Rainy and dry season in Panama

In Panama the year is not split into four seasons but into two: the dry season and the rainy season. Knowing which one you are in explains almost the entire forecast.

The two seasons

• Dry season ("verano") (mid-December to April): clearer skies, less rain and strong trade winds, especially on the Pacific side.
• Rainy season ("invierno") (May to mid-December): near-daily downpours and thunderstorms, usually in the afternoon.

It does not rain the same everywhere

The Caribbean slope (Bocas del Toro, Colón) is rainy almost all year, while the Pacific "Arco Seco" (Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos) gets far less rain. So check your local forecast, not just the national one.

What to expect

In the rainy season, plan outdoor activities for the morning: storms tend to arrive after midday. In the dry season, protect yourself from the sun and wind.