last edited Dec 11, 2019
When and Where to Go in Panama
Best Times to Visit Panama
Finding the best time to visit means balancing climate conditions with crowds and the most attractive prices, both on the ground and for travel.
The dry season from late December to late April is the most climatically favorable for exploring the country. This avoids the heavy rains that can cause problems, especially on the coasts where the atmosphere is also muggy during this period. That said, even in the dry season, you won’t escape a few showers on the Caribbean coast. As for tourist crowds and slightly higher prices, the peak is mainly around Christmas and early January—though compared to many other destinations, it’s far from extreme. There’s also a modest uptick in visitors from Europe in July and August.
All things considered, January to April is the most recommended period, though from late November onward, visiting is pleasant—aside from the busy Christmas season.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climate | ||||||||||||
| Avoid crowds | / | |||||||||||
| Low prices | / |
: very favorable | : favorable | : moderately favorable | : unfavorable.