The climate of Panama City
Panama City, located in Panama, experiences a Köppen climate classification of Aw. This defines the local weather patterns as tropical, with both wet and dry seasons prevalent. The city faces the Pacific Ocean, and its geographical attributes play a crucial role in shaping its climate.
Throughout the year, the weather parameters in Panama City demonstrate significant variations. The monthly average sea temperature, for instance, lies in the range from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). Months from
March to
April witness the highest sea temperatures, making beach activities favorable. The daylight hours, another important parameter, vary from 11.6 hours to 12.7 hours, providing ample daylight for tourism and leisure activities.
The UV index in Panama City follows a similar trend throughout the year, maintaining a high value between 10 and 12. This high UV index indicates a considerable intensity of ultraviolet radiation, necessitating protective measures like wearing sunscreen.
The uniqueness of Panama City's climate is best reflected in its rainfall patterns. Months from
May to
December receive significant rainfall, exceeding 100mm (3.94") each month with the highest being 331mm (13.03") in
October. Contrarily, in the months ranging from
January to April, this rainfall lessens dramatically, offering a clear and dry climate conducive for outdoor exploration.
The best time to visit Panama City
Considering the climatological aspects of
Panama City, the best time to visit would be between
January and
April. During these months, the city experiences its driest period with the lowest rainfall occurrence - as low as 10mm (0.39") in
February. The average high temperatures remain consistent within a narrow band, 33.4°C (92.1°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F), providing warm conditions ideal for exploring outdoor attractions without the hindrance of heavy rainfall.
The worst time to visit Panama City
On the other hand, the period from
May to
December is less suitable for tourism. These months experience the highest rainfall volume, hitting a peak in
October with 331mm (13.03"). Despite a robust average sunlight duration of around 3.8 hours and pleasant temperatures, the persistent heavy rain could impede outdoor activities and travel plans.
Spring weather in Panama City
In
Panama City, the season extending from
March to
May is marked by a stark transition in terms of weather conditions. March still retains the dry pattern of the preceding months with an average rainfall of just 13mm (0.51"). However, by May, this dramatically increases to 225mm (8.86"), signifying the onset of wet conditions. Sea temperatures also start rising, moving from 26.3°C (79.3°F) in March to 28.4°C (83.1°F) in May.
Summer weather in Panama City
The summer months,
June through
August, are characterized by rainfall peaking at 235mm (9.25") in June. Despite the heavy rain, these months consistently maintain high temperatures, ranging from 33.8°C (92.8°F) to 33.9°C (93°F). Concurrently, the sea temperature also stays at a high, fluctuating around 28.6°C (83.5°F), making it warm and inviting for water sports enthusiasts.
Autumn weather in Panama City
With autumn coming in, the city continues to receive heavy rainfall, the highest in
October at 331mm (13.03"). Simultaneously, the daily high temperatures drop slightly, fluctuating from 32.9°C (91.2°F) in
September to 32.6°C (90.7°F) in
November. Sea temperature also marginally decreases to 28.3°C (82.9°F) in November, yet remains suitable for marine activities.
Winter weather in Panama City
Winter in
Panama City manifests with slightly cooler temperatures, falling to 33.3°C (91.9°F) by
December. Rainfall begins to decrease, reaching 105mm (4.13"), signaling the end of the wet period and the beginning of the dry season. Sea temperatures remain comfortably warm at 27.8°C (82°F), promoting water-based activities even in winter months. Meanwhile, daylight hours shrink to 11.6 hours, still offering ample daylight for sightseeing and other leisure activities.
Weather in January
As the
Panama City enters the new year, weather conditions start to stabilize. There is a minor increase in daily sunshine duration that characterizes
January. Remarkably, the month experiences a UV index of 11, a value that is pegged as extreme.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Panama City continues to enjoy steady weather, similar to the preceding month. There is an upward shift regarding daylight and sunshine durations, comforting the populace with more sunny days. The month's UV index reaches a peak of 12, making it one of the most intense in the year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The warmth of
Panama City continues to persist in
March. However, the onset of the rainy season is usually earmarked by this month with 13mm (0.51") of rainfall. This rainfall is a slight uptick from the previous two months but still far from the heavy showers characteristic for later months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April offers the last taste of prolonged sunshine hours before the onset of the wet season. The weather continues to be fairly warm and consistent with previous months. However, the rainfall explodes to 65mm (2.56"), marking a significant departure from the earlier months and signaling the impending rainy season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
Panama City in
May marks the complete transition to the wet season. A notable characteristic of May is the significant increase in rainfall to 225mm (8.86"), signifying the highest up to this point in the year. This is complemented by the highest sea temperature, reaching 28.4°C (83.1°F), showcasing an interesting mix of hot and cold conditions.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In contrast to the preceding month,
June witnesses a slight regression in terms of rainfall. Yet, it is the month with maximum rainfall days, standing at Total 16. While the rainy days persist, the temperatures remain warm providing a charming blend of weather elements.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July progresses with a similar weather pattern as
June. Even though the amount of rainfall lessens somewhat, the wet season is still in full swing. The lowest temperature, 21°C (69.8°F), indicates a slight drop from the previous months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August beckons,
Panama City's weather sees slight changes but remains quite consistent with the preceding months. There is a moderate increase in rainfall which peaks at 220mm (8.66"). Despite the city being deep into the wet season, the UV index remains at 12, making it essential for locals and tourists to take necessary precautions against possible skin damage.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in an increase in rainfall, marking it at 254mm (10") for
Panama City. The cool, damp atmosphere sets the tone for the month, offering a refreshing contrast to the sunny days of the early year. However, sunlight duration, daylight hours, and the UV index stay consistent with
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October marks the highest rainfall of the year, recorded at 331mm (13.03") in
Panama City. This denotes a continuation of the wet season that started in
May. Panama City enjoys the beauty of the rains washing over the landscapes, casting a various shades of green.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Panama City experiences a drop in rainfall to 252mm (9.92"). The city starts shaking off the heavy rains, moving towards a slightly warmer and less rainy ambiance. Being a transitional month, November merges the charm of the rainy season with the coming warmth, offering a unique blend.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December's weather in
Panama City ushers in the festive season with a remarkable decrease in rainfall to 105mm (4.13"). The city starts transitioning towards the dry season. Although rains drastically reduce, the sea temperature remains constant at 27.8°C (82°F), verifying the city's tropical nature.
Weather in December »