Please reach us at kelly@dive2oceans.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Panama has a tropical maritime climate, meaning it's generally hot, humid, and rainy, with little seasonal temperature variation. However, rainfall and weather patterns vary depending on the region and time of year.
General Climate Characteristics
Average Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) year-round.
Seasons
Dry Season ("Verano") – December to April: Sunny skies and low rainfall.
Rainy Season ("Invierno") – May to November: Daily showers or thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon.
Caribbean Coast (Bocas del Toro): Rainfall is spread more evenly throughout the year. No pronounced dry season, but relatively drier months are February, March, September, and October.
Pacific Coast (Santa Catalina): Distinct dry and wet seasons. Much drier from January to April.
The best months to dive in Bocas del Toro and Santa Catalina (Coiba National Park) depend on what you’re looking for: calm conditions, visibility, marine life, or fewer crowds. There is always life in these oceans and plenty to see every month of the year.
Best Diving Months Overview
Bocas del Toro (Caribbean): February – March & September – October. Visibility: Usually 10–20 meters but can vary greatly with rainfall and river runoff.
Santa Catalina / Coiba (Pacific): December – April (dry season). Visibility: 20–30m. June – November (wet season). Visibility: lower due to choppier seas.
Bocas Del Toro does not usually feature migratory animals, but it’s healthy coral reefs and masses of sponges and wrecks means there is a huge array of underwater creatures and fish to be spotted all year round.
Coiba National Park, however, is part of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, an essential migratory route for large marine species, and offers unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic migratory species.
Although nothing is ever guaranteed, below is a breakdown of what months offer the highest likelihood of sightings to help you best plan your adventure.
Month What You Might See
January Manta Rays & schools of jacks.
February Peak whale shark sightings & reef sharks.
March Hammerhead sharks & dolphins.
April Last chance for large schools of pelagic fish.
May Turtles and Reef sharks.
June Northern Hemisphere humpback whales begin to arrive.
July Turtle hatchlings begin.
August Humpback whales, dolphins, and nesting turtles.
September Mobula rays.
October Manta rays frequent cleaning stations.
November Juvenile reef sharks and turtles.
December Whale sharks begin to return.
Each aspect of this incredible adventure can be tailored to suit you or your group - from additional dives or courses to room styles (ocean view or treehouse etc.), even additional excursions or tours.
The base price for this SCUBA adventure starts at $5,000 USD per diver for a group of eight divers and $6,500 each diver for a group of four divers. The package price is per person based on standard accommodation, all own equipment and dive package as outlined in the itinerary.
Reservations require a 50% deposit.
Contact us to create the exact program you want and receive your bespoke price.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.