Panama is known for its tropical maritime climate and lush landscapes. Mountains are cooler than sea level, which is warm and humid.
This is the only place in the world to see the Pacific and Caribbean sunrises and sunsets. High elevations allow for simultaneous ocean views. Panama is a narrow isthmus less than 40 miles wide. Not like North America, Panama has no four seasons. The seasons are wet (winter) and dry (summer). The summer season runs from December to April. Pacific coast cities like Panama City and Coronado experience gradual, frequent rains. These occur in the afternoon from May to July and last an hour or two. Here, people adjust their schedules, such as hanging laundry early to dry. It's usually sunny before and after the afternoon rain. Gray days are rare on Panama's Pacific coast. Morning and afternoon sun is likely on the Caribbean's rainier coast.
Panama's Caribbean and mountain regions get 100+ inches of rain, while the Pacific coast gets 50 - 70 inches. The average sea level temperature is 88 F during daylight hours and 78 F after sunset/before sunrise. The highlands are 10 - 15 degrees cooler.
Panama has only two seasons-wet and dry. A fair-weathered girl was unprepared for her first rainy season after moving there. Summer days turned into thunderstorm-filled nights overnight.
She was sad to miss spending nights outside with friends. After a while, she enjoyed the rainy season. Preparation and enjoying the season's greenery were key.
Her organization improved first with the rainy season. She planned to do everything early in the day. Dinner out became lunch. Morning day trips started before 8. She got more done during the rainy season because she got up and went to bed earlier. The rain and cooler nights helped me sleep.
She replaced her fancy sandals with rainproof ones in the rainy season. In rainy weather, she preferred walking barefoot, saving her shoes. It was just warm water.
She always charged her phone and tablet for storm-related power outages. She also charged two LED emergency lights for nighttime use.
Lax with her car at other times, she filled her washer fluid, checked her windshield wipers, and checked her tire pressure at the start of the rainy season. Sometimes, the wipers couldn't keep up in downpours. As long as her car was in good shape, she stayed calm in storms.
What comforted her about Panama was its predictable weather and climate changes. Panama's rainy season begins in late April or May. By late afternoon, thunderheads form as they descend from the mountains toward the Pacific Ocean. Mornings are beautiful with puffy clouds. Dusk brings spectacular light shows and heavy rain. Rain begins earlier and increases in the months leading up to October. October has the most rain, November less, and mid-December no rain until April.
The distinct wet and dry seasons shape the rhythm of life, encouraging a more organized and adaptable lifestyle. Despite the initial challenges, the rainy season reveals its charm with its lush greenery, spectacular thunderstorms, and cooler nights. By preparing adequately and adapting daily routines, one can fully experience the beauty and predictability of Panama's climate. Whether it's the mesmerizing light shows of the rainy season or the sunny, vibrant days of the dry season, Panama's weather patterns contribute to a dynamic and enriching living experience.