Panama

Panama Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Panama in May.

Considering a trip to Panama this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Panama in May

May in Panama generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with heavy precipitation.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from warm in Cerro Punta at 26°C (79°F) to very warm in Chitré at 32°C (90°F). At night it cools down to 25°C (77°F) in Chitré and 18°C (64°F) in Cerro Punta. The temperatures mentioned for daytime and nighttime are general averages. However there can be days that surpass these temperatures. So equip yourself with clothing that can handle the potential heat.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Panama, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From heavy rainfall in Playa Blanca with an average of 186 mm (7.3 in) to heavy rainfall in Las Lajas with 513 mm (20 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. Panama City typically sees 110 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

Explore Panama by month

Best Places to Visit in Panama in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Panama.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Panama

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in Panama?

Temperature range in Panama (May)

Precipitation variation in Panama (May)

Panama City

In May Panama City generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
31°C (88°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
172 hours
110 hours
118 hours
Monthly rainfall
90 mm (3.5 in)
228 mm (9 in)
267 mm (11 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
18 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Bocas del Toro

In May Bocas del Toro generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
220 hours
160 hours
130 hours
Monthly rainfall
153 mm (6 in)
300 mm (12 in)
299 mm (12 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
18 days
21 days
Weather conditions

Boquete

In May Boquete generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
18°C (64°F)
19°C (66°F)
19°C (66°F)
Monthly sun hours
220 hours
160 hours
130 hours
Monthly rainfall
187 mm (7.4 in)
393 mm (15 in)
376 mm (15 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
20 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Bastimentos

In May Bastimentos generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly sun hours
220 hours
160 hours
130 hours
Monthly rainfall
163 mm (6.4 in)
310 mm (12 in)
316 mm (12 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
18 days
21 days
Weather conditions

Playa Blanca

In May Playa Blanca generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly rainfall
64 mm (2.5 in)
186 mm (7.3 in)
248 mm (9.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
19 days
20 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Panama.

In our records: Panama May extremes

Notable May records observed across cities in Panama in our climate database (1976 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • From our sources, the wettest May day in Panama brought 268 mm (11 in) in Volcán on May 5, 2017.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Panama in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Panama City 30°C (86°F) 25°C (77°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Bocas del Toro 30°C (86°F) 25°C (77°F) 300 mm (12 in)
Boquete 27°C (81°F) 19°C (66°F) 393 mm (15 in)
Contadora 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Santa Catalina 30°C (86°F) 26°C (79°F) 333 mm (13 in)
David 30°C (86°F) 23°C (73°F) 407 mm (16 in)

Panama weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Panama in May?

In May, Panama generally has poor weather conditions. Panama City sees daytime temperatures near 30°C (86°F), with nights cooling to roughly 25°C (77°F).

What is the average temperature in Panama in May?

Panama City averages a daytime maximum of 30°C (86°F) in May, with overnight lows close to 25°C (77°F).

Does Panama get a lot of rain in May?

Rainfall in Panama peaks during May. Panama City averages roughly 228 mm (9 in), so frequent and sometimes heavy showers are the norm.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Panama?

In our view, May might not be the best time to travel to Panama with often poor weather in Panama City.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in January, February and March offering mostly pleasant weather in Panama City. On the other hand, the weather in May, June, July, August, September and October tend to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Panama.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Panama? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Panama.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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