Average high temperature, rainfall for Bocas del Toro in February. © Scott S. Bateman

Panama weather in February has temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit with almost no rain on the west coast and up to 10 inches on parts of the east coast.

The temperatures are similar and predictable on both coasts of this small Central American country that borders the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. But the average rainfall is not similar or predictable on both coasts.

Panama is a popular destination for Panama Canal cruises that start from California and end in Florida or vice versa. The canal cruises almost always stop in Panama City on the west coast.

The country also is popular with western Caribbean cruises that visit the Colon cruise port. It attracts overnight vacationers to resort destinations such as Bocas del Toro.

Temperatures in February

Panama City is hot during the month with an average high of 94 degrees Fahrenheit or 34 Celsius, according to the Hydrometeorology Department of Panama.

The average low is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 Celsius. These nighttime temperatures are low enough to make seawater chilly for swimming sometimes in the mornings, although Panama City is not known for beaches.

Bocas del Toro is less hot and more comfortable during the day with an average high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit or about 31 Celsius.

Colon on the Caribbean coast has temperatures similar to Panama City. They are only 46 miles apart.

• Caribbean weather in February: all destinations

Rainfall in February

February weather in Panama is warm and even hot on both coasts, but rainfall is a different story.

Panama City averages almost no rain during February over a 30-year history, according to the country’s national weather service.

February is part of a dry season for the city that runs from January through April. It jumps up to nine inches in May at the start of a rainy season that continues through November.

Bocas del Toro isn’t so lucky in February as Panama City. It averages about 10 inches during the month.

Colon is more likely to have low risk of rain because it is closer to Panama City than Bocas del Toro.

Bocas del Toro on the east coast has no distinct dry or rainy season. But it certainly gets pounded with rain during some months even more than February. December averages 22 inches while July and August average 17 apiece.

Whether to Go in February

Panama in February is a warm escape for vacationers, but whether to go depends on the location.

Bocas del Toro has a high risk of rain and cloudy skies. Panama City and Colon are much better choices for cruise visitors, although daytime highs are hot.

• Panama weather in January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December