Talking of weather is not fun you say? Well, we beg to differ. The rainy season in Panama lasts from May until November. It rains a lot, but the sun still shines.

What is it like to live with it? Surprisingly fine. We unpack the story of the rain and share what it’s like to be here.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Travel Banter, we talk about what the rainy season really feels like here in Bocas del Toro, Panama. While the forecast from April to December often shows daily rain, the reality is more balanced. Yes, it rains frequently—sometimes every day—but usually only for a few hours. We still get plenty of sunshine, whether it’s a bright afternoon after a morning shower or a sunny morning before an afternoon thunderstorm.

We compared Bocas to Seattle and were surprised by the numbers. Bocas gets nearly four times as much rain—about 140 inches a year—but also nearly twice as many sunny days. The rain here is warm, and the weather shifts quickly. It’s all driven by trade winds from the Atlantic colliding with the mountains, and the convective build-up from the hot ocean. Some days, we watch the clouds grow into giant thunderheads and light up the night sky with lightning.

Living here means adapting. We always carry rain gear—umbrellas, trench coats, and rubber boots. Our dog loves playing in the rain, though it means extra clean-up before he comes aboard. Locals often collect rainwater from rooftops into big tanks, which we use too—for drinking, washing, and showering. Rain is part of life here, and we’ve grown to love the rhythm of it. It’s lush, it’s practical, and it makes Bocas feel alive.

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