Panama weather in June
| Avg. temperature: 27.5°C / 81.5°F | Rain: 235 mm per month |
| Sun: 3.9 hrs per day (sunshine) / 12.7 hrs per day (daylight) | Avg. Humidity: 81% |
With an average of 17 rainy days during the month of June and near-constant cloud cover, it is one of the least favourable months for a visit to Panama. However, if you are thinking of visiting Panama in June there is still plenty to do that won’t be tarnished by the rain!
Although the skies are quite overcast over the course of the month, the good news is that the downpours are typically contained to an hour or two, usually mid-late afternoon. Since the rain does not tend to last throughout the day, this means you can plan your itinerary around the weather quite nicely and avoid getting (too) wet.
We actually think that the wet season is one of the best times to visit Panama. There are fewer crowds, which generally leads to better prices on travel and accommodation, as well as having more of this beautiful country to yourself.
And when we say beautiful, we mean that the beauty of Panama’s natural landscape reaches its very peak during the wet season. The rain brings it to life and the colours are outstanding! The lush, green rainforests sprout beautiful, bright flowers, and the wildlife comes out to play as the water makes its home so very vibrant.
If you are a lover of wildlife (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?) June can be one of the best times of the year to see so much wildlife in just one afternoon on a jungle trek, or a boat tour through the forest.
We think you’ll be surprised by how enjoyable Panama can be during the wet season. Here’s our handy guide on the best things to do!
Things to do in Panama in June
Take a trek in the rainforest and experience Panama’s warm rain
We know it sounds a little strange, but there’s just something so magical about being in the rainforest during a downpour. The animals for one create an electric atmosphere as they come to life in the excitement of the rain. The birds sing louder than ever, and the sounds of the frogs and the insects is magnified as it echoes through the trees.
It can also be an important experience as far as conservation goes, as you’ll really appreciate the importance of keeping the forests intact, preserving the natural environment and keeping protecting the world’s biologically diverse habitats.
Some of the best rainforest destinations include the Parque Natural Metropolitano, which surprisingly sits within the city confines of Panama City.
If you prefer to travel further afield than the capital city, Parque Nacional Soberanía is probably the country’s most popular destination. Here you can hike through the lush tropical rainforest, go birdwatching, and spot monkeys and toucans and all kinds of exotic birds through the forest canopy.
For a cloud forest experience – by definition an area within a rainforest that is at an altitude of 2,500-3,000 metres – head to the Boquete in the Western Highlands. Boquete is surrounded by forested mountains and is towered over by Panama’s highest peak, Volcan Baru. It is the best starting point to trek Panama’s most famous trail, Sendero de los Quetzales, which takes you through the fairytale-like magical cloud forest.
Also read: Best Waterfalls in Panama
Indulge in some water-based activities
Panama is known for its water activities thanks to its many lakes, the famous Panama Canal and of course the surrounding Pacific and Caribbean seas. The very best time to experience many of the water activities is during the wet season as the lakes fill with fresh rain water and oceans and marine life become lively in the rain.
There are so many options, from whitewater rafting deep in the jungles of Boquete, kayaking on the Chagres River and exploring the Gatun Lake, or snorkeling in Chiriqui Marine National Park.
Panama’s Caribbean coast has some of the very spots for exploring the depths of the ocean, including the San Blas Islands, Red Frog Beach in Bocas del Toro and the Bastimentos National Marine Reserve on Bastimentos Island.
You’ll be mesmerised by the crystal-clear, turquoise waters and surrounding verdant rainforests, in what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Read our guide on: Best Beaches in Panama
Relax in the beautiful surrounds of the Caribbean sea
Unlike the rest of Panama, the Caribbean coast does not experience the typical wet and dry seasons. Rather, it rains a little all year round so, with the exception of November which experiences far too many heavy downpours, it’s a great place to visit all year round.
The coast features more than 1,000 miles of gorgeous blue waters that crash onto white sand beaches, typical of most Caribbean destinations. There are some many fabulous beaches that you won’t be short of amazing options, from the San Blas islands to Isla Grande, Isla Escudo de Veraguas to Bocas del Toro.
The Caribbean coast is less developed than mainland or Pacific Panama, which adds to the lazy charm of this beautiful part of the country. Colon is a great starting point and by far the most developed part of the coast, being the capital of Colon County and known as Panama’s second city. It is the ideal spot to connect to the surrounding islands and beaches as you get ready to go on a Caribbean adventure.
Booking your stay in Panama
During the wet season, hotels offer lower rates with typical discounts of more than 25% compared to the peak tourist season, and with fewer people travelling airfares tend to be slightly lower as well.
It’s also the best time to seek a free upgrade, as many hotels and resorts will have empty premium rooms during the month of June. Don’t be afraid to be a little cheeky… The worst they can say is no!
Best time to visit Panama: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec