Bocas del Toro's weather runs counter-intuitively: the region's dry months are September–October and February–March, while much of the rest of Panama is wet or dry at opposite times. This makes late September and October the best months for diving — water clarity is at its peak, sea turtle nesting is still active on Bastimentos, and tourist crowds are thin.
The main surf season runs December through April, with a secondary peak June–August. Surfers chase the Caribbean swells that arrive at Red Frog Beach and Bluff Beach during these months. December–February is the most popular tourist period overall, despite the occasional squall; expect higher prices and boat tours that are booked out.
The wettest months, November and June–August, see heavy daily rain but rarely all day — mornings are often clear, and afternoon showers are generally short. The September fair in Bocas Town brings local Panamanians out in large numbers, giving the town a livelier feel than the tourist-heavy high season.