Things to Do in Nicaragua in September

September Weather in Nicaragua

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

280 mm (11 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Salto San Ramón flow at maximum volume and the countryside is emerald green after months of rain
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels slash rates by 30-40% during peak rainy season, with luxury eco-lodges offering their best deals
Surfing conditions are excellent on the Pacific coast with consistent 1.5-2.4 m (5-8 ft) swells and offshore winds in the mornings before afternoon rains
Turtle nesting season peaks at Playa La Flor - September offers the highest chance of witnessing massive olive ridley arribadas with up to 100,000 turtles nesting simultaneously

Considerations

Daily torrential downpours typically 2-4 hours each afternoon can disrupt outdoor plans and make unpaved roads impassable, especially in remote areas
High humidity levels around 85% combined with 31°C (88°F) temperatures create uncomfortable conditions for hiking or extensive outdoor activities
Some rural roads and bridges become inaccessible due to flooding, potentially cutting off access to remote beaches and mountain areas for days at a time

Best Activities in September

Pacific Coast Surf Lessons and Board Rentals

September delivers Nicaragua's most consistent surf conditions with daily 1.5-2.4 m (5-8 ft) swells and clean offshore winds until noon. Morning sessions from 6-11 AM offer glassy conditions before afternoon storms. Water temperature stays warm at 27°C (81°F). Beach breaks like Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa are less crowded than dry season.

Booking Tip: Book morning surf lessons 3-5 days ahead through beachfront surf schools. Rates drop 25% during rainy season, typically US$35-50 for 2-hour lessons including board. Look for schools with covered areas for gear storage during afternoon rains.

Turtle Nesting Tours at Pacific Beaches

September marks peak olive ridley arribada season when thousands of turtles nest simultaneously at protected beaches. La Flor Wildlife Refuge sees its largest arrivals, while hawksbill and leatherback nesting continues at other sites. Night tours run 8 PM-2 AM with highest success rates mid-month.

Booking Tip: Reserve through certified guides 1-2 weeks ahead, typically US$45-65 per person including transportation and park fees. Tours operate despite rain - turtles actually prefer stormy nights for nesting. Book through established eco-tour operators with proper permits.

Cloud Forest Hiking and Birdwatching

September transforms cloud forests into misty wonderlands with peak bird activity during brief morning clearings 6-9 AM. Trails in Mombacho and Maderas volcanos offer excellent quetzal and toucan sightings before daily cloud cover. Temperatures stay cool at 18-22°C (64-72°F) at elevation.

Booking Tip: Start guided hikes by 6 AM to avoid afternoon cloud buildup and storms. Book certified guides 5-7 days ahead, typically US$40-75 for half-day tours including transportation from nearby towns. Ensure guides carry rain gear and have alternate shorter routes.

Colonial City Walking Tours and Museum Visits

Rainy afternoons make September perfect for exploring Granada's and León's covered colonial architecture, churches, and museums. Morning walking tours 8-11 AM beat both crowds and afternoon storms. Indoor cultural sites like museums and art galleries provide excellent afternoon shelter with air conditioning.

Booking Tip: Book morning historical tours 2-3 days ahead, typically US$25-40 for 3-hour guided walks. Look for tours that include museum entries and covered markets. Afternoon cooking classes in colonial kitchens offer great rainy-day alternatives, usually US$55-80 per person.

Coffee Farm Tours and Processing Experiences

September coincides with early coffee harvest preparation in northern mountains around Matagalpa and Jinotega. Farms showcase bean processing while landscapes are lush green. Higher elevation means cooler temperatures 20-25°C (68-77°F) and dramatic misty mountain views during rain breaks.

Booking Tip: Reserve farm tours 4-7 days ahead through established coffee cooperatives, typically US$30-55 per person including tastings and traditional lunch. Many farms offer covered processing areas perfect for rainy season visits. Look for tours that include transportation on 4WD vehicles for muddy mountain roads.

Volcanic Hot Springs and Spa Treatments

September's cool, misty weather makes soaking in natural hot springs especially appealing. San Jacinto thermal pools and volcanic mud baths near León offer covered facilities perfect for rainy days. Water temperatures stay constant at 38-42°C (100-108°F) regardless of weather, providing warm refuge from humid conditions.

Booking Tip: Visit thermal springs during afternoon rain showers for a unique experience - book day passes 1-2 days ahead, typically US$15-25 per person. Many facilities offer indoor changing areas and covered pools. Spa treatments cost US$35-60 and provide perfect rainy afternoon activities.

September Events & Festivals

Late September (typically September 14)

Gritería Chiquita

Religious celebration honoring the Virgin Mary with evening processions, traditional music, and free treats distributed house-to-house. Granada and León host the largest celebrations with colonial streets filled with altars and singing crowds despite rain.

September 15

Independence Day Celebrations

National holiday featuring patriotic parades in major cities, traditional folk dancing, and cultural performances. Many events move indoors or under covered areas due to rainy season, with community centers and schools hosting festivities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-quality rain jacket and pants - afternoon storms dump 25-50 mm (1-2 inches) in 2-3 hours with little warning

Waterproof daypack cover or dry bags - essential for protecting electronics, documents, and clean clothes during sudden downpours

Quick-dry pants and shirts - avoid cotton which stays wet for hours in 85% humidity conditions

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - trails become slippery mud and many roads are unpaved

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite clouds - UV still reaches 6+ during brief sunny periods between storms

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito populations significantly

Flip-flops or water shoes for muddy/wet conditions around accommodations and beaches

Waterproof phone case and power bank - electricity outages are common during heavy storms

Light fleece or windbreaker for air-conditioned spaces and higher elevations 1,200 m+ (4,000 ft+)

Umbrella for walking between covered areas in cities - lighter than full rain gear for short distances

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights early morning (7-9 AM) - afternoon thunderstorms frequently cause delays or cancellations at smaller airports

Carry small bills (US$1, $5) and córdobas - many rural areas lose power during storms, making card payments impossible for hours or days

Stay in accommodations with backup generators - power outages during storms can last 4-12 hours, especially outside major cities

Download offline maps and translation apps - cell towers often go down during heavy storms, leaving you without GPS or internet

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning full-day outdoor activities without rain contingencies - storms hit suddenly and last 2-4 hours, stranding tourists without shelter

Renting economy cars for rural areas - low clearance vehicles get stuck on muddy roads that are impassable during/after heavy rains

Booking accommodations without checking drainage - some budget hotels in low-lying areas flood during heavy September rains