Rare cruiser2015 Posted September 8, 2019 #1 Share Posted September 8, 2019 Greetings, experts. I tried to use the forum search on this question. Found a ton of non-related posts. So... I saw one comment indicating the season was September to May. Sounds like Alaska in reverse. Is there a preferred time in that span? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted September 8, 2019 #2 Share Posted September 8, 2019 The September to December months are generally wetter, the other months are generally drier, but the Canal is in a tropical rain forest, or jungle, and gets a lot of rain. So you can never rule rain absolutely out. Otherwise it is always hot and humid in the Canal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillB48 Posted September 8, 2019 #3 Share Posted September 8, 2019 (edited) If I were going to plan a transit only on the "best time", I would choose January thru most of February. The reasons is by January the Dry Season is usually well established along with the accompanying trade winds, the foliage is still very lush and green, the temps are not really too bad and the humidity is about as good as it is ever going to get. Of course planning like this takes out of consideration your schedule, being able to shop for airfares and cruise fares and the like. Honestly I would go ahead and schedule your cruise when it is best for you, the differences I pointed out are not deal breakers in my mind. I have been through the Canal at various times through the "season" (Sep-May) with the majority of transits in October and November. A time or two we had to deal with liquid sunshine, but no means a washout. Edited September 8, 2019 by BillB48 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruiser2015 Posted September 9, 2019 Author #4 Share Posted September 9, 2019 Thanks, Bruce and Bill for your tips. I will put them into the mix for selecting an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi13 Posted September 10, 2019 #5 Share Posted September 10, 2019 Been through the Canal well over 20 times, at all times of the year. While the dry season is considered January to April, it really should be drier. Even in the dry season, I have experienced afternoon showers most afternoons. In the wet season, I don't recall a day where it rained continuously. However, all days are hot & humid. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruiser2015 Posted September 15, 2019 Author #6 Share Posted September 15, 2019 Thanks for the info, Heidi. For the moment, we are looking at a departure in late February and one in mid-April (2021). It will most likely go to Feb, as the DW does not want to miss any of her tulip blooming season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now