Best Time to Visit Panama 2024 (Tourist Guide)

In this guide, we will explore the best time to visit Panama.

This culturally rich country is one of our personal favorites in Central America. Here you’ll find some outstanding beaches and islands such as the San Blas, as well as thick jungle and towering volcanoes further inland.

In this guide we’ll explore the best time to visit Panama, which includes whether this nation is worth visiting as well as how long we recommend spending here.

As well as looking at 5 of the very best things to do in Panama, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.

What's in this guide?

Best time to visit Panama

April is the overall best month to travel to Panama. Here you’ll have all the benefits of the dry season (and great temperatures), however with less crowds than earlier in the year.

Is Panama worth visiting?

The short answer: Yes! The (slightly) longer answer: Panama is a great middle option for those who don’t want the overtouristy culture of Costa Rica, but still want to head somewhere safe and great for exploring.

You’ll find a tonne of amazing experiences here which we’ll cover later in this guide (and throughout our website).

Getting around Panama is relatively easy too. Although its long shape can put many off using the bus, you can actually get from one end to the other in just 10 hours. See even more reasons to visit Panama by reading our dedicated guide.

There are also many airlines offering flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro daily too, which is best for those looking to save time.

What is the best month to visit Panama?

As we’ve already mentioned, April is our favorite for heading to Panama, where temperatures peak and rainfall levels are still quite low.

At the end of the dry season, you’ll still find humidity levels are low, so you’ll be able to walk around and explore without feeling too uncomfortable.

Other good reasons for visiting Panama in April include good surfing conditions (as better waves begin to roll in during the spring), as well as cheaper costs compared to more popular months like December and January. If you’re a spontaneous traveler then you’ll be able to find great last-minute deals too!

How long should I Spend in Panama?

Panama tends to be traveled through quicker than other Central American countries, which is usually because there are less destinations to see (as well as most heading for the large airport in Panama City).

We feel a minimum of 1 week is a good amount of time to spend exploring the very best of Panama. Our 5 days in Panama itinerary covers many activities too.

You’ll be able to visit different islands, as well as get some memorable hiking trips in too on the mainland. If you’re looking to relax further in areas like Boquete, or learn how to surf, then you will want to plan between 2-4 weeks in Panama.

Top things to do in Panama

Let’s now explore 5 of the very best things to do in Panama.

Visit the San Blas Islands

By far the most memorable place we have seen in Panama has to be the San Blas Islands. With a collection of 365 islets and tiny cayes, you’ll feel a long ways away from mainland Panama here.

These belong to the autonomous tribe of the Kuna Yala, who live a very basic lifestyle and support themselves by selling fresh coconuts and fish caught from the surrounding waters. Isla Perro Chico is one of the most popular islands, which has small wooden huts to stay in, as well as a small shipwreck just off the incredible, turquoise waters.

You’ll need to head with a tour to get here, and we highly recommend this incredible 4 Day Experience Tour where you’ll visit all of the very best islands and spots. You’ll also get to sleep on the islands, and can also get involved with catching and cooking dinner if you’re feeling up for it!

Island Hopping in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago

Those who love picturesque islands, red sunsets and a solid backpacking scene will love the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

Located in the north of Panama, these islands have now become a major stopping-off point for travelers heading between Costa Rica and Panama. There are many beautiful beaches worth visiting here, including Starfish Beach – where you can find many of these crimson-coloured friends just chilling about.

Other beaches worth visiting include Bluff Beach for its incredible sands and long coastline. Before enjoying the great nightlife that these islands have to offer, you can also enjoy various water activities too. Surf enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised with the good conditions here, as well as divers too where there are some really clear visibility conditions under the water.

Go Hiking in the Valle de Antón

Slowly growing in popularity, this fertile area of land is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and is a perfect destination for getting off the grid and exploring in peace.

It’s actually one of George’s favourite Latin American hiking areas, which you can read about here.

There’s various paths which you’ll want to lace up for, including La India Dormida which offers stunning views above the clouds and nearby canopy. Cerro de Gaital is another, which also offers a thicker canopy to walk through on your way to the top.

It’s worth visiting the beautiful falls of Chorro Macho on your way back to the town, where you can then enjoy the El Valle Hot Springs for a much deserved relaxation and out time.

Explore the Panama Canal

One of the world’s most impressive mechanical feats – there’s no other site quite like the Panama Canal. Connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean, this 65 km thin strip of passageway is extremely important for transport vessels and ships from all corners of the globe.

Built in 1904, it’s since undergone several developments such as the inclusion of several locks, which allow ships to pass between different levels of waters. From Panama City you can explore the Miraflores Lock which is the closest, where you can watch ships carefully pass the extremely-tight passageways onto their next destination.

You’ll also be able to visit the on-site museum, learning how the canal was made as well as just how important it is for global trade and development. We recommend joining this tour, where you’ll explore the canal as well as other top sites in the capital such as the Bridge of the Americas and Amador Causeway.

Head to the mountainous town of Boquete

Located in the north of Panama we can find this cool mountain town, which has become one of the must-visits of an itinerary through Panama. Due to the unique microclimate of the region, Boquete is home to some of the very best coffee in Central America.

Those who love a good brew will want to buy some of the pretty cheap bags going here for sure! You can also head with this day tour, where you’ll visit a notorious coffee plantation and get to sample the very best blends.

Thrill seekers will also love this area, where there are various companies who will take you out white-water river rafting along its hectic rivers, as well as rock climbing in some pretty surreal settings.

It’s also worth ascending Barú Volcano whilst you’re here too – which standing at a total height of 3474 metres, is the overall highest volcano in the country.

Backpacking Panama FAQ’s

Is it safe to visit Panama?

Overall, Panama is one of the safer countries you can visit in Latin America. Much of this is owed to the more developed economy, however the culture is also generally less seedy than those further north too. Just take care when exploring Panama City, especially when leaving the safer area of Casco Viejo.

When is winter in Panama?

Although some tend to argue otherwise, the true winter season in Panama runs from December until early March. This is because Panama is still located within the northern hemisphere, despite the fact that hot temperatures and great beaches during this time may otherwise confuse you!

Is it worth heading during the rainy season in Panama?

Absolutely yes, as long as you know what to expect. Temperatures will be the same as the dry season, although rainfall increases exponentially which will result in random showers here or there. This time of year is perfect for surfing, as well as seeing both nesting and hatching turtles along the coasts.

When is the cheapest time to travel to Panama?

Whilst the rainy season is less popular and better for cheaper accommodation prices, it’s in fact April that wins the prize for the cheapest month to visit. During this month flight prices are at their very lowest, and those looking for great deals will want to book between 2-4 weeks in advance.

Best time to visit Panama

And that’s all for this guide on the best time to visit Panama.

This incredibly diverse nation is the perfect starting or ending point for a trip through Central America.

Here you can enjoy a variety of unique landscapes, and also relax too given Panama is one of the safest countries you can travel to in Latin America.

In this guide we’ve covered the best time to visit Panama, as well as own personal recommendations for you to get the most out of a trip here.

At the end we’ve also answered your most burning questions in our FAQ section. See our backpacking Panama guide for more travel advice.

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.

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Best time to visit Panama