Panama City in January
In January, Panama City averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 20 days of the month see precipitation (30 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Panama City. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Panama City
January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Panama City (4th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs 1°C warmer than December (30°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (31°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Panama City
Times shown for Panama City local time (America/Panama), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Panama City — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Panama City's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Panama City in January
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 January's tier (Shoulder) and Panama City's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 — January
Across the year Panama City's sea swings from 27°C (February) to 30.2°C (June) — January sits at 28.6°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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Panama City in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Panama City in January?
In January, Panama City averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Panama City in January?
January is quite rainy in Panama City, with about 20 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Panama City?
January 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 January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Panama City for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.