Last updated: August 27, 2025
In Gatun, Panama, May welcomes a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a high humidity level of 76%. With maximum highs reaching 32°C (90°F) and average temperatures around 26°C (80°F), the month offers a balmy atmosphere. However, frequent rain is to be expected, as May sees an impressive 341 mm (13.4 in) of precipitation spread across 31 days, ensuring that the lush greenery of the region thrives. Visitors should prepare for ample rain while enjoying the typical tropical beauty that defines Gatun during this vibrant month.
In May, Gatun, Panama, experiences a subtle shift in temperatures that hints at the onset of the warmer months. With a minimum temperature rising to 23°C (73°F), the nights offer a slightly warmer embrace compared to previous months. The average temperature remains a consistent 26°C (80°F), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor adventures. Daytime highs peak at 32°C (90°F), aligning with the prevailing trend of warm weather that characterizes this portion of the year. Overall, May serves as a delightful transition, marked by warmth and humidity, perfect for exploring the lush Panamanian landscape.
May marks a dramatic shift in Gatun, Panama's weather, where the region experiences its most significant rainfall of the year. With an impressive 341 mm (13.4 in) of precipitation spread over 31 days, May is characterized by virtually constant rain, setting the stage for lush greenery. This starkly contrasts with the drier months of January through April, where rainfall levels peaked at 130 mm (5.1 in) in April. Following May, the wet season continues, with June and July recording even higher precipitation amounts, but May stands out as the month when moisture peaks, highlighting Gatun's transition into a vibrant, verdant climate. As the rainy days accumulate, the landscape transforms, showcasing the region’s unique ecological beauty.
As May unfolds in Gatun, Panama, a noticeable rise in humidity occurs, reaching 76%—a significant increase from the preceding months. This uptick marks the transition into the region's peak humidity season, with the landscape gearing up for the wet months ahead. Notably, after starting the year with lower humidity levels in January (72%) and February (71%), the trend exhibits a gradual climb, peaking dramatically in June at a staggering 89%. This pattern suggests that while May offers warmer, more humid weather, it also signals the onset of the rainy season, leading to the lush, vibrant greenery that characterizes Gatun in the following months.
In Gatun, Panama, the UV Index reaches its peak in the spring months, with May recording an index of 14, maintaining the extreme exposure category that characterizes the preceding months of April and March. This consistent level of intensity signifies that sun protection is crucial, as even short periods of exposure can lead to burns in just 10 minutes. While May sees a slight decrease from April's maximum of 15, the trend remains one of persistent caution for outdoor activities. Following May, the UV Index gradually declines through June and July, although it remains firmly in the extreme category. This data underscores the importance of being proactive about sun protection during this time. For more information, visit Gatun UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
May in Gatun, Panama, brings a delightful 285 hours of sunshine, a charming prelude to the wet season. Following a vibrant March, which boasts an impressive 340 hours, sunshine gradually tapers through April, reaching 320 hours. This slight dip continues into May, yet it remains above the duller days of early summer, like June's 259 hours, setting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As the year progresses, sunshine hours fluctuates but delights with a robust overall average, allowing residents and visitors alike to bask in the beauty of Gatun's tropical climate. Each month shows a promise of both brightness and balance, making Gatun a sun-kissed haven.
As May rolls around in Gatun, Panama, the chance of sunny weather takes a notable dip, dropping to a mere 10%, one of the lowest points in the year. This trend marks a sharp decline from the more promising conditions of the earlier months, with January through April reporting significantly higher probabilities of sunshine, peaking at 42% in February. Following May, the likelihood of bright days remains low, with June and July only offering a slight increase to 11%. This shift underscores the transition into the rainy season, making it wise for visitors to temper their expectations for sun-soaked days during this time.
In Gatun, Panama, daylight duration showcases an intriguing pattern throughout the year. Beginning in January and February, residents enjoy a consistent 11 hours of daylight. As spring unfolds in March and April, daylight gradually increases to 12 hours, a trend that persists from May through August, providing long, sunlit days perfect for outdoor activities. The daylight duration then remains steady at 12 hours until September, after which it begins to recede, returning to 11 hours by November and December. This consistent fluctuation highlights a year-round tropical climate, where the balance of light and darkness shapes the rhythm of life in this vibrant region.
In Gatun, Panama, the month of May experiences a subtle dip in wind speed, averaging 2.1 m/s (5 mph), making it one of the calmer months of the year. Following the gustier early months of January through April, where winds hovered between 3.3 m/s (7 mph) and 3.7 m/s (8 mph), May signals a transition towards the quieter summer months. This downward trend continues into June, with further decreases, showcasing how the wind in Gatun gradually eases as the wet season approaches. It's a time when the breezes shift from refreshing to soft and gentle, inviting both locals and visitors to savor the tranquil atmosphere that characterizes this lush, tropical region.
Weather in Gatun varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Gatun, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of May and January, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), while January's temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from 21°C (69°F) to 31°C (88°F). Additionally, May is significantly wetter, with an average precipitation of 341 mm (13.4 in) over 31 days, compared to January's 78 mm (3.1 in) spread across 14 days. Despite the higher humidity in May at 76%, January maintains a close level at 72%. For more specific details on January's weather, you can check Gatun weather in January.
In comparing the weather between February and May, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with February experiencing a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), while May's temperatures vary slightly with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to the same maximum. However, the two months differ significantly in terms of precipitation; February sees a modest 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain over just 12 days, whereas May is considerably wetter, receiving 341 mm (13.4 in) over 31 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 76%, compared to February's 71%. For more details about February weather, check out Gatun weather in February.
May and March exhibit similar temperature ranges, with average highs reaching 32°C (90°F) in both months. However, May is noticeably more humid, with an average humidity of 76% compared to March’s 69%. Precipitation also drastically differs; May experiences a substantial 341 mm (13.4 in) of rain over 31 days, while March sees much lighter rainfall with only 43 mm (1.7 in) across 15 days. This contrast makes May feel significantly wetter and more humid than March. For more details on March weather conditions, check out Gatun weather in March.
April and May showcase distinct weather patterns, with both months offering warm temperatures but varying levels of precipitation and humidity. In April, the minimum temperature reaches 21°C (70°F) and averages around 27°C (80°F), while the maximum can climb to 33°C (91°F). This month experiences lower rainfall, totaling 130 mm (5.1 in) over 25 days, and a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, May sees a slight increase in minimum temperatures, averaging 23°C (73°F) with a similar average temperature of 26°C (80°F). However, it becomes noticeably wetter, with 341 mm (13.4 in) of precipitation over 31 days and a higher humidity level of 76%. For a more detailed look at April's climate, check out Gatun weather in April.
May and June exhibit similar temperature patterns, with average highs around 32°C (90°F) and 26°C (80°F), making both months feel quite warm. However, June tends to be slightly wetter, with a total precipitation of 363 mm (14.3 in) compared to May's 341 mm (13.4 in), and both months experience high humidity, with June reaching 89% compared to May's 76%. This increased humidity in June may contribute to a muggier feel, which is particularly noticeable during extended periods of rain. For more specifics on June weather, you can check Gatun weather in June.
In comparing the weather conditions of May and July, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges with minimums around 23°C (73°F), average temperatures of 26°C (79°F in July and 80°F in May), and maximums peaking at 32°C (90°F). However, July is characterized by higher precipitation levels, with 413 mm (16.2 in) of rainfall compared to May's 341 mm (13.4 in). Additionally, the humidity increases in July, reaching 88% versus May's 76%, creating a more sultry atmosphere. For a detailed outlook on July weather trends, you can check Gatun weather in July.
In comparing the weather of May and August, it’s evident that both months experience warm temperatures, with minimums only slightly differing—23°C (73°F) in May versus 22°C (72°F) in August. The average temperature remains consistent at around 26°C (79°F-80°F), while the maximum temperature peaks at a high of 32°C (90°F) for both months. However, August sees a notable increase in precipitation, accumulating 392 mm (15.4 in) over 30 days, compared to May's 341 mm (13.4 in) across 31 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in August to 86%, compared to 76% in May, making August feel more humid and potentially more uncomfortable. For more details on August weather specifically, check out Gatun weather in August.
May and September offer similar temperature ranges, with both months featuring minimums around 22-23°C (72-73°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (90°F). However, while May sees an average temperature of 26°C (80°F), September holds a slightly cooler average of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation levels in both months are quite high, with May totaling 341 mm (13.4 in) over 31 days and September just slightly lower at 336 mm (13.2 in) over 30 days. Additionally, September is characterized by higher humidity at 87%, compared to May’s 76%. For more detailed information, check out Gatun weather in September.
May and October have quite similar temperature ranges, with May experiencing a slight edge in minimum and maximum temperatures. In both months, average temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F), making them comfortably warm. However, October tends to be slightly wetter, with 362 mm (14.2 in) of precipitation over 29 days compared to May's 341 mm (13.4 in) over 31 days. Additionally, October's humidity is higher, reaching 86% compared to May's 76%, contributing to a more humid feel during the month. For more specific weather details, check out Gatun weather in October.
In comparing the weather of May and November, we see that both months have similar average temperatures, with May having a slight edge in maximum temperatures, reaching up to 32°C (90°F) compared to November's 31°C (89°F). However, May experiences considerably higher precipitation, with 341 mm (13.4 in) over 31 days, while November sees 285 mm (11.2 in) across 29 days. Notably, humidity levels are higher in November at 86% compared to May's 76%, making the latter month feel slightly less muggy. For more details on November weather in Gatun, you can check this link: Gatun weather in November.
When comparing the weather in May and December, we observe some notable differences despite their similar average temperatures. May is generally warmer with a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 341 mm (13.4 in) over 31 days, resulting in a humid environment at 76%. In contrast, December offers slightly cooler temperatures, with a maximum of 31°C (88°F), and much less rainfall at 149 mm (5.9 in) across 25 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 79%. For a closer look at December’s weather specifics, you can check Gatun weather in December. Overall, December presents a drier, albeit slightly more humid atmosphere compared to the wetter conditions of May.
As May unfolds in Gatun, the weather takes on a distinct character, marked by increased humidity and frequent rainfall. With an average temperature that hovers around a warm 26°C, residents and visitors alike experience a unique blend of heat and moisture, unlike the drier months preceding it. The abundant precipitation during this time paints a vivid picture of lush greenery, while the air thickens with the unmistakable scent of rain. For those looking to explore, understanding May's climatic nuances is essential. For more detailed insights about the area's climate throughout the year, you can visit Gatun Climate.