Bird watchers wondering if there is a best time to bird watch in Panama will be happy to know that Panama offers exceptional bird watching opportunities year-round. This small country is home to more than 900 species of birds. Panama is also blessed with rainforests, cloud forests, incredible beaches and islands, and a plethora of parks and reserves. Although it is a small country, Panama offers an incredible mix of visual wonders and cultural surprises.

The Republic of Panama is a tropical country with many different and easily accessible habitats. Not only is it a wonderful place to get started birding the American tropics, it is considered by many to be one of the best birding spots on the planet.

temperatures and rain

Bird watchers can visit Panama throughout the year. Temperatures in the lowlands are typically in the 90s during the day and 60s at night. It is usually cool in the highlands. A wet season and a dry season describe the two seasons most of Panama has based on rainfall. The dry season occurs from mid-December to mid-April. Many people consider this to be the best time to bird watch in Panama.

However, in the wettest period of the wet season, one-day rains are rare. Usually the worst thing birders will have to deal with is fast, heavy downpours mixed with sunshine. There are fewer crowds this time of year and birders can still explore the many birds this area has to offer. The southern Pacific side of Panama experiences these differences the most. On the other side of Panama, in the northern Caribbean, you will experience rain throughout the year. This area has slightly lower amounts of rainfall during the months of February, March, September, and October.

In its annual bird count, the Panama Audubon Society continually counts more bird species in Panama than in all areas of Central and North America. The sights of Panama are sure to thrill and delight even the most experienced bird watcher. Most will find that the best time to bird watch in Panama is surprisingly anytime.