The best time to visit Nicaragua is between November and May — the country’s dry season. You’ll see plenty of sunny days, with temperatures sitting between 25 to 28°C in the majority of the country. You may experience a tropical shower along the Caribbean coastline.
Nicaragua’s wet season officially begins at the end of May, but it’s still possible to enjoy the country’s many beautiful attractions with minimal disruption right through until the end of August. In fact, the only time to avoid visiting is in September and October, when the heaviest rains can disrupt travel.
Month-by-month guide for travelling in Nicaragua
Visiting Nicaragua in November - April
Nicaragua’s dry season begins in November, when the majority of places enjoy dry, sunny days and mild temperatures. This makes it the ideal time for exploring the colonial cities, beaches, volcanoes and nature reserves the country is so famous for. Christmas, New Year and Easter are peak times which see the beach areas in particular becoming busy with Nicaraguan holidaymakers.
Events & Festivals
- Holy Week (March/April): Holy Week in Nicaragua sees colourful religious processions in the city of Granada, and smaller events around the rest of the country.
- Purisima festivities (early December): The ‘Purisima’ festivities, honouring the Immaculate Conception, comprise processions, singing in the streets and fireworks displays in some places.
- Week-long surfing competition (late November): An annual week-long surfing competition sees some of Latin America’s best surfers converging on the beaches around San Juan del Sur; competing against each other and the waves.
Visiting Nicaragua in May - June
Although May marks the beginning of the rainy season, this usually only manifests itself in higher temperatures. Showers generally fall in the afternoon or overnight and rarely last more than a couple of hours at a time. This time of year is particularly recommended for snorkelling and birdwatching.
Visiting Nicaragua in July - October
The wettest time of year to visit Nicaragua, though the weather still doesn't reach the extremes seen on Caribbean islands. The months of September and October are best avoided as the heaviest rains can cause disruption to travel; particularly in rural areas.
Nicaragua Climate Guide
Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Granada | 32°C 6mm | 33°C 2mm | 34°C 4mm | 34°C 16mm | 34°C 146mm | 32°C 276mm | 31°C 158mm | 32°C 168mm | 32°C 275mm | 31°C 283mm | 31°C 69mm | 31°C 20mm |
León & Northern Nicaragua | 32°C 1mm | 33°C 1mm | 34°C 0mm | 35°C 9mm | 34°C 177mm | 32°C 272mm | 32°C 129mm | 32°C 172mm | 31°C 333mm | 31°C 342mm | 31°C 80mm | 32°C 10mm |
Ometepe Island | 31°C 15mm | 32°C 7mm | 33°C 3mm | 34°C 8mm | 33°C 150mm | 31°C 222mm | 31°C 128mm | 31°C 172mm | 31°C 322mm | 31°C 264mm | 31°C 90mm | 31°C 36mm |
San Juan del Sur | 32°C 17mm | 33°C 5mm | 34°C 1mm | 34°C 15mm | 33°C 126mm | 31°C 272mm | 31°C 160mm | 31°C 173mm | 31°C 238mm | 30°C 378mm | 30°C 112mm | 31°C 30mm |
Solentiname Islands | 30°C 82mm | 31°C 30mm | 32°C 22mm | 33°C 32mm | 32°C 116mm | 30°C 241mm | 30°C 268mm | 30°C 253mm | 30°C 244mm | 30°C 262mm | 30°C 181mm | 30°C 93mm |
The Corn Islands | 28°C 149mm | 28°C 75mm | 30°C 49mm | 31°C 67mm | 30°C 208mm | 29°C 457mm | 29°C 572mm | 29°C 466mm | 29°C 321mm | 29°C 362mm | 28°C 261mm | 28°C 206mm |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for travelling to Nicaragua, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Nicaragua
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