Sea temperature in Panama
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 10 beaches on the Panama coast.
Best time to swim in Panama
The sea in Panama peaks in July, when the water averages around 23°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Panama sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Panama shows an annual mean sea temperature of 21°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 23°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Panama, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Panama sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Panama?
July is the warmest month in Panama, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Panama?
The coldest month in Panama is typically January, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Panama without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Panama runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Panama?
Outside peak summer the water in Panama drops toward 20°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Panama?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Panama is about 21°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Panama?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Panama, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Panama sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Panama for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| February | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| March | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| April | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| May | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| June | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| July ⭐ | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| August | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| September | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| October | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| November | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| December | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Panama right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wizard Beach | Bocas del Toro | 29.5°C | Excellent |
| Starfish Beach | Bocas del Toro | 29.2°C | Excellent |
| Playa Estrella | Bocas del Toro | 29.0°C | Excellent |
| San Blas Cayos | Guna Yala | 28.7°C | Excellent |
| Playa Blanca Panama | Cocle | 28.3°C | Excellent |
| Red Frog Beach | Bocas del Toro | 28.3°C | Excellent |
| Red Frog Beach | Bocas del Toro | 28.3°C | Excellent |
| Playa Bonita Panama | Panama | 28.0°C | Excellent |
| Playa Venao | Los Santos | 23.5°C | Excellent |
| Playa Las Lajas | Chiriquí | 22.7°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Panama — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Panama in September?
The sea off Panama averages about 23.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Panama?
Panama is warmest in July (around 23.0°C) and coldest in January (around 20.0°C). There are typically 5 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Panama?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Panama averages about 21.3°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Panama?
In peak season (around July, ~23.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 20.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.
Which beach in Panama has the warmest sea right now?
Red Frog Beach typically has the warmest sea in September, while Playa Las Lajas is the coolest of the featured beaches. Live readings for every beach are listed on this page.