Cartagena vs Panama City

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.

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

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

Cartagena reaches an average high of 32°C (90°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Panama City averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°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.

Cartagena receives approximately 9 mm of rainfall across 2 rain days during January. Rain is rare this month, so dry conditions are likely.

Panama City sees 20 mm over 5 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%.