Panama in September/ October- weather, hotels?
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Panama for 5 nights 9/29-10/4.
Our plan is 2 days Panama City to see the canal, embera village and casco viejo. Then 3 nights in either Bocas del Toro or Contadora Island. My family moved there in 1907 and worked on canal construction so a transit is definitely in the plan.

My husband is concerned about the weather- any info?

We can't decide between Bocas and Contadora - is the weather different in either place at that time? We dive and he surfs and we like beaches and nature but also like to explore little towns. Which place offers the best of those?

Hotels we are debating:
Panama City- La Estancia, Balboa Inn, Patty's Casitas, Country Inn & Suites Panama Canal, Marriott
Bocas- Al Natural, La Loma Jungle Inn
Contadora- Punta Galeon, Perla Real, Villa Romantica

Thanks for any help!

September and October can be quite rainy, but it is usually confined to some late afternoon showers and actually the climate is much more tolerable in this season, probably bocas would be rainier than contadora as it is usually rainier in general there..

I live and work in david panama, it has been raining as usual but lots of hot sunny days where folks enjoy the pool at the hostel (bambu hostel) if you come to chiriqui there is lots to do here as well stop by the hostel and gather info! www.bambuhostel.com

Thanks for the info on weather. we don't mind the afternoon showers - we know that's part of the tropical trip. we just don't want days of solid rain.
I had a peak at the Bambu Hostel - while it looks fun I think we're a bit too old for the place! (mid-50's) but thanks

September and Ocotber are still rainy season.
Contadora is in the pacific slope of the country, better chances of avoiding the rain.
Bocas offers the best scuba, surf combo...
Have you tought of Azuero?

Little scuba there, but good surfing, and is a less rainny area.

Balboa Inn is a good B&B
Country Inn Amador is also nice.

Must day tours:
We took our family in this tours while visiting Panama.

Wildside of Panama canal, took this one and love it!
http://www.senderopanama.com/Day%20T...ma%20Canal.htm

Embara Indians, just beautiful.
http://www.senderopanama.com/Day%20T...e%20Embera.htm

Panama City tour, historical tour, includes Panama Canal.
http://senderopanama.com/Day%20Tours...t%20Panama.htm

Bocas, check for Tranquilo Bay or Casa cayuco
www.casacayuco.com www.tranquilobay.com

Good Bocas program:
http://www.senderopanama.com/Program...Del%20Toro.htm

Hope this is of some help...

thanks Ethan- i will check out all of your links.
yes, i just started looking at Azuero Peninsula last night - Playa Venao (Venado) and Las Tablas. Any other/hotel suggestions? I emailed Villa Marina Retreat but haven't heard back yet.
where did you stay?

Azuero might make for a good combination with Panama City, however you need to keep in mind the amount of driving time required to get there and back. We stayed in Pedasi at Casita Margarita which I do recommend. It's a cute town with friendly people and not overrun by tourism (not yet).

There are now flights available between Azuero and Panama City, I believe Fridays and Sundays.

I know there are some new hotels in Azuero now.
I agree with Ethan's recommendation of using Sendero Panama services.

Have travel with them in the past and they are top notch!

Heres is their Azuero program:

http://senderopanama.com/Programs/Pr...0Peninsula.htm
Maybe they can recommend you hotel in Azuero.

By the way, September is the month with sea turtles arriving at isla canas... A must see.

Yes, you will be arriving during the rainy season.
It usually rains in the afternoon after a long hot day so it is almost welcomed to cool down for the evening.

I prefer Bocas as the beaches are nicer.

Hotel in Panama city, I always recommend Toscana Inn. It is located in downtown Panama near all the restaurant, shops and nightlife. The price is very affordable as well. You get free parking, free wifi, free breakfast and free coffee or tea all day (they even bring it up to your room if you want)

Nice clean rooms (the hotel is 1 year old)

Here is their website www.toscanainnhotel.com

Have a great time!

While the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet (though some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end of the green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months to travel to Panama. Prices are down, the foliage is green and there are fewer tourists.
Most hotels will have price breaks in May, June, July, August, September and October. During these months you can count on rain in the evenings with occasional mid-day cloud bursts, though it is usually still beautiful from 7am to 2pm. Green season mornings are breathtaking. Enjoy your stay! This should help too http://travel.mongabay.com/panama. Thanks.