Panama City high temperature and rainfall in January. © Scott S. Bateman

Panama weather in January depends on where visitors go in a country that is only 48 miles wide along its famous canal.

Caribbean cruises go to the port of Colón on the eastern coast while Pacific cruises visit Panama City on the western coast. Overnight vacationers often travel to the Bocas del Toro archipelago north of Colón.

Despite the country’s small size, weather in January is quite good in Colon and Panama City but not so good in Bocas del Toro.

Colón and Panama City January Weather

The cruise ports at Colón and Panama City are on separate coasts but only 48 miles apart, so they share common weather. They have hot days, cool nights and a low risk of rain.

Average high temperatures reach 92 Fahrenheit or 33 Celsius, according to the government meteorology service for the Republic of Panama. Average lows are 65 Fahrenheit or 18 Celsius.

Low nighttime air temperatures may make water temperatures may feel chilly in the mornings and better in the mid to late afternoons.

January is the start of a dry season for Colón and Panama City. Rainfall averages about one inch in January and stays that low until April.

It rains only three days during the month, the historical data shows.

Bocas del Toro January Weather

Bocas del Toro has some of the most predictable temperatures and unpredictable rainfall in the Caribbean.

The average rainfall in January is five inches, according to 30 years of historical data from the hydrometeorology agency for the Republic of Panama.

It shoots up to 10 inches in February and dives back down to three inches in March at the lowest point of the year. Total rainfall reaches a high point of 17 inches in July and August.

The area has an average of 17 days of rain in January. February through March have about 15 days each.

At least the area is warm. The average high temperature for Bocas del Toro in January is 87 degrees Fahrenheit or about 31 Celsius. The average low is 69 Fahrenheit or about 21 Celsius.

The difference between the highs and lows are greater than most other Caribbean destinations. Like Colon and Panama City, the seawater at Bocas del Toro may often feel chilly in the mornings and turn more comfortable in the afternoons.

Whether to Go in January

January is a good time to visit Colon and Panama City because of the low risk of rain and the warm temperatures.

Temperatures climb into the mid 90s Fahrenheit or about 35 Celsius from February through August, so excessive heat is a factor for some visitors if they go later than January.

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