Visiting Panama in October

Panama weather in October

Avg. temperature: 27°C / 80.6°F	Rain: 330.7 mm per month
Sun: 3.4 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.9 hrs per day (daylight)	Avg. Humidity: 81%

Panama in October sits at the heart of the wet season – or, as we prefer to call it, the “green” season. The affectionate nickname for the unfavourable sunding “wet” season gives thanks to the stunning effect the rain has on the natural landscape that Panama is so famous for.

As a country with a tropical landscape, filled with mountains, lakes, rainforests and more, the vegetation simply thrives in the warm rain and the trees and plants come to life with colour, more vibrant than during drier parts of the year.

It may not ordinarily be appealing to visit a country during a time where rain is guaranteed daily, but thankfully the benefit to the environment makes it a truly wonderful time to visit. You can expect to see some of the best scenery during the wetter months, and the wildlife becomes more active, the birds singing louder and forests abuzz with cheeky monkeys and plenty of interesting animals.

Not to mention, unlike other parts of the world that may experience long spells of rain throughout the day, if you are visiting Panama in October you will be pleasantly surprised by the fact that the downpours tend to be confined to an hour or two in the late afternoon. The weather is actually fairly predictable, meaning you can easily plan your day around the rainfall, and it won’t get in the way of you having a good time!

Things to do in Panama in October

Explore the charms of Casco Viejo

Chances are, regardless of when you plan to visit Panama you won’t be doing so without spending some time in the capital, Panama City.

We recommend the neighborhood of Casco Viejo for a stark contrast from the capital’s metropolitan downtown area, where you’ll be transported to another world in an area filled with colonial buildings, trendy cafes, boutique hotels and more.

On a rainy day, there’s no better time to explore the area and take cover in one of the many museums, churches or restaurants lining the colourful streets.

The Panama Canal Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Casco Viejo and tells the story of the construction of one of the Seven Modern Wonders of The World.

The Casco is Iglesia San Jose is the area’s most visited church and is home to the famous Golden Altar that was supposedly saved from Captain Morgan’s pirate attack of the city in 1671, according to ancient legend.

The Paseo Las Bovedas is a stunning covered walkway in Casco Viejo that is home to artisans selling their crafts, and street vendors serving up delicious local delicacies. 

Casco Viejo is also a great place to watch the sun set, with many rooftop bars in the area offering panoramic views of the surroundings. The sunsets are best during the wet season, as the skies glimmer a stunning shade of orange and pink as the sun goes down.

Read our detailed guide: What to do in Panama City

Head to the San Blas Islands off the Caribbean Coast

With a geographical location of around 9° degrees on the Northern hemisphere, the islands are warm year round so there really is no bad time to visit! Summer lasts 365 days a year as far as the temperature and sunshine goes, and the rain during the wet season really doesn’t dampen the mood on these lush Caribbean islands.

In fact, some of the best water activities can be enjoyed during the wet season, including October, as the plentiful rain lends itself to a more wild time in the water! The worry with coastal locations during the rainy season can often be storms. But do not fear – the San Blas islands are located outside the hurricane belt, which prevents them from getting hit by large storms.

Go snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, and even visit shipwrecks on these beautiful waters that feel like something straight from a movie set!

Discover David in Panama’s western highlands

Panama’s third largest city and capital of the Chiriqui province, David is right now just slightly off the beaten tourist path but certainly emerging as a new force for Panamanian tourism. Firstly, it is a very convenient and accessible stop off point and base for many important destinations in the region, which you may be more familiar with.

For example, you may have plans to visit Boquete, a haven for coffee-lovers surrounded by forested mountains and is towered over by Panama’s highest peak, Volcan Baru. It is also only around 45 minutes driving from the Costa Rican border, so a good place to stop before you head into new territory.

David is a market town with a quaint central park, popular with locals for relaxation, people watching and simply watching the world go by. Visit coffee farms, taste some of the delicious tropical fruits that grow in the region, or take a hike in the iconic highlands that surround the charming city.

Accommodation in Panama in October

One of the most appealing parts of organising a Panama vacation in October is the deals to be had on travel and accommodation. Fewer tourists tend to visit during the wet season, meaning that travel providers and hotels are eager to fill their seats and beds.

With this in mind, prices can dip as low as 20% below the standard you might see in the drier months! Be sure to plan ahead, as always, and look for a bargain as you plan your October vacation in Panama.

Best time to visit Panama: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec