Are you thinking of making a move to Panama? If so, it's essential to research the climate and ensure it is a good fit for you. Panama has a tropical climate, which means there are sunny days year-round, and temperatures rarely fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it an excellent destination for those who love warm weather but know there can also be high humidity levels.
Precipitation is heaviest from May to November, so if you're looking for dry heat, January through April may be a better time to visit. Regardless of when you go, enjoy everything Panama has to offer – its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming community!
Many people dream of retiring to a warm, tropical country. Panama may be the perfect place for you if that's what you're looking for! With an average temperature of around 27° C (80° F), it's easy to see why it’s such a popular retirement destination.
The climate in Panama is similar to other Central American countries, which have warm temperatures for much of the year. Panama also experiences various weather patterns depending on the county's area and season. Some areas near the beaches or jungles have a hot climate most of the year, while the highlands experience cooler temperatures. If you're considering retiring near beaches, mountains, or rainforests, continue reading!
The Panama advantage
Panama is a Central American country located between Costa Rica and Colombia. It's well-known for its canal, rainforests, and beaches. The country has over four million people, and its capital is Panama City. The currency is the US dollar, and Spanish is the official language. However, English is also widely spoken in many areas.
Only two seasons
Panama has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the wet season (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). Temperatures remain relatively steady throughout the year; however, it can feel quite hot because of the humidity during the wet season.
Humidity levels are high in Panama, ranging from 50% in the dry season to over 90% in the rainy season. The higher your elevation, the cooler the temperatures, and the humidity will feel less.
Different temperatures in different locations
Temperatures do vary with elevation in Panama. Most days at sea level will reach 32° C (90° F) degrees, or a bit more, and in the evening, it will drop to 24° C (75° F). This, of course, is the ultimate weather for beach lovers.
It is much cooler in the higher mountain expat communities of Altos del Maria, Boquete, and Volcan. The coolest climate in Panama is the Boquete, Volcan, and Cerro Punta areas, with daytime highs seldom over 25.5º C (78° F) degrees and evening lows in the 15.5º C (60º F).
Here comes the rain
The rainy season isn't all bad news, though – it's also the best time of year to experience the lush green rainforests. The weather pattern in the rainy season is typically sunny morning, clouding over late afternoon, with a possible shower in the evening. Seldom does it rain all day in Panama.
The rainy season is progressive, covering the months of May to November. The rain starts in the afternoon, late in the day in May, and progressively gets earlier in the afternoon by October.
Rainfall amounts are very high in Panama, between 203 and 406 cm (80 and 160 inches) of rain a year, depending on where you live. But do remember, when it rains here, it rains hard, sometimes an inch or two in an hour; thus, this high accumulation of rain happens in a short period of time, like the afternoon showers mentioned above.
The dry season
The dryest area of Panama is the Azuero Peninsula. The climate of the Azuero Peninsula has temperatures averaging a high of 29.5°C (85°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F). The area is known as the "dry arch" and receives little rain from January through March. The average annual rainfall is 134cm (53in), making it one of the driest areas in Panama.
The dry season is the peak tourist season when most visitors come to experience Panama's beaches and rainforests. This is also the "summer holidays" time for local Panama kids, as they call this January - March season Summer, as it is always sunny and dry.
The dry season can also be breezy, more so in the mountains than on the beach. Winds in the mountainous regions can exceed gusts of 60 kpm, but on the beaches, it is much less windy, just strong breezes. And by March, you will see the effects of no rain, with plant life and grass turning brown. Many of the expats that live here celebrate the first rains in April, as everything springs back to life.
You will find micro-climate in most regions in Panama. An excellent example of this is the community of Altos del Maria, with its vast variance of elevation and cooler temperatures year round. Those who like it cooler live higher up, and those who want the warmth live lower in the valley.
Another good thing about Panama's weather is that it is located outside the hurricane belt. Hurricanes do not make landfall in Panama, although they can make landfall west of here in Central America and Mexico. So Panama will get a few days with lots of rain from the outer bands of the Hurricane, but the significant winds will not accompany this weather.
.jpg?width=3456&name=vista%20panoramica%20Galicia%20(1).jpg)
Visit Panama
If you are looking to relocate to Panama, you obviously are going to visit to check it out. Many people come to stay in the dry season, as it is winter back home, and they want out of the cold. But to fully experience Panama's climate, we recommend coming in the April - August months so that you can experience some of the rainy seasons.
Deciding to move to Panama is a big step; one of the great things in this small country is that you can pick your climate. If you are planning to buy property, and live here, make sure you choose the climate that is right for you. Nothing is worse than someone purchasing a beach home and realizing six months later they are not enjoying the outdoors as it is too hot for them.
If you like the heat, live on the beach. If you want cooler and wetter weather, live in the Chiriqui Highlands. Altos del Maria would suit you fine if you are looking for something in between with a temperate climate in the mountains but only 30 minutes to the beach.
Panama is a great place to live, with plenty of options for anyone looking for a suitable climate.
If you're still trying to decide if Panama is the correct destination for your next move, be sure to check out our other articles on our site on moving here. And as always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your move today!
