The climate of Tocumen
Tocumen,
Panama possesses a unique tropical wet and dry, or savanna climate; it is classified as Aw by the Köppen climate classification. The geographical location of Tocumen imbues it with significant humidity and rainfall throughout much of the year, combined with generally high temperatures. This constant mix of warmth and moisture defines the essential ambience of this region—tropical and often quite humid.
Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, fluctuating marginally between the lowest average of 28.6°C (83.5°F) and the highest of 30.5°C (86.9°F). The comparatively slight variations in temperature predominantly arise from changing ratios of daylight hours, which vary from 11.6 hours to 12.7 hours, and sunshine hours, an annual average that ranges from 5.8 hours up to 9 hours.
Though temperatures in Tocumen are consistently high, rainfall and humidity follow a distinctive pattern. Rainfall amounts substantially escalate from 37mm (1.46") in
February to a peak of 294mm (11.57") in
July. In tandem with the increase in rainfall, the number of rainy days also rises, escalating from February's average of 15.2 days to 30.1 days in July. In correspondence with these shifts, humidity levels also increase from the year's minimum, at 78% in
March, to the highest at 87%, recorded from
June to
August and again in
November.
The best time to visit Tocumen
The ideal period to explore
Tocumen depends on the visitors' preferences and tolerance for rainfall. However, the months of
February and
March prove popular because of the relatively low rainfall, with averages of 37mm (1.46") and 17mm (0.67") respectively, and fewer rainy days, with February presenting an average of 15.2 days and March 18.5 days. These conditions, combined with average temperatures of 29.5°C (85.1°F) and 30°C (86°F) respectively, provide an enjoyable tropical atmosphere that is not excessively humid or rainy.
The worst time to visit Tocumen
Visitors looking to avoid the heaviest rainfall and excessive humidity should steer clear of
Tocumen between
June and
November. During this period, rainfall volumes rise dramatically, peaking in
July at 294mm (11.57"). Concurrently, the average number of rainy days in July reaches a maximum of 30.1 days. Compounded by high levels of humidity—87% from June to November—these months may pose challenges for visitors unaccustomed to such conditions.
Spring weather in Tocumen
Spring in
Tocumen witnesses a noticeable increase in both rainfall and humidity.
March commences with the relatively low rainfall level of 25mm (0.98"), but this spikes to 113mm (4.45") in
April. Simultaneously, average high temperatures subtly climb from 30°C (86°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F). The number of hours of daylight marginally increases from 12.1 to 12.3 hours. Though humidity in March, at 78%, is the lowest for the year, it quickly escalates in April to 80%.
Summer weather in Tocumen
Summer in
Tocumen, characterised by increased rainfall and accompanying humidity, typically extends from
June to
August. This timeframe records the heaviest rainfall, with June and
July averaging 251mm (9.88") and 294mm (11.57") respectively, along with an average of 12.7 and 12.6 daylight hours. However, despite the rainfall, average high temperatures tend to hover around 29°C (84.2°F) providing a warm backdrop to the tropical rains.
Autumn weather in Tocumen
As Autumn commences in
Tocumen, the high rainfall continues, with
September and
October recording 188mm (7.4") and 223mm (8.78") respectively. Despite an average high temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), the pervasive humidity, averaging 86%, creates a palpably humid ambience. Daylight hours begin to decline, with September and October averaging 12.2 and 11.9 hours respectively.
Winter weather in Tocumen
Winter in
Tocumen experiences a gradual decline in rainfall, humidity, and daylight hours.
December registers rainfall levels of 134mm (5.28"), along with 27.4 rainy days. As the year concludes, humidity reduces slightly to 85%, and daylight hours dwindle to an average of 11.6. Despite these changes, temperatures retain their warmth, with December recording an average high of 28.7°C (83.7°F).
Weather in January
Tocumen,
Panama, starts the new year with a moderate weather comfort index. Rain and humidity are relatively high, but not at the maximum values seen in the year. For
January, the average high temperature is recorded at 29.5°C (85.1°F) and average low at 23.9°C (75°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Tocumen presents a marginally drier weather window than
January. The temperature peaks slightly higher but also maintains a slightly cooler minimum compared to its predecessor month. Tocumen records an exceptional average highest temperature of 30°C (86°F) during February, marking it amongst the warmest months of the year.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Tocumen transitions into
March, the weather remains largely similar to
February. Neither a significant rise nor drop in temperature is witnessed; it continues to hover around a comfortable peak. Showers start to intensify towards the end of March, yet the weather predominantly stays warm and dry.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a noticeable shift in the weather pattern in
Tocumen, especially with the dramatic rise in rainfall. Temperatures remain fairly consistent, with the highs and lows following the trend of the preceding months. The daylight period lengthens by a small margin, providing more sunshine for outdoor endeavors.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The peak of the wet season arrives in
Tocumen in
May. Despite high relative humidity and rainfall, temperatures tend to be slightly cooler than earlier months. The outdoor atmosphere shifts from hot dry air to a more moisture-laden feel.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June takes the reins from
May carrying forward the heavy rainfalls and relatively high humidity. This phase marks the onset of summer, adding to the tropical charm of
Tocumen. A gradual drop in temperature range and sunlight duration is observed.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Tocumen continues the trend of the wet season with persistently heavy rainfall and cloudy conditions. Temperature ranges dip subtly devoid of drastic alterations. It is during this month that Tocumen registers an all-time high rainfall of 294mm (11.57").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August follows the monsoon footsteps of
July with consistent rainfall and high relative humidity. A diminutive decrease in temperature and a slight augmentation in wind speed are observed. However, the most dominating factor remains the precipitation that records a hefty 273mm (10.75").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Tocumen symbolizes the end of the wet season with a reduced rainfall pattern. The temperature, daylight, and pressure exhibit minimal variations continuing from the previous month. The humidity starts slightly declining towards September's end, signaling the onset of the dry season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Tocumen sees a further reduction in rainfall, leading to a decline in the overall humidity level. The gentle breeze flows steadily keeping the air refreshing. The city witnesses cooler nights and remains warm during the daytime without drastic temperature fluctuations.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a significant decrease in rainfall, leading
Tocumen into the dry season. The temperature begins to stabilize and daylight hours reduce slightly. While rainfall starts to retreat, the city experiences a drop in humidity, rendering the air more comfortable.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Tocumen is part of the dry season offering an ideal weather scenario for the holiday season. Visitors and residents experience a warm but not excessively humid climate. The city wears a festive look under the clear, rainless skies and is alive with holiday cheer.
Weather in December »