What January feels like in Panama City
January is part of Panama City's dry season, when rain totals drop well below the wet months. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Panama City in January
Rain turns up now and then — about one day in 4. Each rainy day adds about 4.5 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 8.5 mm per rainy day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the 4th warmest month in Panama City. Afternoons run 0.7°C (1.3°F) warmer than in December, with 85 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into February. February averages a high of 30.7°C (87.3°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
Tips for visiting Panama City in January
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Panama City in January?
It feels hot: typical highs are 29.9°C (85.8°F), with lows near 24.1°C (75.4°F).
Does it rain a lot in Panama City in January?
Only moderately: roughly 7 wet days and 31 mm, usually moderate rain.
What should I wear in Panama City in January?
Based on the averages: sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Panama City?
February scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #3), rated Great against Good. February has fewer rainy days.

