Average high temperature, rainfall for Bocas del Toro in February. © 2017 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 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 for Caribbean cruises that visit the Colon cruise port as well as for overnight vacationers to places 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 Celsius or 18 Celsius. These nighttime temperatures are low enough to make seawater chilly for swimming during the day.

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

The average nighttime temperatures are warmer than Panama City at 68 Fahrenheit or 20 Celsius. They are still cool enough to prevent swimming during much of the day.

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 the month over a 30-year history, the country’s hydrometeorology department says.

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.

This island resort area 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 each.

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 or a Caribbean cruise to Colon has a high risk of rain and cloudy skies. Panama City is a much better choice, although daytime highs are hot.

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