When to go
The best time to visit Panama as a whole runs from
February to April, and in particular, the months of February and March: it's hot almost everywhere, the sun shines and there is little rain, except on the north-west and in the interior of the Darién province, where rainfall is quite frequent even during this period.
On the
southern side, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can go from
December to April, with a preference for December and January because from February to April it is very hot, especially in inland areas.
What to pack
For
plains and coasts: bring lightweight clothes, and a light sweatshirt for the evening and for air conditioning. In the rainy season (from May to mid-December in Panama City, and throughout the year in the areas having an equatorial climate), you can add a light raincoat or umbrella. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
For the
tierras templadas: all year round, bring light clothing, and a sweatshirt or sweater for the evening; a raincoat or umbrella in the rainy season. In the dry season, sunscreen and a sun hat.
For the
tierras frías: throughout the year, bring clothes for spring and autumn, a T-shirt for the day, and a sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket for the evening; a raincoat or umbrella in the rainy season.
For
high mountains: bring warm clothes, a jacket, and hiking boots.
Back to the climate of
Panama