In September you will find your last chance to visit Panama Canal before the peak rainy season sets in. That is not to say that it will be totally dry this time of year far from it! This is still a wet month, with around 280mm of rain falling across 15 days. That means you are unlikely to be able to go for a two-week holiday here without witnessing some significant rainfall.
The average daily temperature remains at a very impressive 27°C, though do bear in mind that the rain will make a difference to the overall climate. This could force some big highs and lows even within the same day. Throughout the month, the average daily high is 30°C, with lows of 23°C. This will go down further from October onwards, as a result of the increased rainfall, so be aware of that when you are deciding what month to book for. Of course, these temperature differences all are minimal and remain mild throughout the year in comparison to UK/European resorts.
There are an average of 5 hours of sunshine a day at this time of year due to the high rainfall. You will have to plan very carefully, which is sure to include a lot of checking the weather forecast. Make sure to make the most of your time in the sun, as you may only have a few days of clear weather to explore in. Panama can be very changeable at this time of year, with the possibility of getting sunburn and then soaked to the skin a few hours later, so be aware of that at all times.
On the other hand, if you are going to get wet anyway, you might as well spend some time in the sea. The water holds an average temperature of 28°C even in spite of the low sunshine hours, so it is always nice and warm for a dip!
Try the Tantalo Hotel for a great place to stay in September. This hotel has a young and hip crowd, attracted by the roof bar and restaurant. They also offer free bike hire and yoga classes. This is not your average hotel! Free breakfast is also included in your stay.
For an authentic Panama stay, try Hostal Mamallena, which maintains a historic building with real charm. This popular hostel is perfect for backpackers, offering private and dorm rooms with free breakfast and Wi-Fi. They also offer lockers for your valuables and will organise day trips for you.
For a more traditional hotel, try Avila Hotel Panama. The rooms come with full amenities and complementary toiletries, and there is a restaurant and bar on site. They are well equipped for business travellers with conference rooms available to book.
If you are happy to take a little boat trip, you will find a really amazing opportunity to visit Playa Blanca. This beach is located on an island out in the bay, which is home to several big and exclusive resort hotels. As such, they make sure to maintain the beach as much as possible. You will be able to admire the beautiful architecture of these hotels as they come right down to the beach, and your fellow sunbathers will mostly be guests at one or the other of them.
With the water having average temperature of 28°C, of course you will not be able to resist going for a swim. There is more to be enjoyed here, too: surfing is encouraged with lessons available, and you can try other kinds of water sports if they interest you. Otherwise, there is nothing like sitting on the beach under an umbrella with a good book!
At La Dolce Vita you will find delicious Italian food, which is very popular here in Panama. It is also a bar and lounge, where you can relax long into the night. This is exactly the kind of place where you can come early in the afternoon, enjoy chatter and lunch with friends, and stay until you feel like going back to the hotel late at night.
Pencas offers seafood served up alongside various meats and the speciality rice which is central to their menu. They serve octopus as well as teas, coffees, and wine. You can also try them out for breakfast or for lunch if you are passing the area.
The Grand canal café is a great little diner which is perfect for sharing a meal with a partner or friend. They serve lots of platters which have various small bites on them, which means you can split them up as you like.
One area where you might wish to stroll when the September weather is clear is the Amador Causeway. It is a six-kilometre road which connects four islands to the nearby mainland, allowing easy access without the use of boats. You can drive along it in a rented car or taxi, and can also explore each of the islands when you arrive. There are plenty of attractions here in their own right, not to mention the view back to Panama City.
If you want to pack more in, try a Panama Your Way tour. These tours will give you the chance to see the important sights with a guide to tell you everything you need to know. You can explore the canal, delve into history, head out to nearby islands, enjoy the huge lake nearby, or take whatever kind of trip you fancy.
