Comprehensive daily zmanim for Panama City and other communities across Panama. Calculations cover the full halachic day — Alot HaShachar, Misheyakir, Netz HaChama, Sof Zman Krias Shema and Tefilla (both Magen Avraham and Vilna Gaon), Chatzot, Mincha Gedola and Ketana, Plag HaMincha, Shkia, and multiple opinions for Tzeit Hakochavim. Pick any date, share a direct link, or switch between locations from the beach to the highlands.
- Alot HaShachar (72 min)—
- Alot HaShachar (16.1°)—
- Misheyakir (11°)—
- Misheyakir (10.2°)—
- Netz HaChama (Sunrise)—
- Latest Shema (MGA)—
- Latest Shema (GRA)—
- Latest Shacharit (MGA)—
- Latest Shacharit (GRA)—
- Chatzot HaYom (Midday)—
- Mincha Gedola—
- Mincha Ketana—
- Plag HaMincha—
- Shkia (Sunset)—
- Tzeit Hakochavim (7.083°)—
- Tzeit Hakochavim (8.5°)—
- Tzeit Rabbeinu Tam (72 min)—
- Chatzot Layla (Midnight)—
Times are computed from astronomical formulas and rounded to the nearest second. For halachic decisions consult a qualified rabbi. All times are Panama time (UTC−5, no daylight saving).
Understanding Zmanim in Panama
Panama sits between roughly 7° and 9° north of the equator. Because the country is so close to the equator, zmanim here vary remarkably little across the year — sunrise and sunset move by only about 30–40 minutes between summer and winter, compared to several hours at higher latitudes. This makes Panama one of the easiest places in the world to keep a steady daily Jewish schedule while traveling.
Time Zone & Day Length
Panama observes Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) year-round and does not switch to daylight saving time. Day length in Panama City ranges from about 11h 36m in December to 12h 41m in June — meaning a sha'ah zmanit (halachic hour, GRA) sits close to a regular 60 minutes throughout the year.
Candle Lighting
Panama follows the standard custom of lighting Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset. Unlike Yerushalayim's 40-minute custom, there is no community-wide stricter cutoff. On Yom Tov when a second day's candles are lit, women light from an existing flame after Tzeit Hakochavim of the previous day.
MGA vs. GRA
Two main opinions divide the daylight hours: the Magen Avraham (MGA) stretches the day from Alot HaShachar (dawn) to Tzeit Hakochavim (nightfall); the Vilna Gaon (GRA) measures from sunrise to sunset. The earliest time on this page (Latest Shema MGA) is the safer cutoff for Shema; the later (GRA) is the more lenient.
Tzeit Hakochavim
Three common opinions are shown: 7.083° (about 30 minutes after sunset in Panama, used in some communities for ending fasts), 8.5° (the Geonim standard, used by most Sephardic and many Ashkenazi authorities for Havdalah), and 72 fixed minutes after sunset (Rabbeinu Tam, the strictest). For ending Shabbat, the Panama community generally follows 8.5°.
Elevation
Most of the locations on this page are at or near sea level. Boquete (1,200 m) and El Valle de Antón (600 m) sit at higher elevations, which slightly advances sunrise and delays sunset. The calculations use a standard refraction model; for highly precise zmanim at altitude, consult a local authority.
Shareable Links
Every date and location combination has its own URL — useful for WhatsApp groups, family calendars, or your shul's bulletin. Click Share to send today's times, or change the date and copy a link for any future Shabbat or Yom Tov.
Zmanim Glossary
A quick reference for the times shown above:
Alot HaShachar
Dawn — the earliest light of morning, when the eastern horizon first begins to brighten. Marks the start of the halachic day for some opinions and the earliest time for putting on tallit and tefillin (with conditions).
Misheyakir
The time when there is enough light to recognize a casual acquaintance from a few feet away. The earliest time to put on tallit and tefillin and to say the morning Shema.
Netz HaChama
Sunrise — when the upper edge of the sun first appears above the horizon. The ideal time to begin Shacharit (vatikin).
Sof Zman Krias Shema
The latest time to recite the morning Shema. After sunrise + 3 halachic hours.
Sof Zman Tefilla
The latest time to begin the Amidah of Shacharit. After sunrise + 4 halachic hours.
Chatzot HaYom
Solar noon — the midpoint between sunrise and sunset. Marks the start of the afternoon period and the earliest time for Mincha.
Mincha Gedola
The earliest time to pray Mincha — half a halachic hour after Chatzot.
Mincha Ketana
The preferred time to begin Mincha — 9.5 halachic hours after sunrise.
Plag HaMincha
The midpoint between Mincha Ketana and sunset. The earliest time to accept Shabbat or daven Maariv (according to one opinion).
Shkia
Sunset — when the upper edge of the sun disappears below the horizon. The cutoff for daytime mitzvot and the start of Bein HaShmashot (twilight).
Tzeit Hakochavim
Nightfall — when three medium stars become visible. Marks the start of the next halachic day, the time for Maariv, and the end of Shabbat / Yom Tov.
Chatzot Layla
Halachic midnight — exactly 12 hours after Chatzot HaYom, used for the latest time for the afikoman on Pesach and for Tikkun Chatzot.
Planning a Jewish trip to Panama?
From Shabbat-friendly hotels to kosher restaurants and synagogues within walking distance — we help observant travelers experience Panama with everything in place.