Panama,without the guesswork.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (December–April)

The most popular window. Sunny skies, temperatures around 85–90°F, and very little rain. Peak season also means higher hotel rates and busier attractions — book well ahead, especially around Yeshiva Week in late January and Pesach.

Green season (May–November)

Lower prices, fewer crowds, and a far greener landscape. Rain usually arrives in short afternoon bursts of an hour or two, leaving mornings clear for touring. September and October are the wettest — and the best months for whale watching.

Month by month

• January–MarchDriest months. Best weather, highest prices. Yeshiva Week in January.
• AprilStill dry, warm and sunny. Pesach season.
• May–JuneGreen season begins. Good value, fewer crowds, occasional afternoon showers.
• July–AugustSummer break travel. Whale watching begins. Moderate rain.
• September–OctoberWettest months, best whale watching, lowest prices.
• NovemberRains taper off. Good value.
• DecemberDry season starts and holiday travel picks up.

Is Panama Safe?

Panama City's main tourist and residential areas are generally safe. The Jewish community neighborhoods — Punta Pacifica, Obarrio and Marbella — are well-patrolled and walkable. Casco Viejo has improved dramatically and is comfortable during the day and early evening.

Use normal city precautions: don't flash expensive items, take registered taxis or ride-shares, and stay on well-traveled streets at night.

Getting Around

• Uber & DiDi — widely available and affordable. The most convenient option for visitors.
• Taxis — yellow cabs are everywhere. There are no meters, so agree the price before getting in. Rides within the city usually run $3–8.
• Metro — modern and cheap at $0.35 a ride. Lines 1 and 2 cover the key areas; you'll need a Metro card.
• Walking — the Obarrio and Punta Pacifica area is very walkable, especially along the Cinta Costera boardwalk.
• Car rental — unnecessary for most city stays, but useful for day trips to the beaches or mountains.

We arrange private transfers and day-trip transportation as part of any trip we plan — see airport transfers.

Neighborhoods

A quick orientation. For a full breakdown of where to stay, see the hotel guide.

• Punta Pacifica — luxury towers and ocean views, including the JW Marriott. Walking distance to synagogues.
• Obarrio — the heart of the Jewish community. Most kosher restaurants, close to the synagogues, residential feel.
• Marbella — waterfront business district, mid-range hotels, the Cinta Costera boardwalk.
• Bella Vista — lively, walkable, and budget-friendly, with the Calle Uruguay dining strip.
• Casco Viejo — colonial charm, boutique hotels, UNESCO streets. About 15 minutes from the Jewish area.
• Costa del Este — family-friendly and modern, close to the airport, with a growing community.

Packing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing — cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics
• A light rain jacket or compact umbrella, essential year-round
• Comfortable walking shoes, plus water shoes or grippy sandals for boat tours and beaches
• A light sweater for heavily air-conditioned restaurants and malls
• High-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat and sunglasses
• A waterproof phone case for boat days, and modest swimwear with cover-ups
• No adapter needed — Panama uses the same outlets and voltage as the US

Culture & Etiquette

• Language — Spanish is official, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and the Jewish community.
• Tipping — 10% is customary in restaurants, sometimes already added as "propina." Tour guides get $5–10 per person.
• Dress — casual but neat. Panamanians dress well in the city, and beach attire belongs at the beach.
• Greetings — a handshake or a single cheek kiss. People are warm and friendly.
• Time — EST (UTC-5) year-round, with no daylight saving changes.
• Water — tap water in Panama City is safe to drink, and bottled water is everywhere.

For Jewish Travelers

Panama is one of the world's easiest destinations for kosher travelers — which is exactly why we built this company here.

• Kosher dining — 80+ certified establishments across Panama City. See the restaurant directory.
• Synagogues — active Sephardi, Ashkenazi and Chabad shuls in walkable neighborhoods. See the Jewish life guide.
• Eruv — an eruv covers the main Jewish neighborhoods of Panama City.
• Shabbat hotels — several offer Shabbat elevators, kosher breakfast and key alternatives. See the hotel guide.
• Kosher supermarkets — Super Kosher, Deli K Market, Soho Market and Foodie Market. See the kosher guide.
• Community — roughly 15,000 members, with schools, community centers and an active social life.