Panama Weather - Panama is a country that is very close to the equator and subsequently has a tropical climate. There are some cooler mountainous regions but if you are accustomed to North American weather, those mountainous regions are not really that cool. The weather in Panama is also defined by two very distinct seasons: Rainy season (referred to as winter in this country) runs from May until November and a dry season (referred to as summer) from December until May.

If you arrive in Panama during the rainy season (for example, September) and a local tells you that the rain forest turns brown by the time dry season is over, you will be skeptical at first. Most who arrive for the first time during rainy season will look around at the lush green tropical rain forest and determine there is no way this will dry out. But after one rainy and dry season cycle you will be thoroughly convinced that 'dry' really does mean 'dry'. By the end of the dry season it is common to see numerous brush fires throughout the vicinity. Some brush fires are sparked by accident while others are started through controlled burns in order to reduce the risk of homes being burned.

Temperatures of Panama weather range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and range in the 70s within the mountainous regions. Since this country is bordered by ocean on both sides and is relatively narrow, it is very humid. In fact, when you arrive, you will immediately break into a sweat when you leave the air-conditioned comfort of the airport.

During the dry season, rainfall is very rare and non-existent. The skies will be clear and blue almost every day. But in the rainy season, you can almost set your watch for the time the afternoon rains start. The first rains start about 1:30 in the afternoon and continues intermittently throughout the afternoon and evening. These rainfall s are very forceful and heavy and you will think a giant is standing above you dumping buckets of water on the entire country.

So if you do not like umbrellas, you will quickly learn to love them in this country. Especially if you happen to be here during the rainy season. This is Panama weather.