Panama City vs Cartagena

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cartagena edges ahead as the better destination in December. Cartagena offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Panama City sees 10 sunshine hours and 17 rain days.

Panama City can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Cartagena runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cartagena is the stronger choice in December. Cartagena receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Panama City reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Cartagena averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 6°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Panama City receives approximately 105 mm of rainfall across 17 rain days during December. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Cartagena sees 60 mm over 10 rain days. That makes Cartagena the drier option by 7 rain days and 45 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.