If you are looking to find a place for a special Christmas getaway, then Panama Canal might be just the right choice for you. This is a fantastic location where the weather remains warm year-round: even in December, the average daily temperature is 28°C. This comes with highs and lows that go from 30°C to 22°C, a very warm range indeed that should leave you with nothing to worry about in terms of weather.
There is one issue to look out for, and that is the rain. The good news is that the worst of the rain is behind you this month, but we are still in the wet season. At 235mm we are looking at just over half the rainfall of November but four times as much as you would see in January. The rain does cover around 12 days of the month, so if you are looking to avoid rain, you would be better off delaying your trip by a few weeks. This is unfortunately combined with rather short days: 6 hours of sunshine are to be expected on average. However, this does not dampen the heat, so a holiday in the sun is still what you will get. It just means you may have to get up at a set time so that you do not waste the daylight in bed!
Panama is a great country to enjoy warm weather, and when it is hot, the only thing you want to do is to get in the water and cool off. The sea temperature here rests at an average of 27°C, however, so you may not be cool enough! Of course, you should always check the weather forecast before taking a dip. If it looks as though a storm is on the horizon, you might be better off leaving your swim to another day or sticking to the pool in your hotel.
Have you ever heard of the Hotel California? Well, you probably have, just not this one. It could be a good choice for your stay, however there is a bar and restaurant on site, along with comfortable single, double, and triple rooms. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
The Panams is a boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The rooms are modern with free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating areas. The suites come with a spa bath for extra comfort, and large glass doors give the lobby and lounge area an open feel.
The Le Meridien Panama hotel is the place to really make your December stay special, especially if you will be there for Christmas. This luxurious and modern hotel includes a fitness centre, pool and whirlpool, free Wi-Fi, business facilities, a spa, disabled access, and childcare options.
The Red Lion is a fantastic pub-style eatery with some great quirks, such as serving their meals in newspaper and miniature shopping trolleys. The food has a British feel with local slants, including huge beef burgers, chips, and baked potatoes. A glass of beer goes down well here, and the fun continues late into the night at the bar.
The Blarney Stone Irish Pub is one of those staples that you find anywhere you go a good old Irish pub with green and orange everywhere! Happy hour might have you admiring the giant map of Ireland on the ceiling, or ordering sausage and mash with beer.
Finally, if you are not feeling adventurous, there is a brand here you might recognise. Domino's Pizza is well represented in Panama City, and you can even order online to get it delivered to your hotel if you do not feel like going out.
December is a little rainy, but remember that it is still very warm. As such, with the right planning and checking the weather forecast, you can enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities. The Albrook Mall has to be one of your key destinations, as here you will find the chance to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents. At this mall you will find brands like Givenchy, Apple, Swarovski, Oscar de la Renta, and plenty of restaurants to recharge. It's a good place to spend a full day, so plan accordingly there are enough shops to keep you occupied for a long time.
If you are religious or love to admire beautiful architecture, you can visit the San Jose Church. This is a white church which was first built in the 1670s, and certainly looks very modest on the outside. Step inside, however, and you will find the main attraction: a giant altar which was carved exquisitely in wood, and then painted in gold flake for an extravagant touch. This is really something to admire, and you can come in for services as well as just sightseeing.
If the weather is good, take a walk down Avenida Balboa. This place really comes alive with locals in the evenings, who will stroll together here as well as enjoying the food, drink, and other pleasures to be found here. Live music, entertainment, and more await. In the daytime it is a place to walk or run, but be aware the heat can be very intense as there is no shade.
