Panama City vs Cartagena

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cartagena edges ahead as the better destination in January. Cartagena offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 2 rain days, while Panama City sees 11 sunshine hours and 5 rain days.

Panama City can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Cartagena runs hot at 32°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cartagena is the stronger choice in January.

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

Cartagena averages 32°C (90°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The 3°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

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

Panama City receives approximately 20 mm of rainfall across 5 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Cartagena sees 9 mm over 2 rain days. That makes Cartagena the drier option by 3 rain days and 11 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.