Things to Do in Nicaragua in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Nicaragua
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Dramatic landscapes at their most vibrant - volcanic slopes are emerald green, waterfalls are at full power, and cloud forests are thick with mist. August is when Nicaragua looks like those Instagram photos everyone posts.
- Tourist crowds are at their lowest - you'll have volcanoes, colonial streets, and beaches mostly to yourself. Hotels offer rainy season discounts of 30-50% off peak prices.
- Surfing conditions are excellent on the Pacific coast - consistent swells from southern hemisphere storms create 1.5-2.5m (5-8 ft) waves with offshore morning winds.
- Wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around water sources. Howler monkeys are most active, sea turtle nesting is at peak on both coasts, and bird migration creates spectacular viewing opportunities.
Considerations
- Daily thunderstorms from 2-6pm can disrupt outdoor activities - roads flood quickly, boat trips get cancelled, and hiking becomes treacherous on muddy volcanic trails.
- Transportation becomes unpredictable - domestic flights face delays, chicken buses avoid flooded routes, and 4WD becomes essential for reaching remote areas like Ometepe's less developed side.
- High humidity makes it feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) hotter than actual temperature, and clothes never fully dry - everything feels damp and sticky.
Best Activities in August
Masaya Volcano Night Tours
August's frequent cloud cover creates dramatic lighting effects as the lava glows through mist. Rain typically stops by 7pm, creating perfect viewing conditions. The contrast between the stormy skies and molten lava is otherworldly. Crowds are minimal compared to dry season.
León Volcano Boarding
Cerro Negro's black volcanic sand is perfect for boarding in August - recent rains pack the surface for faster, smoother rides down the 726m (2,382 ft) active volcano. Morning departures (7am) avoid afternoon storms and provide clearer summit views across the volcanic chain.
Granada Colonial Walking Tours
August's afternoon rains cool the colonial streets and create perfect morning exploring conditions. The wet season brings fewer cruise ship crowds to this UNESCO candidate city. Spanish colonial architecture looks stunning with rain-washed colors against dramatic storm clouds.
San Juan del Sur Surf Lessons
August delivers Nicaragua's most consistent surf with southern swells creating beginner-friendly 1-1.5m (3-5 ft) waves at Playa Maderas and Playa Remanso. Morning offshore winds (6-10am) create clean wave faces before afternoon storms arrive. Water temperature stays warm at 27°C (81°F).
Ometepe Island Hiking
The twin volcanic island is at its most lush in August - Concepción and Maderas volcanoes are shrouded in mystical clouds. Petroglyphs tours work well in rain, and the monkey spotting is excellent as animals stay closer to trails. Cloud forest sections provide natural rain cover.
Corn Islands Caribbean Diving
August offers the Caribbean coast's calmest diving conditions with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility and 28°C (82°F) water. The rainy season paradoxically brings the best underwater visibility as storm runoff settles. Nurse sharks and eagle rays are most active during this season.
August Events & Festivals
Día de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Festival)
Managua's patron saint festival features traditional folk dances, marimba music, and street food vendors selling vigorón and nacatamales. The religious processions are particularly atmospheric during August's dramatic weather. Local families gather in Parque Luis Alfonso Velásquez despite afternoon showers.
Festival de la Purísima Preparativos
While the main celebration is December, August marks the beginning of preparation activities across Nicaragua. You'll see altars being constructed in homes and churches, and local artisans selling handmade decorations in markets - a unique cultural insight for visitors.