Panama offers warm water and exciting marine life year-round. The country is also south of major storm paths, so you don’t have to worry about a hurricane disrupting your holiday plans. As for the best time of year to dive in Panama, the answer depends on what bucket-list marine life you want to see.
The Best Time To Dive Caribbean Panama
Divers looking for warm water and easy diving should set a course for Bocas del Toro or Portobelo National Park — both on the Caribbean side of Panama. Water temps are warm year-round (about 26-28°C/79-82°F), and the shallow reefs have an abundance of colorful fish.
There are two dry seasons in Caribbean Panama: February to May and September to November. The second dry season, from September to November, is generally the best time to dive, because:
- It’s less crowded
- Air and hotel prices are lower
- Visibility is at its best
Also, seas tend to be calmer in September and October, which means divers can access outstanding dive sites, such as Tiger Rock, which are too difficult to reach at other times of year.
One could also make a case that February is the best time to dive the Caribbean side of Panama. It’s still the dry season, so visibility is good, and you may also encounter humpback whales. Their migration runs from December through February.
The Best Time To Dive Panama’s Pacific Coast
Some of the best dive sites in Panama are in Coiba National Park and the Gulf of Chiriquí. Arguably, the best time to dive Pacific Panama is either May or October, because you can avoid big crowds and higher hotel costs but still see exciting marine life. May is a good choice if you want to see hammerheads and manta rays. October is better for humpback whale sightings and an abundance of sea turtles.
There is a small downside to diving in Panama during these months. From May through November, there is more plankton in the water. This is good for manta rays, but it’s not so good for visibility. Also, these months are considered the rainy season, and afternoon rain showers are common.
If your diving dreams include clear water and massive marine life, January through March is the best time to go. The first few months of the year are peak whale shark season. But bring your beanie cap or hooded vest – water temperatures below the thermocline can drop to 18-24°C/64-75°F.
The Best Time of Year To See Bucket List Marine Life in Panama
- Peak whale shark season is January through March.
- The best time to see manta rays begins in March and ends in May
(but they can be seen through November). - The best time to see hammerheads is April through May.
- From July through October, humpback whales pass by on their way to and from the Galápagos and Costa Rica, and whale sightings are common from the dive boat.
- Sea turtle nesting season runs from mid-July through January.
Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species live in Panama, and more than 200 of its beaches are protected nesting sites. Turtle lovers can support sea turtle conservation in Panama by signing up to be a beach monitor or data collection volunteer.
Ready to Dive In?
Contact a local dive shop or PADI Travel® to start planning your dive adventure in Panama.
