8 Pictures that Perfectly Sum Up Panama Climate
Due to its location as the southernmost country in Central America, Panama has a unique, tropical climate. While many might expect the weather to be hot and sunny all the time, due to the country’s proximity to the equator, that’s not actually the case.
Panama does experience “seasons” just like the rest of the world. They’re just a little different than what most North Americans are used to. It’s also important to note that you can easily adjust the temperature and humidity, merely by moving to a slightly higher (or lower) altitude.
Here are eight photos that can help me explain a little bit more about the Panama climate.
It is very wet.
Panama gets a lot of rain. Especially during the “wet” season, which is generally April through December. It starts with frequent afternoon showers in May and then culminates in November with torrential downpours that can last for days. The rain falls much heavier on the Caribbean Coast, which can see twice as much rainfall as the cities on the Pacific Coast.
Also, while there is the occasional thunderstorm, Panama is outside the hurricane belt and therefore experiences few natural disasters.
And it can get really hot.
Be warned. When the rain stops, the sun comes out. That means you can go from being cool and wet to being hot and humid in a matter of an hour. Again, temperatures on the Pacific Coast are a bit milder than on the Caribbean Coast.
Although sometimes it is just warm.
Most expats would agree that the best days are those during the changing of the seasons. A cool breeze off the ocean means it is the perfect temperature most of the day. The rainfall is manageable. Those are the days when you should drop everything, grab a book, find a rancho, and spend your day in splendor.
And, on those rare days, it is dry.
Dry days might be few and far between during the rainy season, but they do exist. When they do come along, they’re the perfect opportunity to lie in a hammock on the beach in a spot that might be too humid under normal circumstances.
And even cool.
You might be surprised to know that there are some spots in Panama that can get surprisingly cool, particularly in the higher elevations. If you aren’t a fan of the heat and humidity, you might find your ideal destination somewhere in Panama’s beautiful mountain communities.
It can be damp.
Even though the official rainy season is April through December, showers are not at all uncommon year-round in Panama. People who live in mountain communities seem to be less bothered by the wetness, as the humidity is much less noticeable in the much cooler higher elevations.
As well as sunny.
When it isn’t raining, Panama gets more than its share of sunshine. Especially during the dry season, January through early April. During the dry season the capital, Panama City, might enjoy a low of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 86 degrees. Regardless, the temperature rarely exceeds 90 for more than a short time.
But those are the best days to go house hunting in Panama!
But, most importantly, it is spectacular!
What will tomorrow bring?
Attempting to forecast day-to-day weather in Panama is a virtual waste of time. Why? Because there is always a 90% chance that it will be hot and sunny during the dry season, and hot and humid with about a 40 to 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms during the rainy season.
It doesn’t take a meteorologist to predict that!
Which Panama climate do you like best? Leave us a comment below about your favorite Panama climate!
Up Next
7 of the Top Places U.S. Expats Are Living in Latin America (and Why)
Central America's Best Real Estate Buy
The World’s Top 10 Best Places to Put Your Money
Nosara, Costa Rica Everything You Need to Know. I Mean Everything.
Imagine a small, beautiful beach town surrounded by jungle and wildlife with a peaceful multicultural community and many of the comforts of home. That place, named by National Geographic as one of the top surf …
(Read It)Panama City, Panama Real Estate Market Update
Today we have a guest post written by Kent Davis, owner of one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Panama City The Panama City real estate market may have finally taken a turn in …
(Read It)Top 133 Costa Rica Websites for Expats and Investors
Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Costa Rica for expats and investors? Sure, we have a ton of resources for Costa Rica on our site, and a whole bunch …
(Read It)The Truth about Living in Costa Rica: The Good, the Bad, and the Muddy
It's easy to find tons of articles and information out there highlighting all the great benefits of living in Costa Rica. But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it …
(Read It)Why Nosara, Costa Rica Is Not Your Average Surfing Town
A deeper look at Nosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. The increasing interest in the area as a …
(Read It)Expats Are Still Falling in Love with Nosara and Here’s Why
What was once the up-and-coming expat haven of Nosara, Costa Rica, has blossomed into one of Costa Rica's most established expat communities that continues to be ranked near the top of the list of most desirable destinations in the Latin …
(Read It)
“Especially during the “wet” season, which is generally April through December.”
LOL, that’s not a “season” it’s nine months of the year!
“Most expats would agree that the best days are those during the changing of the seasons.”
LOL, in other words, only two periods per year. After the rain in December and before the rains in April?
Hi Park & Josh,
Nice to hear of your adventures on living the way mind wanted.
I am Koshy,63,a retired bank official in India. I had always been desiring to retire/live in the Carribeans. I think I can only afford a moderate unit in Ecuador, due to my humble means.Please advise and inform of any suitable proposition.My son, John,28, plans to reach Belize in May,2016. In case you can suggest any downsize buy, he can make heading for that location,instead of Belize.
Thanks for your valuable information and Wish YOU ALL THE VERY BEST IN THE FUTURE!
Koshy John.
+91 9495 417 467.