May is when the rainy season starts to come back to Panama Canal, leaving you with much higher levels of rain. While the daily temperatures might stay the same on average across the year, the rainfall is the figure you really want to pay attention to, as it can change greatly. This month there will be around 279mm of rain almost three times the amount experienced in April. This falls across 15 days, so you will know to expect a lot of rain through at least half of the month.
As we alluded above, however, there are very high temperatures to be expected all the same. Average daily temperatures of 28°C throughout the month are supported by highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Panama is a place where you can always rely on high temperatures! Thanks to the unpredictable nature of the rain, however, you will want to check weather forecasts on a daily basis to keep abreast of what might happen during any excursions you take. This will help you to plan your outdoor activities on the driest days. You will see 6 hours of sunshine a day at this time of year, which means it is more important than ever to plan things properly. It's no use going sightseeing after dark so think about where you want to go ahead of time!
The sea temperature is a steady average of 29°C, which makes it a great time to go swimming. However, exercise caution if the rain is coming down. It may not be safe to stay in the water if the waves start to get choppy, or a storm in the area brings lightning. You will normally be able to see warning flags if it is not a good idea to go swimming.
For luxury, the Villa Palma Boutique Hotel offers it all. In May you will find this is the perfect place to stay for celebrating special occasions or just giving yourself a treat. All of the rooms here are suites, and they offer a restaurant with free breakfasts daily. Their facilities include a rooftop Jacuzzi!
For a different kind of stay, try Casa del Horno. This is another boutique hotel that promises to spoil you rotten. There are special wines waiting for you in the fridge, a duplex apartment for those willing to splash out, and fully stocked kitchens so that you can eat the way that you want to.
For a more affordable hostel stay, try Hotel Santana. Their reception and security teams are on duty 24/7, and they offer a large lounge area, bar, and restaurant. With 40 rooms in the complex, you are sure to meet some new friends here.
Hideaway Beach is a small stretch of sand quite close to Farfan Beach, were you will find the opportunity to relax on the sands and watch the world go by. From your position you will see the Bridge of the Americas, the vibrant Panama City, the waters of the Panama Canal, and boats sailing on the open water.
With the sea temperature sitting at an average of 29°C, you will definitely want to splash around or head in for a swim. The water is reasonably shallow near to the beach, but will steadily get deeper as you head out to sea, so be wary of getting out too far.
The Cafe Coca Cola is an old-school diner which has bags of charm. Rice, beans, and meat are the main staple at this café, which was first opened in 1875 and is the oldest establishment of its type in Panama. Even Che Guevara once gave it a try.
Casablanca is situated on a wide square, where you will find a cosy dining space ready for your attention. It holds the rustic charm of the old town centre, and serves Caribbean and Pacific cuisines for you to enjoy. It was the first restaurant opened by the group that owns it, which now operate a wide range of other venues.
Zaza Lounge is a more expensive option, with upmarket cuisine served in a thoughtful manner. They also have a lounge and club, with live entertainment available as soon as you finish eating. This is a real hotspot for locals as well as for visitors, and a strong part of the nightlife scene.
As the rain begins to increase in May, you should consider planning some indoor activities, such as going shopping. The Metromall Panama is a great place for this, with plenty of options for picking up souvenirs or just some great deals. Brands like Adidas and Mothercare will be recognisable to you, allowing you to pick up what you want at a lower price than at home.
If you want to brave the outdoors, try Monkey Island. Here you can find many species of monkeys all living together in a wonderful natural environment. You can take a tour with companies like Urban Adventures, who will show you sloths and other monkeys as well as taking you to an Indian village and on a boat tour down the canal.
