The rainy season reaches its peak in November, so if you are looking to visit Panama Canal and want to stay dry, this is not the time to visit. An incredible 401mm of rain will fall during this month, covering 18 days and giving big downpours every time. Watch out for this, as you can get caught out if you do not carry wet weather gear when you are outside of your hotel. Check the weather forecast before you leave and always be prepared for rain.
Average daily temperatures of 26°C mean that it is never really cold here. One of the characteristics of Panama is that it is just about always the same temperature, with no real summer or winter only a dry season and a wet one. The range of highs and lows on a daily basis take us from 30°C to 22°C, so even on the mildest of days, the sun is still powerful. This is fantastic for those who are looking to enjoy a warm holiday with a difference: it is unusual to find a popular holiday resort with so much rainfall! Just remember that when you get caught in a downpour, you will need to reapply your suntan lotion as soon as the sun comes back out. There are still 5 hours of sun a day despite the rain so make sure to make the most and enjoy yourself.
You will certainly want to keep an eye on the weather forecast, just to be sure of whether you are going to see the highest possible temperature or the lowest throughout the day, but one thing you can count on at all times is a great sea temperature. This rests at an average of 28°C, which is very warm indeed for a quick swim. You will note that the sea temperature also does not change very much throughout the year, as the overall climate here is quite steady.
In November, you need somewhere to shelter from the rain. The Hotel Roma Plaza could be a good option. It offers a hotel and café so that you do not need to go out to eat, and there is also a swimming pool within the complex. They are very accommodating to their guests' needs.
The Marriott Executive Apartments could make your shelter very comfortable. Here you will find luxury apartments which can be used for a short stay, with a pool, fitness centre, and a kitchen or kitchenette in each room. It's in the centre of the financial district so is perfect for business.
Posada 1914 is another option you can try. Both private rooms and dorms are available at this hostel, with a fully equipped kitchen supplied. There is also a patio and BBQ area, and full Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Locals like to eat at the Boulevard Balboa, which is a great sign that it has good authentic food. This is also a great place for families to stop off, even those with young children. It is more suited to a lunch time stop, but you can eat dinner here as well.
Masala Indian Cuisine is something a little different, as you do not find many Indian restaurants in Panama. Here you will find a welcoming environment with big plates of good food. Everything is done to traditional Indian recipes, but you will find local produce such as seafood in the mix too.
Rinos Ristorante is one of the many Italian restaurants in the city, with a great ambiance and service. Again, the locals like to eat here, which is always a good thing! Here you will again find seafood, but this time served up Italian-style alongside pizza, pasta, and various meats.
Since it rains so much in November, you will want to stay indoors for most of the time. The good news is that there are plenty of attractions to try which fit this criterion. The architecture in the old areas of the city can be beautiful, as you will see at the Cathedral at Old Panama. This magnificent church is part of the old city, but has been maintained with beautiful altars and artwork within. The building itself is interesting a stone colonial church with white towers on either side.
The Biomuseo is another great place to visit inside. This incredible structure was designed by Frank Gehry, the only work of his that you will see in Latin America. Inside, you will find plenty of exhibits about the biodiversity of Panama, the research that has been done here, and the origin of this area of land. It is all very interesting, with some free exhibits if you do not want to pay to get in.
If the weather turns out clear, you can visit the impressive ruins of the original settlement, Panama La Vieja. Here you will discover the town that was destroyed by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan. You will find ruined churches and other buildings, with their stone walls still visible above the ground. This is the settlement which prompted the rebuilding of new Panama on the other side of the canal.
