Panama is a diverse country that links Central and South America. The country borders Costa Rica and Colombia and sits on the Caribbean and North Pacific Ocean. The location of Panama makes it a beautiful beach destination with scenic views. Panama is like a hub for adventure whether travelers most enjoy nature, art, culture, or other unique interests. But overall travelers of all different kinds will be able to enjoy the country most during the dry season. The dry season is the best time to visit Panama due to many reasons.
Average Temperature This Time of Year
- 85-95 Degrees F
Weather
The weather in Panama during the dry season, which lasts from December to April, is pretty pleasant with higher temperatures and sunny days. Travelers don’t have to worry about being too hot in Panama during this time of year though since the weather is typically partly cloudy. It is also a little windy, which helps relieve the high temperatures of the dry season. Visitors coming to Panama during the dry season will be able to enjoy minimal rainfall as well, so outdoor activities are recommended.
Travel Tip: The dry season is during the peak tourist season since it is technically Panama’s summer. This means that all the most popular attractions of Panama are available and can be comfortably explored by travelers.
Thriving Nature
Panama has many natural wonders since it is such a biodiverse place. The country is a hotspot for thriving flora and fauna. This country’s tropical habitat covers nearly half of the land. Travelers visiting Panama can explore the rainforest, mangrove wetlands, and mountains. During the dry season, there are often warm days and cool evenings. These weather conditions make it the perfect time for travelers to explore the nature of Panama without experiencing heat exhaustion.
Travel Tip: Since the evenings are cooler in Panama during the dry season, travelers should bring a light jacket and pants if they plan to be out all day.
White Sand Beaches
With the pleasant weather of the dry season, a beach visit is ideal for travelers. Hitting the beach for a good sun-soaking session or a nice swim is a great way to spend time during a visit to Panama. The most popular beaches for travelers to visit during the dry season are on the San Blas Islands. For example, Isla Perro Beach, Chichimei Beach, and Isla Robeson Beach are the top beaches in San Blas.
Travel Tip: The midday sun of Panama can be overwhelming at times, so travelers should bring a hat and sunscreen to the beach.
Proximity to a Cosmopolitan City
Panama is not just all lush nature. The capital of Panama, Panama City, is a metropolitan hub with an urban population. Its capital is famous for its nightlife, cultural offerings, and great restaurants. Travelers can visit Panama to experience a vibrant ambiance and interact with nice locals. The multicultural city is filled with around two million people, allowing travelers to experience modern digs and accommodations. The east-central city is famous for its world-class food scene so travelers should try some local spots. Caleta, La Boucherie, and La Pulperia are some of the top restaurants in Panama.
Travel Tip: Travelers should avoid the high crime areas of Panama City and only use ATMs indoors to stay safe. Panama City is a metro area so travelers should exercise safety precautions.
Convenient Destination For US Travelers
Panama is a destination that U.S. travelers will not find incredibly difficult to explore. The country is relatively easy to get around since it has a good public transportation system. Buses are a common way for tourists to get around due to the roads being in good shape. Some travelers may even opt to rent a car during their visit since Panama’s highway is relatively easy to navigate. Panama City also uses US currency. More specifically, Panama uses the paper currency of the United States. Also, English is a second language to many people in Panama so travelers may experience less of a culture shock during their visit.
Travel Tip: For travelers to fully immerse themselves during their Panama visit, they should acclimate to the laid-back atmosphere of the country. It is important to always greet people politely with a phrase like “buenas.”
Diverse and Vibrant Culture
While different provinces have their own unique communities, Panama as a country is a melting pot for many different cultural identities. Just a few of those diverse communities include Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and Indigenous cultures. Travelers can learn more about the unique music, crafts, sports, cuisine, and even religion of these cultures during their visit to Panama. Traditional Panamanian customs like the pollera, which is the National dress, are only one of the many interesting features of Panama’s culture.
Travel Tip: Panamanians have strong cultural customs that travelers should learn more about. The Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama is a great site to visit to learn more about the communities that played a part in developing the country’s infrastructure.
World-Class Spirits
Seco is considered the national alcoholic beverage of Panama due to the cultural use of it. It is often a part of family and cultural celebrations in Panama. For example, Seco is often enjoyed during birthdays, weddings, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas. Similarly, Rob Abuelo is Panama’s favorite rum. The first sugar mill in Panama that opened in 1908 produces it to this day. These popular spirits are available to travelers in nightclubs and bars across the country.
Travel Tip: Curious travelers should try the Seco Sour, which is a cocktail that features Seco Herrerano. This strawberry drink is a smooth and sweet cocktail for summer relaxation.
Unique Nightlife
The nightlife in Panama is quite lively. Nightlife in Panama mainly occurs in the downtown business district and the Spanish colonial buildings in town. Discoteca Night Club Los Pepes, Chill Out Discotheque, and El Green Room are some of the most popular nightlife spots in Panama. There are also unique nightlife experiences for travelers to try during their visit to Panama. Panama’s “Chivas parranderas” is an exciting party bus experience. Travelers have a tour guide and can enjoy music and unlimited rum or seco during their bus ride.
Travel Tip: The areas with the most nightlife in Panama do not get busy until after 10:00 p.m. Travelers should immerse themselves in the bars, pubs, dancing, and karaoke.
These reasons to travel to Panama point to why the dry season is the best time to visit. Panama is a country of great appeal and intrigue, so travelers who want an adventure should visit. There is much to appreciate in the country during the summer months, but travelers are nearly guaranteed to think of many other reasons to visit during their trip.
