Panama Weather is Predictable
The Panama weather, at whatever elevation you choose to live, is
reasonably predictable. From about May through to December, expect rain
most days. But only on about two of those days each month will rain
settle in for a good daylong soaking on the Pacific side of the
mountainous spine that runs the length of the country.
(When choosing a place to live in a valley or near a river, make sure
you investigate the flooding history. People are occasionally drowned
here because of flash flooding, although this is not usually in areas
popular with ex-pats.)
Most days in this period, called winter or the green season, expect a
short, heavy downfall once or twice a day. The typical ‘winter’ weather
in Panama City (simply called Panama here, just to confuse outsiders)
starts sunny in the morning. There are usually a few fluffy cumulous
clouds on the horizon, perhaps along with some darker ones. By
mid-morning, the clouds have moved in over the city, and the rain starts
in the early afternoon. It typically lasts for about an hour, often
coming down in buckets. If you get caught, stay where you are for a
while, if possible. The worst will probably soon pass, and the sun will
come out again to dry everything off.
Lightning
There may be another downfall in the evening or during the night, usually accompanied by dramatic displays of lightning and crashes of thunder.
‘Summer’ Panama weather starts in December and ends around April. There are very few rainy days during these months, and the humidity drops noticeably. This weather pattern, with better weather when it’s winter in the north, makes Panama an ideal place for Snowbirds.
The Caribbean side of the country, in popular tourist region Bocas del Toro, for example, has considerably more rain as the clouds from the Pacific cross over the mountain range and meet cooler air. This is a favorite place for surfers, so maybe they don’t care as much about the Panama weather.
Panama City Climate
The average high temperature in Panama City (most of which is near sea level) has been 87°F (30°C) over the past 13 years. The hottest months were February and March (90°F, 32°C), and the coolest month was October (85°F, 29°C). Average nighttime temperatures vary only slightly throughout the year, between 76°F (24°C) and 78°F (25°C). The highest and lowest temperatures recorded in that period were 102°F (38°C) and 68°F (20°C).
Humidity can take some getting used to in Panama City. Over the past 11 years, average morning relative humidity has ranged between 87% and 93%, with the lowest months being March and April. Average afternoon relative humidity has ranged between 59% and 81%. On average, October has been the most humid month.