Things to Do in Nicaragua in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Nicaragua
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season explosion - May marks the start of Nicaragua's rainy season, which means the landscapes transform from dusty brown to vibrant green within weeks. The volcanoes look dramatically different with cloud cover rolling over their peaks, and waterfalls that were trickling in April suddenly roar to life. Photographers actually prefer this month for the dramatic skies.
- Significantly fewer tourists - You're visiting between spring break crowds and summer vacation rush. Beach towns like San Juan del Sur have maybe 40% fewer visitors than peak season, meaning you'll actually find space on the sand and won't need reservations at most restaurants. Hotels drop prices by 20-35% compared to December through March.
- Perfect surf conditions on the Pacific - May brings consistent southwest swells to Nicaragua's Pacific coast. Breaks like Playa Maderas and Popoyo get clean 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft) waves with offshore morning winds. The water temperature sits around 27°C (81°F), so you can surf in boardshorts all day. Local surf camps report this as one of their favorite months before the bigger July swells arrive.
- Manageable rain patterns - Unlike September or October when it can rain for days, May's rainfall typically comes as afternoon thunderstorms lasting 45-90 minutes. You can plan around it: do outdoor activities from 7am to 2pm, then enjoy the rain from a cafe or head back to your accommodation. Most days you'll still get 6-8 hours of sunshine before clouds roll in around 3pm.
Considerations
- Humidity makes everything feel 5-7 degrees warmer - That 70% humidity means 32°C (90°F) feels more like 38°C (100°F) by early afternoon. You'll sweat through shirts quickly, and anything in your backpack might get damp. If you're not used to tropical humidity, the first few days can feel exhausting until you acclimate. Locals move slower during midday for good reason.
- Some roads become challenging after heavy rain - Nicaragua's infrastructure is improving, but many secondary roads are still unpaved. After a downpour, routes to places like Laguna de Apoyo or rural coffee farms can get muddy and require 4WD. Bus schedules occasionally run 30-60 minutes late when drivers wait for roads to drain. If you're planning to explore remote areas, build flexibility into your itinerary.
- Caribbean coast timing is tricky - While the Pacific side thrives in May, Nicaragua's Caribbean coast (Corn Islands, Bluefields) enters its rainiest period. You might see 280-300 mm (11-12 inches) of rain on the Caribbean side versus 220 mm (8.7 inches) on the Pacific. If Caribbean beaches are your priority, you're visiting the wrong month - come between February and April instead.
Best Activities in May
Volcano boarding and hiking at Cerro Negro
May offers ideal conditions for volcano activities before the heaviest rains arrive in June. The morning temperatures at Cerro Negro sit around 26°C (79°F) at the base, and the volcanic ash stays firm enough for the famous volcano boarding descent. Tours typically start at 6am or 7am to avoid afternoon storms. The surrounding landscape looks particularly dramatic as green vegetation contrasts with the black volcanic rock. You'll have the slopes less crowded than peak season - maybe 15-20 people on the entire volcano versus 60-80 in January.
Colonial city walking tours in Granada and Leon
May's afternoon rain pattern actually works perfectly for city exploration. You can wander Granada's colorful streets, visit churches, and explore markets from 8am to 2pm when it's warm but manageable. When the rain starts around 3pm, duck into museums, cafes, or your hotel. The rain cools everything down by 4-5°C (7-9°F), making early evening strolls pleasant. The cities look beautiful wet - the colonial tiles and painted buildings get this glossy appearance. Fewer tourists mean you can actually photograph Iglesia La Merced without 30 people in your shot.
Coffee farm tours in the northern highlands
May timing is actually perfect for coffee tourism in regions like Matagalpa and Jinotega. While the harvest happens January through March, May is when farms are pruning, maintaining plants, and you can see the entire coffee production process without the harvest chaos. The highlands sit at 900-1400 m (2950-4600 ft) elevation, so temperatures are cooler - around 22-26°C (72-79°F) - and the afternoon rains make everything lush and fragrant. You'll learn about sustainable farming practices, taste fresh coffee, and the mountain views are spectacular with clouds rolling through valleys.
Kayaking and boat tours on Lake Nicaragua and isletas
The lake conditions in May are generally calm in mornings before wind picks up around noon. Kayaking through Las Isletas - the 365 small islands near Granada - gives you close encounters with local life, birds, and monkeys. The water level is good, vegetation is green, and you'll spot more wildlife than in dry season when animals disperse. Ometepe Island boat tours work well in May too, though you want morning departures. The rain actually makes the twin volcanoes more dramatic with clouds wrapping around the peaks. Expect to share tour boats with 6-10 people instead of 20-25.
Surfing lessons and board rentals on Pacific beaches
May delivers some of the year's best surf conditions for learners and intermediates. Beaches like Playa Maderas, Playa Santana, and Playa Remanso get consistent 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) waves perfect for progression. Morning sessions from 7am to 11am offer glassy conditions before afternoon winds arrive. Water temperature around 27°C (81°F) means no wetsuit needed. The beach scene is mellow in May - you'll find space in the lineup and instructors have more time for individual attention. Even if afternoon rain comes, you're already wet from surfing.
Wildlife watching at nature reserves and refuges
May marks the beginning of nesting season for sea turtles on Pacific beaches, and the green season brings wildlife activity to reserves like Reserva Natural Volcan Mombacho and Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor. Morning wildlife tours from 6am to 10am offer the best animal sightings when it's cooler and creatures are active. You'll spot howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, sloths, and hundreds of bird species. The rain actually helps - animals come to water sources and the wet forest amplifies sounds. Bring binoculars and a rain cover for your camera.
May Events & Festivals
Palo de Mayo Festival
This is the Caribbean coast's biggest cultural celebration, centered in Bluefields and the Corn Islands. The festival celebrates Afro-Caribbean heritage with maypole dancing, traditional music, colorful costumes, and street parties. The name comes from the maypole tradition, and you'll see elaborate decorated poles with dancers weaving ribbons. That said, May is the wettest month on the Caribbean coast, so expect celebrations to happen between rain showers. The festival atmosphere is authentic and local rather than tourist-focused - you're experiencing genuine Nicaraguan Caribbean culture.