As the wet season continues, the temperatures in July now start to drop a little from their peak. However, you could never accuse Panama Canal of being cold, as the average daily figure still stands at 28°C. This is even more impressive when placed against average highs of 31°C, and average lows of 23°C. The sun is always powerful here, even when it is raining!
Panama does have a very heavy wet season, and that is in full force here during this month. You will see average rainfall figures of 282mm, falling across 17 days. This means that more than half of the month will be wet, so no matter how long you are staying for, it is wise to pack for wet weather as well as for hot sun. A waterproof jacket or poncho with a hood over shorts and t shirt could be a good way to combat the rain without getting too hot.
There are 7 hours of sunshine a day on average, which is actually a bit of an increase above what you would normally see in the surrounding months. This means you have that little bit of extra time to spend in the sea, which you will certainly wish to do as average temperatures of 29°C make the water very pleasant indeed. If you prefer exploring dry land then a day trip to Santiago will not provide any unpleasant surprises where the weather is concerned, as the climate is such that temperatures are often identical in both resorts. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you set off, however, as the weather can be changeable throughout the day. Again, pack both wet weather protection and sun protection in your bag to take with you, as sunburn is still possible.
For your July break, try the Magnolia Inn. Run as a hostel, it offers both dorms for those looking to save and private rooms for those with a bit of spare change in their pockets. It is centrally located in a historic building, which makes a great starting point for your exploration of the city.
The Hotel Casa Nuratti is a boutique hotel which offers a little more upmarket experience. It has a rooftop bar and restaurant, and all has been designed in a very chic and elegant way. Their furniture is made from recycled materials, out of respect for the environment!
For a classic name, you cannot get more reliable than the Holiday Inn Panama Canal. It is close to the Albrook Mall and airport, and you can arrange transportation easily to other parts of the city. The staff are helpful and will speak international languages to help you out.
Playa Bonita is one of the beaches that you will want to visit during your trip, located in the so-called "Panama Riviera" and providing some great opportunities to find out just how hot the water really is. As the average temperatures of 29°C can attest, the answer is very! This is a really pleasant way to spend your day, and if your hotel happens to be a little further away, just make it a day trip.
Be aware that two hotels have their properties opening onto the beach, and these areas are reserved just for guests. That means the area you can enjoy is limited, but not so much as to spoil the fun. You can still enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and whatever else you want to do on the rest of the sandy areas.
Granclement Gourmet Ice Creams and Sorbets is the place to go when the heat of the day demands that you stop to cool down. Here you will find ice cream made with traditional French artisan methods, making the flavours really stand out. They also sell tubs of their products if you want to take some away with you!
At Manolo Caracol, you can eat Spanish style food made from local ingredients produced at country farms. The restaurant is the brainchild of Manuel Maduro, a chef from Barbate, who also sells books and art. As a result, the menu is very interesting to read.
Meanwhile, Diablicos sells pizza and South American cuisine. The traditional food is often accompanied by live dancing and performances, also of a traditional nature, as entertainment while you eat. This lively restaurant is great for a night out with a bit of a difference.
Because the weather can have great variation in July, it's important to plan both indoor and outdoor activities. This way, you will always have a solution, no matter whether it rains or shines. For an outdoor option, why not visit Jungle Land? They offer plenty of tours here which will make your day an exciting one. They centre on Lake Gatun, and even include team building exercises if you are visiting on business.
As for being indoors, you can keep out of the rain and travel fast with the Panama Metro. It is cheap and easy to ride these trains, with stations throughout the city so that you can get wherever you want to. This is much more recommended than taking a taxi or renting a car, as the traffic in the city can be very heavy through the congested roads.
If you do not mind getting a bit wet, you can also try Aventuras Panama. They offer you the chance to explore the canal in a kayak, as well as more traditional tours around the city by bus or on foot. This is a good way to pack in a lot of things to one day, as they will get you from each location to the next as quickly as possible.
