Climate and monthly weather forecast
Colon, Panama

Located in the heart of the tropics and bearing the predominant climate classification of Am, as per the Köppen scheme, Colon experiences a Tropical monsoon weather pattern, a trademark of many locations in Panama. This type of weather consists of a distinct warm and balmy climate, doused with abundant rainfall.

Throughout the year, the temperature range is consistently narrow, showing very little fluctuation. The average monthly high temperatures oscillate between 29°C (84.2°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), whereas the respective average monthly low temperatures barely budge from the bracket of 23°C (73.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). The sea temperature varies narrowly too, it hovers from 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F).

Rainfall, conversely, sees significant alterations during the year, ranging from as low as 36mm (1.42") in March to a copious 620mm (24.41") in November. Daylight hours exhibit gentle fluctuations, swinging between the shortest duration of 11.6 hours in January and December, and the lengthiest span of 12.7 hours occurring in June.

Unique to this weather pattern is the substantial intensification of rainfall from May through December, with November marking the peak of all precipitation.

When evaluating the best time to visit Colon, it is crucial to consider the precipitation pattern that dominates the city's weather. With this in mind, the period from January to April tends to be the most favorable for visitors due to its comparatively low rainfall. Although these months are not completely devoid of rainfall, they offer the driest conditions amidst a generally wet climate.

During this span, the environment remains comfortably warm, with temperatures averaging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). Of the four months, March presents the least amount of rainfall, amounting to an average of 36mm (1.42"), while providing a pleasant average sea temperature of 27.3°C (81.1°F).

Per the climatic observations, the span between May and December, particularly November, witnesses a drastic surge in rainfall. November brings an immense average of 620mm (24.41") of rainfall, making it the wettest month of the year. Given the voluminous rainfall and the consequent impact on outdoor activities and certain aspects of travel, this period qualifies as the least favorable for touring Colon.

Meanwhile, the monthly average temperatures during this period sustain a range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), despite the excessive rain. Essentially, while this period does not pose temperature-related concerns, the rainfall can render it unsuitable for visitors seeking an uninterrupted travel experience.

In Colon's geographical context, spring equates to the months of March, April, and May. Throughout this system, the temperature remains comparably stable, with monthly highs from 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and lows from 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F). Both March and April fit into the drier section of the year, with precipitation averages of 36mm (1.42") and 94mm (3.7"), respectively. However, May ushers in the onset of the wetter phase, marked by a big leap in average rainfall to 274mm (10.79"). The average sea temperature also witnesses a steady climb from 27.3°C (81.1°F) in March to 28.8°C (83.8°F) in May.

June, July, and August collectively constitute the summer months in Colon. During these months, the region experiences consistent temperature levels, with highs approximately around 30°C (86°F) and lows steady at 24°C (75.2°F). However, rainfall undergoes a notable augmentation, signifying the peak of the wet season. Rainfall increases formidably from 368mm (14.49") in June to 419mm (16.5") in July, and further to 417mm (16.42") in August. Correspondingly, average sea temperatures rise to 29.2°C (84.6°F) in June and begin tapering off to 28.7°C (83.7°F) by August.

September, October, and November make up the autumn season in Colon. This period continues with the warm and damp weather pattern, wherein average high and low temperatures remain constant between 29°C (84.2°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), and 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), respectively. These months continue to endure substantial precipitation, sweeping from 292mm (11.5") in September, escalating to 467mm (18.39") in October, and finally reaching a staggering 620mm (24.41") in November: the apex of all rainfall. Meanwhile, the average sea temperatures experience a slight dip, progressively dropping from 29.3°C (84.7°F) in September to 28.3°C (82.9°F) in November.

Winter in Colon spans December, January, and February. Efficiently heating the winter months are the average high temperatures collectively hovering close to 29°C (84.2°F) and lows persistently nestled round about 24°C (75.2°F). Despite shifting into a new season, rainfall remains on the higher side in December with an average of 320mm (12.6") but finally descends to 109mm (4.29") in January, and further dwindles to 50mm (1.97") in February, marking a transition into the dryer phase. However, sea temperatures quietly drop, descending from 27.9°C (82.2°F) in December to 26.7°C (80.1°F) by February, thus wrapping up the yearly weather cycle in Colon.

January in Colon, Panama, brings consistent weather with humid conditions. Tropical downpours are normal, with rainfall reaching 109mm (4.29"). The month is known for its long days, an integral part of the tropical climate. The sea is warm, a perfect setting for beachside activities. Weather in January »

February continues the temperate trends, providing an end to the first phase of the dry season in Colon. Rainfall decreases, making the month dryer compared to January. The days are slightly longer, adding extra sunlight for outdoor activities. Weather in February »

As Spring starts, March's weather mimics February with warm temperatures maintaining a tropical aura. There is a further decrease in rainfall to 36mm (1.42"), marking the epilogue of the dry season. Sea temperatures remain inviting for swimming and boating enthusiasts. Weather in March »

April’s weather in Colon is almost identical to March but with slight differences. Notably, there is an increase in rainfall to 94mm (3.7"), signaling the end of the dry season. With longer daylight hours, outdoor activities remain enjoyable despite the frequent showers. Weather in April »

May marks the commencement of Colon’s wet season with a significant rise in precipitation to 274mm (10.79"). Weather patterns change dramatically, with frequent rain showers becoming the norm. Despite the increase in rainfall, maximum temperatures increase slightly, fostering a distinctively humid climate. Weather in May »

June in Colon witnesses a leap in rainfall to 368mm (14.49"), paired with increasing humidity, characteristic of a tropical monsoon climate. The temperature remains stable, reflecting the typical weather patterns of Panama's wet season. Weather in June »

July’s weather holds steady as the month with the highest rainfall, peaking at a significant 419mm (16.5"). The height of the wet season often leads to overcast conditions and reduced sunlight hours. Interaction between the prevailing wind patterns and high humidity results in this maximum rainfall. Weather in July »

August replicates July’s weather, continuing the trend of significant rainfall and high humidity in Colon. Rainfall remains quite high, with a close total of 417mm (16.42"). The tropical climate persists, unaffected by changes in day length. Weather in August »

September ushers in a decrease in rainfall to 292mm (11.5"), indicating the start of the transition to the dry season. The sea temperature peaks, making the waters warmer compared to the previous month. Relative daylight hours decrease slightly, yet the pattern does not dramatically affect the climate. Weather in September »

October in Colon is a transitional month with rainfall levels still decreasing further to 467mm (18.39"). Despite this lowering trend, October remains one of the wettest months of the year. The weather heading towards the dry season is still humid, though less wet than previous months. Weather in October »

November in Colon experiences the heaviest rainfall, reaching a steep pinnacle of 620mm (24.41"). The climax of rainfall introduces the most intense phase of the wet season. Low temperature differences between day and night characterize this month's tropical climate. Weather in November »

December signals a change in nature's rhythm in Colon with the first signs of the upcoming dry season. Rainfall lessens to 320mm (12.6"), significantly lower compared to November. The sea temperature takes a downturn, aligning with the incoming transition to a less humid period. Weather in December »