The Best Time of the Year to Visit Panama

Most travelers visit Panama during its dry season—summer—which begins mid-December and ends in mid-April. During this time, the country sees little to no rainfall, which sounds nice but makes for brown vegetation throughout the country due to its droughts when you really should be seeing more green.

The wet season, which Panamanians refer to as their winter, lasts from mid-April to mid-December. The rain starts slowly and gets heavier as it gets deeper into the season, with November having the heaviest rainfall of all. Despite having a season that sees a lot of rain, most showers only last an hour and the result is beautiful, vibrant greenery all around. The rain also provides a refreshing break from the heat—something that is present year-round and makes Panama a tropical paradise.

If you don’t mind a little rain, the wet season is far more beautiful but definitely more humid. If you prefer visit Panama during its high season, plan your trip during the dry months. If you’d rather enjoy a more quiet holiday and lower overall prices, aim for the start or middle of the wet season and you won’t be disappointed.

The worst time of the year to visit Panama is during the month of November. Not only does Panama see the heaviest rainfall during this time but it is also a month of numerous national holidays when locals take their own vacations, resulting in many businesses closing down for the month.