Panama: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperature in Panama City: 90°F High • 75°F Low

The winter and spring months from December to April in Panama are a great time to visit and fall within the typical dry season. The tropical climate across the country still has some rain, but this adds to the luscious greenery by falling at a more consistent time.

Whether eager to enjoy the romantic ambiance of a remote island or interested in walking the historic streets of Panama City, visiting Panama in the dry season will have cooler days and better weather for an all-around experience, from the cloud forests to the lush valleys, cityscapes to pristine archipelagos.

Panama City • Best Place for History and Culture

Panama City is one of the country’s best places to visit. The combination of history, culture, and proximity to landmarks, from the Panama Canal to the Soberania National Park, only adds to the allure.

Witness historic buildings connected to Spanish colonization. View the incredible feats of engineering along the canal route connecting the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

The energetic metropolis sits at the doorstep to exceptional wildlife, while opening to views of 17th-century pirate invasions, Neoclassical splendor, and mouthwatering treats found in celebrated coffee or local dishes shaped by the infusion of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American influences.

Bocas del Toro • Best for Island Beaches

Boca del Toro offers the best combination of islands and beaches in Panama. The archipelago has nine accessible main islands and thousands of islets and cays glowing with golden and white sands, protected by the calm crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Tropical rainforest filled with thriving wildlife frames the shoreline and the indigenous communities continue to call many of the islands home. The relaxed ambiance across the archipelago can feel majestic, blending colorful huts on stilts with gentle waters, less than an hour's flight from Panama City.

Boquete • Best for Active Exploration

Boquete is one of the best destinations in Panama for active exploration. The town is surrounded by cloud forests filled with unique wildlife.

The cooler temperatures make the town a nice retreat from the island heat and the faster pace of Panama City. The mixture of mountainous terrain and lush forest offers great hiking trails on which you can search for quetzals or enjoy the sunrise while sitting on the ridge of the country’s tallest volcanic peak.

From ziplining to hanging bridges, coffee tours to wildlife spotting, Boquete can be as exciting as you make it.

Experience the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering and opened up trading routes between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The series of locks, levies, and tugboats ferry ships of all sizes across 48 miles, allowing waters to rise and fall according to the needs and movement of the vessels.

The lock system can raise ships up to 85 feet in elevation, demonstrating the interesting perspective and fascinating application of technology put into use over 100 years ago.

Discover Diverse Flavors at Local Plantations

The farms in Panama are known for cultivating exceptional flavors in coffee, rum, and tea. The altitude and micro-climates provide different minerals and growing conditions for the crops, which influence the overall quality of the ingredients.

Whether interested in sampling the white tea grown in the highlands or eager to learn more about the famous Geisha coffee bean that’s coveted for its fruity notes of berry, orange, and jasmine, visiting a plantation in Pamana can demonstrate the unique farm-to-table process of planting, growing, harvesting, and producing ingredients of exceptional quality.

Explore the Tropical Nature

Panama is one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world, with a tropical climate supporting an abundance of distinct plant and animal species.

Explore mangrove forests that feed and shelter migratory birds. Wander through the rainforest in search of rich wildlife like playful monkeys and shimmering birds, the jungle landscape accounting for over 40% of the country’s topography.

Lounge on the beaches, escape into the colorful waters, or enjoy adventures in the treetops as you uncover Panama’s varied tropical nature.

Learn more: Top Things to Do in Panama

Panama is a destination about discovery and desire, a perfect romantic escape, adventurous family getaway, or exciting retreat into a place full of vibrant life, rich history, and incredible scenery. When you travel, your preferred experience can guide you on the best time to visit Panama. The activities can change with the season, depending on how you want to enjoy the wildlife, wilderness, or beaches. Find plenty more ideas on the ways you can embrace your exploration with information on how to plan a trip to Panama.

Indulge in new perspectives or uncover a new understanding of how you like to travel as you delight in new Panama vacations or when viewing our Panama travel guide to help inspire your personalized trip.