Santiago: When to Go

Be forewarned: it buckets down in Santiago between April and November - the area might be beautifully lush at this time, but the roads are impassable. Temperatures are more consistent: it's pretty much warm year-round.

(national holidays) are taken seriously all over Panama - banks, public offices and many stores close, while public transport tends to be tight. Festivals are also a big deal, and great fun. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated in March or April with the re-enactment of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and religious processions on Good Friday. Later, in May or June, Corpus Christi also features colorful celebrations.

Weather

South of the Cordillera Central, rains fall heavily between April and November, with monthly averages of over 400mm (15.7in) at times - the area is abundantly verdant at this time, but you'll need an umbrella or three. Temperatures in Santiago are warm year-round, usually hovering somewhere between a very pleasant 29°C and 33°C (84-91°F).

Temperature (average ° C)

Rainfall (average mm)