Panama City in December
In December, Panama City averages 30°C (85°F) during the day and 24°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 25 days of the month see precipitation (93 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Panama City, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Panama City
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Panama City (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs 1°C warmer than November (29°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (30°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Panama City
Times shown for Panama City local time (America/Panama), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Panama City — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Panama City's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Panama City in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Panama City's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Panama City
Panama City is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Panama City
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Panama City — December
Across the year Panama City's sea swings from 27°C (February) to 30.2°C (June) — December sits at 29.3°C.
Panama City in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 30 mm | 20 | — |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 11 mm | 15 | — |
| March | 32°C / 89°F | 24°C / 76°F | 26 mm | 18 | — |
| April | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 76°F | 107 mm | 25 | — |
| May | 30°C / 85°F | 25°C / 77°F | 266 mm | 31 | — |
| June | 29°C / 85°F | 25°C / 76°F | 286 mm | 30 | — |
| July | 29°C / 85°F | 24°C / 76°F | 328 mm | 31 | — |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 76°F | 289 mm | 31 | — |
| September | 29°C / 84°F | 24°C / 76°F | 303 mm | 30 | — |
| October | 29°C / 83°F | 24°C / 76°F | 303 mm | 31 | — |
| November | 29°C / 83°F | 24°C / 75°F | 313 mm | 30 | — |
| December | 30°C / 85°F | 24°C / 76°F | 93 mm | 25 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Panama City in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Panama City in December?
In December, Panama City averages a high of 30°C (85°F) and a low of 24°C (76°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Panama City in December?
December is quite rainy in Panama City, with about 25 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Panama City?
December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Panama City in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Panama City for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.