The short answer
The tourism board describes roughly December to April as the dry season and the other months as the rainy or green season. In Panama City, January to March are the driest months. Temperatures hardly change through the year, so rain is the real difference between seasons.
The Panama Canal works all year. Ships transit in the rain and in the sun, and the visitor centers are open daily. What changes is how comfortable your day is, and how some boat trips and park visits go. The Caribbean side near Colón does not follow the same monthly rainfall as Panama City, so do not apply the city numbers there.
Panama City climate by month
Monthly averages of the daily high and low and the monthly rainfall for Panama City. These are historical averages for 1971 to 2000, not a forecast.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92 °F (33.4 °C) | 65 °F (18.5 °C) | 1.2 in (29 mm) |
| February | 94 °F (34.2 °C) | 65 °F (18.4 °C) | 0.4 in (10 mm) |
| March | 95 °F (34.8 °C) | 65 °F (18.4 °C) | 0.5 in (13 mm) |
| April | 96 °F (35.4 °C) | 67 °F (19.5 °C) | 2.5 in (65 mm) |
| May | 94 °F (34.5 °C) | 70 °F (21.1 °C) | 8.9 in (225 mm) |
| June | 93 °F (33.8 °C) | 70 °F (21.3 °C) | 9.3 in (235 mm) |
| July | 93 °F (33.9 °C) | 70 °F (21.0 °C) | 6.6 in (169 mm) |
| August | 93 °F (33.9 °C) | 70 °F (20.9 °C) | 8.7 in (220 mm) |
| September | 91 °F (32.9 °C) | 70 °F (21.0 °C) | 10.0 in (254 mm) |
| October | 91 °F (32.6 °C) | 69 °F (20.8 °C) | 13.0 in (331 mm) |
| November | 91 °F (32.9 °C) | 69 °F (20.3 °C) | 9.9 in (252 mm) |
| December | 92 °F (33.3 °C) | 67 °F (19.2 °C) | 4.1 in (105 mm) |
Panama Canal tours by season
Partial transit boat trips, lock visits and city tours from Panama City, with live prices and availability.
What each season means for your trip
Pick the months that match what you want to do.
January to March: driest and sunniest
Rain is light, and the numbers above show monthly totals of about 0.4 to 1.2 inches (10 to 29 mm). It is the easiest time for walking Casco Viejo, the Cinta Costera and the ruins of Panamá Viejo. Pack sun protection and water, since highs reach the mid 90s °F (mid 30s °C).
Casco Viejo →April and December: the transition
Rain starts to build in April, at 2.5 inches (65 mm), and tails off in December, at 4.1 inches (105 mm). Both months are a good compromise between dry weather and the start or end of the green season.
May to November: the green season
Monthly rainfall is about 6.6 to 13 inches (169 to 331 mm), and October is the wettest. Showers can be heavy, so keep a rain jacket in your bag and leave room in your schedule. Compare hotel rates for your own dates.
Where to stay →The canal and the weather
Canal operations depend on the water level in the watershed, not on the day's weather. The canal authority has been running water-saving measures since December 2025 for the 2026 dry season. As of 15 October 2026 it allows 33 daily slots, 10 of them for Neopanamax ships, and a maximum Neopanamax draft of 49 feet (14.94 m). The authority says the water deficit remains.
That is a limit on ships, not a closure. It does not by itself mean a boat tour or a cruise will be canceled. Partial transit boat tours run on set days. The 2026 autumn program of one operator lists Saturdays and Sundays, from 24 October to 27 December, and full transits on 21 November and 19 December. Confirm dates before you book flights.
Cruises, parks and Emberá visits
Cruises: the canal authority defines the cruise season as October to May and expects more than 220 planned transits in 2026 and 2027. One cruise line gives mid-December to mid-April as its preferred weather window, and it also sells departures through the year. See canal cruises for routes and the difference between full and partial transits.
Emberá visits: the Chagres National Park closed on 30 August 2026 because of a high river level, and reopened on 1 September 2026 at 08:00. Boat trips on the river and time at the water can be affected by heavy rain. If you visit in the green season, keep your schedule flexible. See our guide to visiting an Emberá village.
Rainforest hikes: Soberanía National Park is open daily from 06:30 to 16:00. Start early in the rainy months and bring a rain jacket and sturdy shoes. For a plan of the city itself, read our Panama City guide.
Best time to visit Panama: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Panama?
February and March are the driest months in Panama City on historical averages. January and December are also good choices.
Is it too hot in Panama City?
Daily highs stay between about 91 and 96 °F (32.6 to 35.4 °C) all year. Plan outdoor sights for the morning and carry water.
Does it rain every day in the rainy season?
No month is guaranteed dry or wet. The averages show much more rain from May to November, with October the highest. Treat them as a guide, not a promise.
Can I visit the Panama Canal in the rainy season?
Yes. The visitor centers are open daily, and ships transit throughout the year. Rain mostly affects your comfort, and some boat trips depend on conditions.
Are the monthly numbers a forecast?
No. They are historical averages for 1971 to 2000, so use them to compare seasons. Check the forecast close to your trip.