The month in detail
What to expect in May
May falls in the wet season in Panama. Showers are often brief but intense. With 50% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.
May ranks 10 out of 12 months in Panama. Compared to April: −4°F daytime, 33 pts more rainy days, −2.3h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
oppressive heat
24°
Sea
29°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 25
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Panama is February (6.1/10), 1.5 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Panama
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Panama
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Panama
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyBalboa panaméen (B/.)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthMarch · 90°F
❄️Coolest monthNovember · 82°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘOctober · 63%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
GranadaNicaragua
Koh LantaThailand
San JoséCosta Rica
El NidoPhilippinesCosta RicaCosta Rica
Location
Where is Panama ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
PanamaEquatorial tropical climate with a 6.1 → 4.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
8.98°N · 79.52°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Panama?
February is the best month with 88°F highs, 75°F lows, 8.7h of sunshine and 6.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Panama get in February?
Panama averages 8.7 sunshine hours per day in February. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 6.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Panama?
October is the most unfavourable month with October has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Panama in February?
In February, overnight lows reach 75°F, while afternoon highs average 88°F.
Is Panama good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Panama scores 5.7/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains February with a score of 6.0/10.
When should you avoid Panama?
October is the most difficult month to visit Panama, with October has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Panama in May?
In May, the sea averages 85°F in Panama: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Panama in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Panama (high), with about 12.4h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.