Lifestyle
Panama — Living: Climate
Panama averages 25.6°C over the year and about 2436 mm of precipitation (national averages for 1991-2020, World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, CRU TS 4.07 data), with April the warmest month and November the coolest.
Why this matters
Understanding Panama's climate is essential for planning outdoor activities, gardening, and determining the best time to relocate.
Key facts
- Average annual temperature: 25.6°C (national average, 1991-2020)
- Warmest month: April, 26.6°C on average
- Coolest month: November, 24.8°C on average
- Average annual precipitation: 2436 mm (1991-2020)
- Wettest month: October, 357 mm on average
- Driest month: February, 50 mm on average
Steps
- Research Climate Zones — Identify the climate zone in the area you plan to live in, as this will impact the type of plants that can thrive and the frequency of extreme weather events.
- Prepare for Extreme Weather — Familiarize yourself with the potential risks and consequences of natural disasters in Panama, such as hurricanes and flooding, and take necessary precautions.
Costs
- Hurricane insurance: varies depending on provider and policy
Timelines
- Adjustment to climate: can take several months to a year or more
Common mistakes
- Assuming Panama's climate is similar to other Central American countries
- Not researching the specific climate zone in the area you plan to live in
Monthly averages, 1991-2020 (national)
January: 25.1°C, 83 mm February: 25.5°C, 50 mm March: 26.2°C, 58 mm April: 26.6°C, 123 mm May: 26.3°C, 285 mm June: 25.7°C, 251 mm July: 25.9°C, 224 mm August: 25.6°C, 249 mm September: 25.4°C, 255 mm October: 25.3°C, 357 mm November: 24.8°C, 327 mm December: 24.9°C, 173 mm
What these figures do not cover
These are country-wide averages. Climate varies a lot between regions, coasts, mountains and cities, and individual years differ from the long-term average. Heat waves, humidity, air quality and seasonal hazards are not covered here.