When is the Best Time to Tour the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is one of the seven modern wonders and a multifaceted tourist destination. It attracts visitors from all over the world, offering a unique experience of views, luxurious hospitality, wildlife and much more. There are two types of trips available on this new-age engineering marvel, a complete crossing or a trans-channel crossing. The best time to sail the Panama Canal is during spring and winter, when the rains decrease and the sun shines in Panama.

The cruise season on the Panama Canal generally coincides with the dry season and lasts from October to April. The Caribbean side of the canal receives twice as much rain as Panama City and is famous for having short, sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon from April to July. The classic Panama Canal cruise experience includes a 14-day itinerary from Florida to California or vice versa. The Panama Canal Zone has a tropical climate that ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with high humidity throughout the year.

The best time to travel to the Panama Canal depends on how you spend your time. If you're thinking of booking a Panama Canal cruise, look during the spring or fall months, when ships are moving from the Caribbean to Alaska. Budget Travel recommends taking a cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, via the Panama Canal aboard Celebrity Cruises in October or November. In addition to passing through the canal itself, Panama Canal cruises allow guests to enjoy beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and unique destinations, such as the Soberania National Park.