Things to Do in Nicaragua in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Nicaragua
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Pacific coast surf is absolutely firing in July - consistent swells from the south bring clean 1.5-2 m (5-7 ft) waves to spots around San Juan del Sur and Playa Maderas, with offshore morning winds that typically hold until 11am before the afternoon sea breeze kicks in
- Green season pricing means you'll pay 30-40% less than December-April rates on accommodations and tours, and you can actually negotiate walk-in rates at mid-range hotels since occupancy runs around 50-60% in July
- The countryside is genuinely stunning right now - after two months of rain, everything's this intense green that you just don't see in dry season, and waterfalls like Salto Estanzuela near Estelí are running at full volume instead of the trickles you get by March
- Crowd levels are wonderfully manageable - you'll have places like Laguna de Apoyo and Isla de Ometepe largely to yourselves on weekdays, and even Granada's main plaza feels relaxed compared to the December-January tourist crush
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is pretty much a daily reality - showers typically roll in between 2-5pm and last 45-90 minutes, which means you need to plan morning-heavy itineraries and accept that some days you'll just be reading a book under a palapa for an hour
- The Caribbean coast (Corn Islands, Pearl Cays) gets hammered in July with heavy sustained rain and rough seas that can cancel boat transfers for days at a time - if you're set on visiting that side, honestly consider September-November instead
- Road conditions deteriorate fast during rainy season, particularly on unpaved routes to places like Reserva Natural Miraflor - what's a bumpy 90-minute drive in February can become a muddy 3-hour ordeal, and some remote areas become genuinely inaccessible without 4WD
Best Activities in July
Pacific Coast Surf Sessions
July brings the most consistent surf conditions of the year to Nicaragua's Pacific beaches. Morning sessions from 6-10am offer glassy 1.5-2 m (5-7 ft) waves before winds pick up, and the warm 27-28°C (81-82°F) water means you don't need a wetsuit. The tourist crowds are thin right now, so you'll actually get waves instead of fighting for position like you would in January. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, giving you a solid 4-hour window. The combination of reliable swell, warm water, and empty lineups makes July arguably the best surf month if you can handle occasional afternoon showers.
Volcano Hiking Expeditions
The active volcanoes around León and Granada are spectacular in July because the reduced tourist numbers mean you can actually experience places like Cerro Negro and Masaya without being in a conga line of tour groups. Morning hikes from 6-9am avoid both the afternoon rain and the heat - temperatures at the 675 m (2,215 ft) Cerro Negro summit are a comfortable 22-24°C (72-75°F) at dawn. The air is clearer after overnight rain, giving you better views across to the Pacific. Volcano boarding down Cerro Negro's black slopes is less dusty than in dry season, though the sand does clump a bit when damp. Just know that afternoon hikes get cancelled maybe 30% of the time due to lightning risk.
Colonial City Walking Tours
Granada and León are actually more pleasant to explore in July than in the brutal March-April heat. Early morning walks from 7-10am give you comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) temperatures and soft light for photography, while the afternoon rain provides a natural break to duck into museums or cafes. The colonial architecture looks richer in color after rain, and the reduced tourist crowds mean you can photograph iconic spots like Granada's cathedral or León's Basílica de la Asunción without dozens of people in your frame. The 70% humidity is noticeable but manageable if you pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Laguna de Apoyo Swimming and Kayaking
This crater lake 15 km (9.3 miles) from Granada is perfect for July because the surrounding forest is lush and the lake's constant 26°C (79°F) temperature feels refreshing against the humid air. Weekday visits mean you'll have long stretches of shoreline to yourself, and the morning hours before 1pm offer calm water ideal for kayak rentals at 5-8 USD per hour. The lake sits at 75 m (246 ft) elevation, so it's noticeably cooler than Granada itself. If afternoon rain hits, you're already in swimwear and the warm rain on warm water is actually quite pleasant. The volcanic crater walls create a microclimate that sometimes dodges the worst afternoon storms.
Coffee Farm Tours in Northern Highlands
July falls right in the middle of the growing season, so you'll see coffee plants heavy with green cherries that won't be harvested until November-January. The farms around Matagalpa and Jinotega are incredibly green right now, and the cooler temperatures at 1,000-1,400 m (3,280-4,593 ft) elevation make the 70% humidity less oppressive than at sea level. Morning tours from 8-11am typically avoid the heaviest afternoon rains, and the misty conditions are actually atmospheric rather than miserable. You'll learn about the full coffee cycle and taste previous harvests while walking through active plantations. The mountain roads are rougher in rainy season but passable with standard vehicles on main routes.
Isla de Ometepe Exploration
This twin-volcano island in Lake Nicaragua is less crowded in July but still fully accessible, with ferry services running normally and most trails open. The island's microclimates mean you can sometimes dodge mainland rain patterns entirely. Morning hikes on the lower slopes of Volcán Maderas through cloud forest are mystical in July's mist, with temperatures around 20-22°C (68-72°F) at 800 m (2,625 ft) elevation. The island's beaches like Santo Domingo offer warm freshwater swimming, and the reduced tourist numbers mean better availability at the handful of decent restaurants. Just know that the full summit hike to Maderas at 1,394 m (4,573 ft) gets muddy and can be cancelled in heavy rain.
July Events & Festivals
Fiestas Patronales de Santiago (Jinotepe)
The town of Jinotepe, about 45 km (28 miles) south of Managua, celebrates its patron saint Santiago with a week of traditional dancing, processions, and the famous Baile de las Inditas folk performances. You'll see locals in elaborate traditional costumes, hear marimba music in the streets, and can try traditional foods like nacatamales and vigorón that vendors set up around the central plaza. It's genuinely local rather than tourist-oriented, which means you'll be one of maybe a handful of foreign visitors.
Revolution Day (July 19)
This national holiday commemorates the 1979 Sandinista Revolution and is marked by political rallies, concerts, and celebrations particularly in Managua and León. Banks and government offices close, and major cities see large gatherings with music and street food. The political nature means it's more about Nicaraguan national identity than tourist entertainment, but it offers insight into the country's recent history. Expect some transport disruptions and closed businesses on July 19 itself.