Panama City vs Cartagena

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cartagena edges ahead as the better destination in May. Cartagena offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 26 rain days, while Panama City sees 9 sunshine hours and 29 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 May. 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 25°C (77°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Cartagena averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°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 May.

Panama City receives approximately 221 mm of rainfall across 29 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Cartagena sees 176 mm over 26 rain days. That makes Cartagena the drier option by 3 rain days and 45 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.