International Film Festival is held in April in Panama City. It is a celebration of film, featuring screenings of both local and international films.
• The Panama Carnaval is held in April in Panama City. It is a celebration of Panamanian culture, featuring parades, music, and dance performances.
• The Panama Marathon is held in April in Panama City. It is a celebration of running, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 10K race.

Panama in May

Weather

May in Panama is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is common, so expect some showers during the month.

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival takes place during the first week of May, featuring a variety of international jazz artists.
• The San Blas Islands Festival is held in the middle of May, celebrating the culture and traditions of the indigenous Kuna people.
• The International Film Festival of Panama is held at the end of May, showcasing independent films from around the world.
• The Panama Canal Expansion Celebration is held in late May, commemorating the completion of the canal expansion project.
• The Festival de la Mejorana is held in late May, celebrating the traditional Panamanian folk music of the same name.

Panama in June

Weather

June is the start of the wet season in Panama. The average temperature is around 25-27°C (77-81°F) and humidity is high. It is also the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F).

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival takes place in Panama City during the first week of June. This festival features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
• The San Blas Festival is held in the San Blas Islands during the first week of June. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the Kuna people.
• The Panama Carnival is held in the second week of June. This is one of the most popular festivals in Panama and features colorful parades, music, and dancing.
• The Panama International Film Festival is held in the third week of June. This festival showcases the best of Panamanian and international cinema.
• The Panama International Music Festival is held in the fourth week of June. This festival features some of the best musicians from around the world.

Panama in July

Weather

July in Panama is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F). Rainfall is common during the month, with an average of 15-20 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• Panama Jazz Festival: This international jazz festival takes place in Panama City from January 3rd to 7th. It features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
• Panama Carnival: This is one of the most popular events in Panama, taking place in the first week of July. It is a colorful celebration with parades, music, and dancing.
• Panama City Beach Festival: This beach festival takes place in the city of Panama City from July 15th to 17th. It features live music, food, and beach activities.
• Festival de las Flores: This flower festival takes place in the city of Boquete from July 20th to 22nd. It is a celebration of the beauty of flowers and nature.
• Panama International Film Festival: This film festival takes place in Panama City from July 28th to August 4th. It showcases independent films from around the world.

Panama in August

Weather

August in Panama is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit (21-35 Celsius). The rainy season usually begins in mid-April and ends in late November, so August is generally a wet month.

Events

• Panama Jazz Festival: This annual event is held in Panama City and features some of the world’s top jazz musicians. The festival typically takes place in mid- to late-August.
• Panama Carnival: This colorful celebration is held in Panama City and features parades, music, and dancing. It is typically held in late-August.
• San Juan Festival: This festival in honor of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated throughout Panama. It typically includes bonfires, fireworks, and traditional music and dancing. It is usually held in late-August.
• Panama International Film Festival: This annual event is held in Panama City and features films from around the world. It usually takes place in late-August.
• Panama Independence Day: This national holiday is celebrated throughout Panama and commemorates the country’s independence from Spain in 1821. It is usually held on November 3rd.

Panama in September

Weather

September is the start of the rainy season in Panama, with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F). Humidity is high and there is usually a lot of rainfall.

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival takes place in the first week of September. This event brings together some of the top jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Panama International Film Festival is held in the second week of September. This event showcases the best of Panamanian and international cinema.
• The Panama Canal Anniversary is celebrated on the 3rd of September. This event marks the anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.
• The Panama Carnival is held in the last week of September. This is a colorful and vibrant celebration of Panamanian culture.
• The Panama International Marathon is held in the last week of September. This event brings together runners from all over the world to compete in a 42.2 km race.

Panama in October

Weather

October is the start of the dry season in Panama, and temperatures are usually in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 28-30°C). The humidity is lower than during the wet season, making it a pleasant time to visit. Rainfall is minimal, and the days are usually sunny.

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival is held in Panama City in early January. The festival features a variety of jazz musicians from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the culture of Panama.
• The Panama International Film Festival is held in October. The festival showcases independent films from around the world, and is a great opportunity to explore the local film scene.
• The Panama Carnival is held in October. The carnival is a vibrant celebration of Panamanian culture, with colorful costumes, music, and dancing.
• The Panama International Marathon is held in October. The marathon is a great opportunity to explore the country, as it takes runners through the beautiful countryside of Panama.
• The Panama International Art Festival is held in October. The festival celebrates the work of local and international artists, and is a great opportunity to explore the art scene in Panama.

Panama in November

Weather

November is the start of the dry season in Panama. Temperatures are generally mild, ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Humidity is high, but it is still much lower than during the rainy season.

Events

• Panama Jazz Festival: This annual event takes place in Panama City and features some of the world’s best jazz performers. It typically runs from the end of November to the beginning of December.
• Festival de la Mejorana: This festival is held in the town of La Chorrera and celebrates the mejorana, a traditional Panamanian instrument. It includes music, dancing, and traditional Panamanian food.
• Dia de los Muertos: This traditional Mexican holiday is celebrated in Panama as well. It is a day to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
• Dia de la Independencia: On November 3rd, Panama celebrates its independence from Spain. There are parades, fireworks, and other festivities throughout the country.
• Dia de los Trabajadores: On November 5th, Panama celebrates its workers with a day off and various festivities.

Panama in December

Weather

December is the start of the dry season in Panama. Temperatures are usually in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (high-20s Celsius) during the day and mid-70s Fahrenheit (low-20s Celsius) at night. The humidity is usually low, and rainfall is rare.

Events

• The Panama Jazz Festival takes place each December in Panama City. This event features renowned jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Panama Canal is a popular tourist attraction in December. Visitors can take a tour of the canal and learn about its history and importance to the country.
• The Festival de la Mejorana is held in December in the Azuero Peninsula. This festival celebrates the traditional music and dance of the region.
• The Festival Internacional de Danza is held each December in Panama City. This festival features performances from dancers from around the world.
• The Festival de las Flores is held each December in the city of Boquete. This festival celebrates the beauty of the local flowers and features parades, music, and dancing.