The Panama Canal’s cruise season is in full swing come the winter, which is good news since December brings with it plenty of dry weather and sunny days. Hurricanes might happen once in a blue moon, but for the most part, you can get your summer togs on and put your feet up. The same goes for January and February, though warmer layers for the evening won’t be a bad shout.

The dry season tends to end mid-March, so while rain might make an appearance, it’ll still be nicer than the wet weather we have over here. Heat-wise, you can expect temperatures to rise – April can sometimes be the hottest month of the year. Even so, a packable lightweight raincoat will definitely come in handy.

With cruise season over, things get wet at the beginning of May. Humidity levels are also high, which might be uncomfortable for some. But with dwindling crowds and the green season on its way, the lush vegetation and promise of white-water rafting and other outdoorsy activities could be a selling point. June and July signal the start of hurricane season, which means sailings are limited too. The heavens really open during these months, while July tends to be overcast most of the time, so you’re better off waiting until the sailings resume…

Cruise lines resume sailing in September, and while it’s still rainy season, this could be the peak time for the adventurous. The rainforests are at their greenest, and the rivers are as rapid as they come. The weather cools down considerably when October rolls around, and while the wet weather also makes a reappearance in November, this season is still one of the best for witnessing the incredible nature, diversity and colour found in this destination. Also, excursions tend to call for hiking boots – crocodiles, snakes and other wildlife you won’t want to stand on can sometimes be found lurking in forests and jungles here.

For the adventurous, the excursions on Costa Rica's laidback Puntarenas will tick all the right boxes. Choose from hiking up an active volcano to venturing into the dense rainforest, climbing hidden waterfalls to visiting the uninhabited Biological Reserve on Pájaros Islands. You’ll find it all in the largest province of Costa Rica.

Puerto Limón, or Limón for short, is Costa Rica’s largest Caribbean coastal town. With easy access to some of the country’s most popular excursion sites, it’s built for those looking for action, scenery and abundant wildlife. Get up close to nature at Veragua Rainforest and Falls, hop on a boat trip along the Tortuguero Canals and, for the more adrenaline-inclined, water sports on the Revantazon River get the pulse well and truly racing. Prefer something a little more chilled? Playa Bonita can see to that.

Located on Colombia's northern coast, Cartagena’s vivid, vibrant looks make it a real gem. Packed with irresistible charm, go for a stroll through its Old Town, and let the atmosphere work its magic before ducking out of the heat into one of the city’s many bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to swing by the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas if you need your culture fix either. This storied fortress still makes its presence known across Cartagena’s colourful cityscape.

Positioned at the entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón is an old, colonial town with one major pull for visiting cruisers – the vast Colón Free Trade Zone. Partake in a little tax-free shopping, visit the Fort San Lorenzo military structure, and take in the impressive view of Panama’s Second City from The Canal Expansion Observation Center, which looks towards the Atlantic locks and Gatún Lake you’ll soon be sailing on.

Also near the entrance of the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a one-mile, man-made peninsula which extends out into the ocean. Offering panoramic views of the Panama City skyline, as well as an array of restaurants, shops and bars, it’s home to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research – a facility dedicated to understanding how tropical ecosystems interact with human beings. Heady stuff for a holiday!

White sand beaches, palm-covered Sierra Madre mountains and tropical jungles make Mexico's laid-back coastal destination a favourite for Panama Canal cruise-goers. Relax on the beach, explore the picturesque streets or sample some of the excellent cuisine at one of the boardwalk's many chic and stylish restaurants.