Panama weather in March
| Avg. temperature: 26.6°C / 79.9°F | Rain: 13.1 mm per month |
| Sun: 5.9 hrs per day (sunshine) / 12.1 hrs per day (daylight) | Avg. Humidity: 56.5% |
One of the driest months of the year, Panama in March is a great place to visit! Not only is the temperature in Panama in March pleasantly warm, but the humidity is at its lowest of the year thanks to the minimal rainfall.
While sunshine hours have decreased since February, the days are still long with over 12 hours of daylight. This means you’ll have all day long and into the evening to enjoy the very best of the natural beauty on offer throughout Panama!
The highlands experience some of the best weather during March; higher altitude regions typically experience more rain year-round, but this is one of the driest months so although temperatures will be a few degrees cooler, you’re pretty much guaranteed a dry time during your visit.
The Caribbean coast will experience more rain than other regions, but the temperatures make up for this so don’t let it put you off a lazy beach vacation!
Things to do in Panama in March
Take a hike in the highlands in the sunniest month of the year
Despite technically being the dry season, the Chiriqui Highlands experience a wet spell during January and February due to their altitude, before drying off for the bright and sunny month of March. While March may not be the sunniest month in other regions of Panama, it certainly is in the Chiriqui Highlands and we’d recommend a visit for the adventurers out there.
Panama’s only volcano and its highest peak, the Baru Volcano, is located in the highlands along with some of the longest rivers in the country. Despite being sunny during March, thanks to its high altitude the Chiriqui Highlands have a cool climate, which can be a welcome respite from the hot and humid lowlands.
With plenty of birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking on offer, the highlands should be on the itinerary of any lover of the great outdoors during your Panamanian adventure.
Also read: Best Waterfalls in Panama
Wake up and smell the coffee (and oranges!) in
Boquete is the main town in the Chiriqui Highlands and a great base for exploring the area. But before you head off on a challenging hike, perhaps you need a little energy to get you on your way?
Thankfully, some of the best coffee in the world is produced in Boquete, thanks to the volcanic ash that enriches the soil making it prime location for harvesting coffee beans. The area is home to many coffee farms, processing plants and tasting facilities that welcome visitors and host tours on a daily basis.
Many of the producers are certified organic, and the coffee made is bound to be some of the best you’ve tasted. Amongst the most popular plantations are Kotowa Estates, one of the oldest coffee mills in the country, and Hacienda La Esmeralda which produces some of the world’s most elite, exclusive and expensive coffee.
The land surrounding the farms are rife with orange trees so, if coffee isn’t your bag you can sip away on the freshest, finest orange juice you ever will have.
Have an outdoor adventure at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Set over 55,000 acres on the shores of the Panama Canal the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is the place to be for eco-adventurers looking for an exhilarating, action-packed itinerary. With so many natural attractions to explore, there are many activities on offer that cater to all.
Get ready for an unforgettable and extraordinary rainforest adventure as you take the Aerial Tram on a 600 metre journey high above the canopy on an elevated gondola where you’ll see birds, sloths and all kinds of monkeys playing in the trees that are their natural habitat.
The observation tower offers spectacular panoramic views of the Soberania National Park, while the Gatun Lake and Panama Canal expedition caters to water-adventurers as you explore the second biggest artificial lake in the world.
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort offers spa facilities for guests who wish to observe spiritual and physical relaxation in the most tranquil of surroundings, perhaps after a few hours of excitement in the jungle.
Explore Caribbean culture in Portobelo Town
If you’re heading to the Caribbean coast, often overlooked is Portobelo, a laid-back Caribbean fishing village that is surprisingly the cultural and artistic center of the region. It is a picturesque colonial town whose Spanish fortification ruins that used to ward off English pirates are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portobelo National Park features beach terrain and a tropical climate, and plenty of exotic wildlife that calls the region home.
There are plenty of nearby beaches which can be accessed by boat from Portobelo, offering great snorkeling spots and the opportunity to chill out in a quieter part of the Caribbean coast before venturing to a more bustling beachside town.
Read our detailed guide: What to do in Portobelo
For palm trees and white sand beaches head to Isla Grande
Only 15km from Portobelo on the northern Caribbean coast is the small but perfectly formed Isla Grande. It is a postcard picture of exactly what you would expect of a Caribbean island, and is a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike, looking to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby capital, Panama City.
It’s the ideal setting for snorkelling and diving, or for those less inclined to delve to the depths of the ocean simply sit back and relax on the gorgeous beaches as you sip from a coconut. This is island life at its very finest.
We recommend that you visit during the week if you prefer to avoid crowds!
Best time to visit Panama: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec