The climate of Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina,
Panama belongs to the Tropical rainforest zone, according to Köppen climate classification, which is most commonly denoted as Af. This climatic condition characterizes the area with high temperatures month-round, substantial humidity and copious amounts of rain.
If one embarks on scrutinizing the annual weather changes, it becomes apparent that Santa Catalina experiences little fluctuation in terms of temperature. The months from
February to
April witness the highest temperatures, peaking at around 34.6°C (94.3°F) in
March. Contrarily, the coolest period sees temperatures drop, albeit marginally, to approximately 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F) from
October to
December. Night temperatures remain consistently warm, varying from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F).
On the subject of rainfall, Santa Catalina exhibits a rainfall pattern typifying tropical regions. Rainfall ranges from a scant 11mm (0.43") in February to an abundant 309mm (12.17") in
August. The rainiest period is from
May to
November with every month witnessing rainfall exceeding 248mm (9.76"). Coinciding with this, relative humidity also spikes during these months, reaching as high as 88%.
Remarkably, there is a flip between the air pressure and numerous rainy days, as more rain days are found when lower atmospheric pressure is prevalent from May to December, dropping to 1009.9mb in November.
Additionally, the sea temperature in Santa Catalina remains a steady 28°C (82.4°F) throughout the year. The same cannot be said for the amount of sunshine, daylight hours and UV index which exhibit minor changes. Sunshine hours can drop to as low as 6.7 hours in October while daylight hours vary mildly from 11.7 hours in
January to 12.6 hours in
June.
The best time to visit Santa Catalina
The optimal time for a visit to
Santa Catalina is between
February and
April. This period sees the lowest levels of rainfall, ranging from 11mm (0.43") to 105mm (4.13") and also the lowest number of rainy days, from 5.3 to 19.2 days. This period also boasts one of the highest levels of visibility, peaking at 10km (6.2mi) in February and
March. Despite the high temperatures of up to 34.6°C (94.3°F), the relative humidity is at its annual low with values between 65% and 70%, making these months comfortable for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Santa Catalina
The time period from
May to
November might not be the best choice for a visit to
Santa Catalina. It features the highest rainfall, with values ranging from 248mm (9.76") in November to 309mm (12.17") in
August. The number of rainy days in this window is between 29 to 31, contributing to high humidity values of up to 88%. These factors combined significantly reduce visibility to as low as 6km (3.7mi) from August to November.
Spring weather in Santa Catalina
In
Santa Catalina, springtime takes place in the months of
March through
May. In this period, rainfall begins to increase dramatically from 13mm (0.51") in March to 288mm (11.34") in May. The number of rainy days also hikes from 7.6 days in March to 29.3 days in May. As far as temperatures go, the average high temperatures taper off from a peak of 34.6°C (94.3°F) in March to 31.3°C (88.3°F) in May, while the lows rise from 22.4°C (72.3°F) in March to 23.5°C (74.3°F) in May.
Summer weather in Santa Catalina
Summer in
Santa Catalina spans from
June to
August. This period is characterized by high rainfall, with measurements spanning from 273mm (10.75") in June to 309mm (12.17") in August. The number of rainy days hits its zenith at 30.3 during this season. High temperatures are somewhat moderate in comparison to other months, with values ranging from 29.8°C (85.6°F) in June to 29.6°C (85.3°F) in August. Low temperatures remain steady at 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F) throughout this period.
Autumn weather in Santa Catalina
Autumn months in
Santa Catalina, i.e.,
September to
November, tend to have copious amounts of rainfall. Rainfall peaks at 300mm (11.81") in
October, followed by 262mm (10.31") and 248mm (9.76") in September and November respectively. The rainfall corresponds to the number of rainy days, with October having the maximum number of days with rainfall at 31. The temperatures in this quarter range from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F) for highs, and from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F) for lows.
Winter weather in Santa Catalina
In
Santa Catalina,
December through
February constitute the winter months. The region experiences considerably lower rainfall during this time, beginning at 121mm (4.76") in December and reaching a minimum of 11mm (0.43") in February. This season also has the fewest rainy days, decreasing from 20.6 days in December to just 5.3 days in February. The temperatures during this period sees a steady rise with highs escalating from 30.3°C (86.5°F) in December to 33.5°C (92.3°F) in February, and low temperatures ranging from a chillier 21.4°C (70.5°F) in December to a mild 21.8°C (71.2°F) in February.
Weather in January
January marks the height of hot weather in
Santa Catalina,
Panama, with an average relative humidity of 74%. The city leads into the year with a significant rise in its temperature compared to the cooler last month of the previous year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
By the arrival of
February,
Santa Catalina begins to see a moderate decrease in humidity, falling to 68%. The city experiences hotter weather compared to
January, though these typically lofty temperatures are somewhat mitigated by an uptick in wind speed.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Santa Catalina is characterized by warm weather, a slight reduction in humidity, and a beach-friendly ocean temperature at a steady 28°C (82.4°F). As the days lightly lengthen into 12.1 hours of daylight, North-easterly winds pick up to a moderate 8.6km/h (5.3mph) average, providing a cooling relief.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a considerable change in
Santa Catalina's weather pattern. The city welcomes a reasonable amount of rainfall at 105mm (4.13") spread over 19.2 days. Despite this, the wind speed reduces, and the number of sunshine hours dips to 8.7.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Maybe establishes its identity as the rainiest month in
Santa Catalina with an impressive average rainfall volume of 288mm (11.34"). As the city makes a film transition into its wettest period of the year, the frequency of rainy days substantially increases to 29.3.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Santa Catalina retains its rainy disposition well into
June. High humidity levels characterize the weather, with the average relative humidity rising to a notable 87%. In contrast, the average hours of sunshine experience a gradual decline.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July remains ensconced within
Panama's wet season and carries forward the high humidity trend from
June, giving
Santa Catalina a humid subtropical feel. This period is characterized by frequent rain, although the amount of rainfall superficially decreases.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to harbor a high-moisture climate in
Santa Catalina with the average relative humidity persisting at 88%. Along with these humid conditions, the city continues its trend of frequent rainfall, albeit slightly increased when compared to
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in an almost imperceptible improvement in weather conditions in
Santa Catalina. The volume and frequency of rainfall dip slightly, presenting fewer disruptions to daily schedules. The constant sea temperature extends its soothing presence.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The onset of
October brings respite to
Santa Catalina's residents from the rainy months, as the average rainfall dips to a more moderate 300mm (11.81"). Simultaneously, a minor decrease in relative humidity and a marginal bump in wind speeds are observed.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Santa Catalina in
November shows signs of clearer skies compared to the heavily clouded conditions of the previous months. The relative humidity falls slightly, and wind speed tends to stabilize at a slower pace. Despite the drop in rainfall, keeping an umbrella at hand is advisable as wet days continue to count high.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Santa Catalina welcomes
December with a notable decrease in rainfall, with the volume falling to 121mm (4.76") over 20.6 days. A high-pressure trend is observed, with atmospheric pressure climbing to 1010.2mb. This high-pressure pattern manifests in the form of clear skies, which, combined with the reasonable visibility of 7km (4.3mi), make for pleasurable outdoor activities.
Weather in December »