Panama enjoys a warm and tropical climate all year round, with different microclimates in different regions. You can find cooler temperatures and lush greenery in the mountains, or hot and sunny weather on the coasts. Panama is also free from hurricanes and major earthquakes, unlike other Central American countries, due to its geographical position. You can plan your Panama vacation with confidence and peace of mind.

The dry season runs from mid-December to mid-April. It is the ideal time to enjoy the sun, the beaches, and the outdoor activities. The weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures around 30 oC (86 oF). However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time for tourism, so you should expect higher prices and more crowds. The Pacific coast is drier than the Caribbean coast, which can get rain anytime of the year.

The rainy season lasts from mid-April to mid-December. It is the perfect time to surf, dive, or see the wildlife. The weather is hot and humid, with rain and storms, mostly in the afternoon and evening. It is also the quietest and cheapest time for tourism, so you can find lower prices and fewer crowds. The Caribbean coast is wetter than the Pacific coast, but it rains less in February, March, September, and October.

The country has different climates depending on the region and the elevation. The mountains are cooler and cloudier than the coasts, and they have a cloud forest environment. The east of the country, near Colombia, is the wettest and cloudiest area of Panama. If you go to these areas, you should bring warm clothes and rain gear.

Panama has many festivals and events throughout the year. However, you should also be aware that traveling to and within Panama might be more challenging during these times. We recommend booking your travel well in advance, as hotels and transportation can be full and pricey.

Some festival and national holiday seasons are:

New Years Day (January 1) and Martyr's Day (January 9)

Carnaval: This is a four-day celebration that takes place before Ash Wednesday (which falls in February or March).

Semana Santa: This is the Holy Week that precedes Easter (which falls in March or April).

Corpus Christi: It is usually held in late May or early June

Inagurations of the new President of Panama: July 01

National Holidays: November 3-5, November 10, November 28

Mother’s Day (December 8), Memorial Day (December 20), Christmas (December 24, 25), New Years Eve (Dec 31)

Panama is a small but diverse country that offers a variety of attractions for every taste and preference. You can explore the exotic tropical rainforests, the beautiful mountain refuges, the Caribbean-style beaches and islands, the amazing birding sites, the living indigenous cultures, the historic Spanish colonial sites, and the modern and cosmopolitan capital city with a vibrant nightlife. You can also witness the Panama Canal, the engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Panama is a destination that has it all, and it is easy to get to and travel around.

Panama is a natural paradise that offers easy access to exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes. You can explore its rich biodiversity in national parks that cover millions of acres of pristine rainforests. You can also enjoy the sight of hundreds of bird species, more than in North America. All that amazing nature is easily accessible; some of the most stunning locations are less than an hour from Panama City!

Panama's history and geography have shaped its national identity and character, which reflect the diversity and richness of its natural and cultural heritage. Panama is a melting pot of ethnic groups, such as the indigenous, Afro-Panamanian, mestizo, and immigrant communities that live in harmony, share their traditions, values, and customs, and understand and appreciate other cultures and nationalities. English is also widely spoken and understood.

Panama's people and culture express their creativity and talent through various forms of art, music, literature, cuisine, sports, and festivals that enrich the cultural heritage of Panama and the world. Panama is a country of artists, writers, musicians, chefs, athletes, and carnival-goers who showcase their passion and joy for life, which will make you fall in love with this amazing country.

Panama City is a city with a fascinating and diverse history that spans from pre-Columbian times to the present day. It was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and was the first Spanish colony on the Pacific coast of the Americas. It was also the site of the first transcontinental railroad and canal in the world, which made it a strategic and economic hub. The city was destroyed in 1671 by the English pirate Sir Henry Morgan and was reestablished in Casco Viejo. It was part of the Republic of Gran Colombia, a union of several South American countries that sought independence from Spain and later became a sovereign nation in 1903. Panama was a leader in the struggle for democracy and social justice in Latin America and faced several challenges, such as the invasion by the USA in 1989 to oust dictator Manuel Noriega from power.

Panama City became a center for international business and trade after the Panama Canal was completed in 1914 and expanded in 2016. The Canal brought economic and social benefits to Panama and the region, such as revenues, employment, trade, and competitiveness.

Panama City is likely to continue its remarkable boom.

Panama is a modern and diverse country that has a lot to offer travelers and businesses. You can experience the luxury and convenience of a cosmopolitan city with great internet, hotels, restaurants, and shopping. You can also explore the economic and strategic potential of a country that connects two oceans and continents, has a large free trade zone, and has a banking sector. Panama is also a regional leader in integration, trade, tourism, and innovation, thanks to its multicultural society.

When planning your trip with Ancon Expeditions of Panama, your domestic land, air, and water transportation are normally included in your itinerary for more flexibility and comfort. You do not have to worry about being overcharged by taxi drivers (charge is not determined by a taxi meter but by the “gusto” of the driver) or by getting on crowded local buses or trains.

Air

International flights arrive at and depart from Tocumen International Airport, 35 km northeast of the city center. International airlines serving Panama City include:

• Copa Airlines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta
• KLM
• Air France
• Turkish Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Wingo
• Estelar
• LASER Airlines
• Venezolana
• Avior
• Conviasa
• EuroWings

You can fly to many places in Panama via domestic airlines, which are safe and convenient.

Panama’s farthest destinations are all within a one-hour flight from Panama City and depart from Albrook and Tocumen airports.

Panama is a stable and democratic country that has had a strong partnership with the U.S. since the building of the Panama Canal in 1903. It is one of the safest countries in the region, with a lower crime rate than other popular destinations. You can travel with security and comfort.

Currency
Panama has the US dollar as its currency, also called the balboa. It uses both US and Panamanian coins of the same value and size. Many businesses do not accept large bills and may ask for your passport. Panama is one of the few countries in the world that has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar, which has been in place since 1904.

ATMs
ATMs are easy to find in Panama, except in very remote areas. They accept most cards (Plus, Cirrus, MasterCard, Visa, and Amex) but may charge a fee.

Credit cards
Credit cards are convenient and accepted at many places in Panama. However, you may need to carry some cash for other expenses, such as taxis, street vendors, or small shops. VISA, MASTERCARD, and AMERICAN EXPRESS are the most widely accepted credit cards. Apple Pay is also accepted.

Tax
A 7% ITBMS sales tax is levied on all nonfood products. This tax is to be added to your total tour price.

Panama welcomes you with a simple and hassle-free entry process. All you need is a valid passport and a ticket to fly to this amazing country. You can stay for up to six months without a visa if you are from one of the many eligible countries. You don’t have to worry about any extra fees or taxes at the airport, as they are already included in your airfare.

Vaccinations

Panama does not have any vaccination requirements. You may verify updated information on the CDC website, and we recommend to consult with your doctor at least one month before your trip about any health and medical recommendations suited for your personal situation and travel plans.

There may be vaccination requirements (such as yellow fever) depending on your trip route and which countries you will be visiting before and after Panama which you may check here.

Emergencies

For emergencies, there are good private clinics and hospitals throughout the country, but the best ones are in Panama City.
For emergencies, call Police 104 or Fire 103.