Are you thinking about visiting Panama City, Florida? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Panama City worth visiting?
Panama City is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the beach town has to offer. Panama City is a beach city that is lined with sandy beaches and blue water. Many visitors stay in waterfront condos that are next to the beaches in high rise buildings. The city is family-friendly, but during spring break it fills with students who are ready to let off some steam.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Reasons to Visit Panama City
Nightlife
The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.
Beaches
With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.
Food
There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.
Music
A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.
Resorts
Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.
Shopping
There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.
Is Panama City worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Panama City is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 31°C (88°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Panama City, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too. Panama City is a popular summer beach destination.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, enjoy the amenities of a resort, and dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Panama City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 184 mm (7.3 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 192 mm (7.5 in) |
Is Panama City worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Panama City. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (80°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery and enjoy the live music scene.
Autumn Weather in Panama City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 22°C (71°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 13°C (56°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Is Panama City worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Panama City. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit. Winter can be a quieter time to visit Panama City. The weather might be a bit cool for swimming, but you can often still enjoy the beach.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine, the nightlife scene, and plenty of live music.
Winter Weather in Panama City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 11°C (52°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| February | 13°C (55°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| March | 16°C (61°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Is Panama City worth visiting in the Spring?
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 25°C (76°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Panama City, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, admire the wonderful scenery, and enjoy the live music scene. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Panama City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 24°C (74°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| June | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Panama City
Lots of Tourists
Panama City sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Panama City might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Panama City here or see if Panama City is expensive here.
Related
What is Panama City most famous for?
Panama City is most famous for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. The beach town is very popular for its nightlife and beaches. It's also known for food, music, resorts, and shopping. It is often described as fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan.
What is the most famous sight in Panama City?
The most popular sight in Panama City is Pier Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Panama City on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Pier Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Panama City? Is it a popular beach town to visit?
Panama City is a very touristy beach town that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 3 Hour Cruise, Snorkel, Swim/float Sandbar - tandem tiki option: $80
- Famous Private Center Console Boat Tours of Panama City Beach: $295
- 2 Hour Dolphin and Sightseeing Tour in Panama City Beach, Fl: $72
- VIP ECO adventure to Cypress Springs by Paddle Board or Kayak: $125
- Lit on the Lagoon Glow and Tiki Bar Cruise Tour in Panama City: $65
- Discover Snorkeling Tour in Panama City: $65
- SkyWheel Panama City Beach Sunset Ticket: $23
- Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedal At Your Pace: $28
How long should I spend in Panama City?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Panama City is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Panama City has activities such as nightlife and beaches, many visit for up to seven days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Panama City?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Panama City?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Panama City?.
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