To understand the small Isthmus of Panama, it is best to view it by its provinces. Panama has a tropical climate, but temperatures change dramatically between the coasts; and from the low lands to the mountainous region of Boquete. Temperatures are uniformly high as is the relative humidity and there is little seasonal variation. Diurnal ranges are low; on a typical dry-season day in the capital city, the early morning minimum may be 24°C and the afternoon maximum 29°C. The temperature seldom exceeds 32°C for more than a short time. Temperatures on the Pacific side of the isthmus are somewhat lower than on the Caribbean, and breezes tend to rise after dusk in most parts of the country. Temperatures are markedly cooler in the higher parts of the mountain ranges, and frosts occur in the Cordillera de Talamanca in western Panama. Climatic regions are determined less on the basis of temperature than on rainfall, which varies regionally from less than 1.3 to more than 3 meters per year. Almost all of the rain falls during the rainy season, which is usually from April to December, but varies in length from seven to nine months. In general, rainfall is much heavier on the Caribbean than on the Pacific side of the continental divide. The annual average in Panama City is little more than half of that in Colón. Although rainy-season thunderstorms are common, the country is outside the hurricane track.
For ease of reference, Panama's many provinces can be grouped as follows:
Bocas del Toro: Atlantic Coast-Caribbean
ChiriquÃ: Highlands--This area is north, west of Panama City; near the Pacific Ocean and Costa Rica. The main city is David; with an international airport and daily flights that connect to Panama City, Bocas del Toro, and San Jose, Costa Rica. The town of Boquete is the most famous area in Chiriqui. Known as the "Valley of the Flowers" and the Eternal Spring. It is fast becoming a world class adventure destination, as well as, the premier coffee growing region. Some of the best coffee in the world is grown on the slopes of the Volcan Barú.Pacific Gulf-includes Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui and Coiba National Marine Park, both known for world-class sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling
Cocle: Pacific Coast
Colon: Atlantic Coast Caribbean
Panama City:
Darien:
Borders Colombia
Herrera:
Veraguas:
Los Santos:
Kuna Yala & San Blas Islands:
Comarca de Ngöbe-Buglé:
Cities:
Panama City - Capital (There are three regions of interest, the new city, the old city, and the colonial city)
Colón
David
Gamboa
Boquete - Coffee Growing Capital of Panama in the Chiriquà Highlands
Portobelo - Historic Spanish Forts, Boats to Colombia, Dive Centers
Ports and harbors:
Balboa
Cristobal
Coco Solo
Manzanillo - part of Colon area
Vacamonte
Pedregal - in the Gulf of ChiriquÃ
Boca Chica - in the Gulf of ChiriquÃ.
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