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Panama is a tropical country bordered by two oceans. The central mountains of Panama range from 1,000 to 11,000 feet. Therefore the climate in Panama varies from hot and humid in the rain forests to hot, sunny, and breezy on the coasts. In the highlands temperatures can drop into the low fifties at night and daytime highs are often not more than 80 degrees. The Panama climate includes two seasons, wet and dry. The “summer” dry season coincides with North American winter which is a great deal for tourists.

Panama

Panama is a democratic country at the southern end of Central America just before Colombia and South America. Panama combines a great climate and untouched natural resources with a first world economy. Panama’s attractive residency requirements have brought a great number of North Americans here. The Panama Canal is in Panama because the fifty miles from Caribbean to Pacific is the narrowest point of the Americas.

The Seasons of the Panama Climate

In all of Central America including Panama there is winter which is the wet season and summer which is the dry season. Winter in Panama runs from May to December and summer runs from December to May. Annual Panama rainfall varies from four feet a year a nine feet a year. Rainfall in Panama is heavier by two on the Caribbean side with the central mountains acting as a rain shield. Almost all the rain in Panama falls between May and December.

Temperatures of the Panama Climate

The proximity of two oceans keeps the temperature in a narrow range throughout most of Panama. Normal lowland highs are 85 degrees and lows 75 degrees. The temperature will reach 90 degrees at times. You will never see the 115 degree temps of the US desert southwest in Panama. In the Cordillera Central or central mountain range temps get lower as elevation increases. In areas of Chiriqui Province at 6,000 and above nighttime lows are down to 50 degrees and highs just make it to 80. There is night time frost on the upper elevations such as Volcan Baru at 11,000 feet.

A Practical Note or Two about the Panama Climate

Yes, you will want to buy and carry an umbrella (por agua) for seven months of the year in Panama. A few scattered clouds can fill very quickly and drench you with rainfall equaling the heaviest you have ever seen.

The Panama climate will fool you on a clear day. In the rainforest areas of the interior such as Barro Colorado and other sites along the Panama Canal you will walk under the jungle canopy and find yourself soaked when there are no clouds in the sky. If you are carrying your passport or other documents in your pocket invest in a small plastic bag to keep them from getting soaked in the jungle’s 100% humidity.

Use sunscreen. The main factor besides the oceans in Panama’s climate is that Panama is between 7 and 10 degrees north of the equator. A nice sea breeze and dip in the Pacific will fool you into forgetting the sun overhead.

Last, don’t forget the insect repellant. Despite Panama’s tropical climate malaria and yellow fever that killed so many building the Panama Canal are largely a thing of the past due to heavy spraying and control of standing water. But diseases such as Dengue Fever persist and can be deadly. You will not need to spray in the cities in Panama but for a trip to the rain forest be sure to tuck your pants (that’s pants, not shorts) into your socks and use insect repellant.