when to go to nicaragua
Nicaragua has two seasons; the dry season and the wet season. Generally speaking the best time to visit is the dry season between November and May, although the best time to visit may actually depend on what you want to do while you’re there.
Dry Season
November to April
This time of year can be extremely hot, particularly in April, but overall it’s considered the best time to visit Nicaragua for those who want to indulge in outdoor activities. Particularly for hiking in remote areas, you should avoid the wet season as they may be inaccessible in those months.
Famous for its towering volcanoes and colonial cities full of interesting architecture, the Pacific Lowlands are best visited in February and March as the chance of rain is low and temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing.
The best time to visit Matagalpa, with its beautiful panoramic highway, is November and December when the rains have ceased but the forests are in bloom and birds are easy to spot. Coffee harvesting in Matagalpa runs from November to March. You can indulge in volcanic adventures more easily during the dry season too.
Wet Season
May to November
This is a quieter time of the year to visit Nicaragua, which alone could be a reason for choosing to put up with a daily downpour. As with most tropical climates, these are short, sharp bursts of rain and usually dry up quickly. On the Pacific coast, rain often falls in the afternoons, with generally dry mornings. The Caribbean coast is wetter than the Pacific, with rain lasting longer there.
In May the weather is warm and humid, and you can still expect some sunny days. The months of June and July still have some fairly nice weather which is a little cooler but before the heavy rains start. This is a great time to travel as the increase in rain brings new life to the flora and fauna and everything begins to blossom. It’s still possible to enjoy the country’s many beautiful attractions with minimal disruption right through until the end of August, although it can be hit and miss.
Additional information
- The central mountain region has a cooler climate with sporadic rainfall all year, while the Atlantic coast is wet, hot and humid year-round, with September and October the height of the tropical storm season.
- The Corn Islands are a must see on your Nicaragua trip and although the ideal time to travel is the dry season, if you don’t mind the odd shower you can visit all year round.
- For reduced prices the wet season is the best time to travel.
- Hurricanes occur on the Atlantic coast in September and October, so this time of year should be avoided.
- The only time to avoid visiting is in September and October when the heaviest rains can disrupt travel.
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