March often retains dry, sunny conditions and is a good month for both Pacific and Caribbean coastal visits. Carnival can fall in March some years, bringing lively, colorful celebrations in many towns. Tourist infrastructure is fully operational for sightseeing and nature trips.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Panama in March.
Central Lowlands
March heats up as the dry season peaks - afternoons can feel sticky in the central lowlands but mornings remain comfortable for tours. This is the last full month before regular rains, so boat trips through the Panama Canal and wildlife trips on Gatún Lake are straightforward. With schools still on break in parts of Latin America, popular attractions get busier; bring breathable clothing and a refillable water bottle.
Including Las Perlas
March is often the last fully dry month for the Pacific coast and the islands, with hot afternoons and cool sea breezes after sunrise. Visibility for boat trips is excellent and the Pearl Islands’ beaches are at their driest; it’s also a good time to arrange a sport-fishing trip out of Balboa. Carry sun protection and a light windbreaker for early-morning boat rides.
Pedasí, Playa Venao, Tonosí
March stays hot and largely dry, and the peninsula’s grassy hills take on a golden hue as freshwater runs low in some rural streams. Surfing remains good, and whale-watching trips operate more reliably in morning calm seas. Travelers should bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a sunshade for midday beach time - late afternoons can grow hazy as the land heats.
Boquete, Volcán, Cerro Punta
March brings slightly warmer days but keeps the same dry trend; highland sun feels strong at altitude, and the UV is notable. Trails remain firm and the famous hot springs near Volcán may welcome visitors after cool nights. Bring sunblock even on overcast days, and a light rain layer just in case a passing cloudburst appears.
Bocas del Toro and San Blas/Guna Yala
March delivers some of the sunniest and calmest weather the Caribbean side sees all year, with perfect mornings for boat trips to Zapatillas or Cayos Holandeses. Bocas nightlife hums and birdwatching starts early in the day before the heat builds. Pack light cottons, a sunhat, and bug spray for dusk - rain is still uncommon but always possible near rainforest fringes.
Darien Gap, Yaviza, Jaqué
March tends to be hot with manageable humidity and reduced river turbulence, which helps with canoe journeys toward Emberá communities and early-morning wildlife spotting. Trails are firmer and mosquitoes slightly less pervasive than in the wettest months, though insect protection remains crucial. Travel here is serious and unstructured - hire an experienced local guide and prepare for limited comfort amenities.
Panama's Carnival festivities occur in February or March depending on the liturgical calendar and feature parades and street parties.
See how March compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.