Panama belongs to a tropical climate, with clear dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November) seasons. Below is a summary of the climate characteristics for each period, along with major seasonal events, modeled after Japan's four seasons.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Average 24 to 32°C, with high temperatures continuing
- Precipitation: Until March, rainfall is low due to the continuation of the dry season, gradually increasing from April to May
- Features: Humidity begins to rise, and there are often short rains in the evening
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| March |
Carnival (Carnaval) |
Taking advantage of sunny weather at the end of the dry season, parades and masquerade processions are grandly held |
| April |
Holy Week (Semana Santa) |
A Christian traditional event. Religious processions are held in various locations while being mindful of afternoon rains |
| May |
Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) |
International Workers' Day. A public holiday with ceremonies and picnics held in various places |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Average 23 to 31°C
- Precipitation: With the onset of the rainy season, heavy rain days increase from June to August, particularly with thunderstorms and downpours
- Features: High humidity and sultriness become severe
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Feast of Corpus Christi |
Religious processions and street decorations are highlights amidst unstable weather at the start of the rainy season |
| July |
Festival de la Mejorana |
Held in the West Panamanian province near the Galapagos Peninsula. Outdoor concerts are advisable to prepare for rain gear |
| August |
Independence Eve Celebration (Pre-Eve Event) |
A precursor event to the celebrations for independence in November. Outdoor events are held amidst rainy intermissions |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Average 24 to 30°C
- Precipitation: Although the peak of the rainy season has passed, September still has high rainfall, gradually decreasing from October to November
- Features: Humidity is high, but the wind begins to dry a little
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| September |
Colón Independence Day (September 3) |
A celebratory parade in the city of Colón on the Caribbean coast. Having rain gear is reassuring |
| November |
First Independence Day (November 3) and Second Independence Day (November 28) |
Festivals celebrating the nation's founding. In November, rainfall decreases as the rainy season comes to an end, making outdoor events easier to hold |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Average 22 to 31°C
- Precipitation: The dry season is in full swing with the least amount of rainfall, and many sunny days
- Features: A refreshing breeze blows in the mornings and evenings, making it comfortable
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Christmas and Year-End Celebrations |
Illuminations and New Year's parties on the beach, taking advantage of sunny weather are popular |
| January |
Panama Jazz Festival |
Outdoor concerts. The dry climate is ideal for enjoying music |
| February |
Carnival Eve Celebrations (Carnaval Preliminar) |
A preliminary festival leading up to the main Carnival. Held in the streets with stable weather of the dry season |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Major Event Examples |
| Spring |
Transition from dry to rainy season / Rising humidity |
Carnival, Holy Week, Labor Day |
| Summer |
Start of rainy season / Frequent heavy rains and thunderstorms |
Feast of Corpus Christi, Festival de la Mejorana, Independence Eve Celebration |
| Autumn |
Late rainy season to dry season transition / Decreased rainfall |
Colón Independence Day, First and Second Independence Days |
| Winter |
Full dry season / Many sunny days |
Christmas and Year-End Celebrations, Panama Jazz Festival, Carnival Eve Celebrations |
Additional Notes
- Regional Differences: The Pacific side (west coast) has a significant difference between dry and rainy seasons, while the Caribbean side (east coast) sees high rainfall year-round.
- Cultural Background: The melding of Afro-Caribbean culture and Spanish culture characteristic of a multiethnic nation results in a rich variety of music and dance festivals.
- Travel Tip: The peak tourist season is during the dry season from December to April. The rainy season allows enjoyment of the lush natural scenery and river rafting.
The seasonal events in Panama are deeply connected to its climate characteristics and have fostered a variety of cultural activities.
Light drizzle