Central America & Caribbean

Panama in December

The dry season returns around mid December. Christmas and New Year are busy with local and international travelers.

GoodDrying out by mid month, highs near 87F (31C)

Panama City skyline — PanamaPhoto: Terry Ott, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Panama. The dry season returns around mid December. Christmas and New Year are busy with local and international travelers.

Weather: Drying out by mid month, highs near 87F (31C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Panama

December is a month of change. The first half is often still rainy, then the dry season returns around mid month, with highs near 87F (31C) and brighter, breezier days. Christmas and New Year bring heavy local and international travel, and prices climb toward peak levels.

The second half of December suits families on holiday break who book early. If you want the dry season without the holiday crowds and prices, wait for mid January to February. Early December is cheaper but still a rain gamble, so pack for both.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Panama this month.

Dry season returns

By mid month the Pacific side usually turns sunny and breezy, good for the canal and city walks.

Holidays in Panama City

Christmas lights and New Year celebrations bring a festive feel to Casco Viejo and the waterfront.

Seas calming for San Blas

Late December starts the calmer season for Guna Yala crossings, though it is busy over the holidays.

What to pack for December

A light rain jacket for the first half of the month
Sun hat and sunscreen for the second half
A nicer outfit for New Year's Eve dinner
A light fleece for Boquete nights

Our timing tip

For a holiday trip, book flights and island stays by early autumn, and aim to arrive after mid December for the best odds of dry weather.

Book Panama for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Panama
Opens a hotel search for Panama in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Panama
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Panama
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Panama for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Panama

Full guide

Miraflores Locks Visitor Center

The closest view of ships moving through the Pacific locks, with a museum and observation decks. Ship traffic is often heaviest in the morning and late afternoon.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Casco Viejo

Walk the old town in the early morning or at sunset; the heat makes midday wandering hard. The rooftops at night are the best views of the skyline.

Tickets and tours →

Biomuseo

A Frank Gehry-designed museum on the Amador Causeway about how the Isthmus of Panama changed the planet's biodiversity.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)

Simple stays on small islands managed by the Guna people. Visitor fees apply and facilities are basic; go in the dry season when seas are calmer.

Tickets and tours →

Bocas del Toro

Caribbean islands with snorkeling, surf, and a relaxed pace. Its best weather often comes when the rest of Panama is at its rainiest.

Tickets and tours →

Boquete and Volcan Baru

Coffee farm tours, hanging bridges, and the predawn climb to Panama's highest point, from which both oceans are visible on clear days.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit the Miraflores Locks on a weekday morning and check the canal's published transit schedule; watching a big ship pass is the point.
For San Blas, go midweek; weekends bring many visitors from Panama City.
For a wet-season trip, pair the city with Bocas del Toro in September or October, when the Caribbean side is often drier.
Late April, after Semana Santa, keeps most of the dry-season sun at noticeably lower prices.

Know before you go

During Carnival, many Panama City businesses close or run reduced hours as locals travel to the interior and the beaches.
Semana Santa brings closures on Thursday and Friday and very busy beaches.
Guna Yala is governed by the Guna people, who set their own fees and rules and sometimes close the region to visitors for community reasons. Check before booking.
The rainy season can delay small plane and boat transfers to the islands, especially in October and November.

Panama in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Panama?

December is a good month to visit Panama. The dry season returns around mid December. Christmas and New Year are busy with local and international travelers.

What is the weather like in Panama in December?

Drying out by mid month, highs near 87F (31C).

Is Panama crowded in December?

Panama is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.