When to Visit Nicaragua
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Browse tours, activities, and experiences in Nicaragua. Book with free cancellation on most options.
Explore Tours & ActivitiesWhat to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Dry Season (Nov-Apr)
Wet Season (May-Oct)
Highlands Year-Round
Beach/Coastal Areas
Skip These Items
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Peak dry season with reliably sunny days and warm temperatures. This is one of the busiest months for tourism, so expect higher prices and more crowds at popular spots like San Juan del Sur and Ometepe. The humidity sits around 70%, making it quite comfortable by tropical standards.
February
Continues the excellent dry season weather with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's actually one of the hottest and driest months, particularly on the Pacific side. Great beach weather, though it can feel quite hot inland during midday.
March
The tail end of peak season with temperatures climbing and the landscape starting to look quite parched. Still predominantly dry, though you might catch an occasional surprise shower toward month's end. The heat can be intense, especially in lowland areas.
April
The hottest and driest month before the rains arrive, with temperatures that can feel quite oppressive in cities. Tourist numbers start dropping off, and locals are eagerly awaiting the first rains. The landscape looks pretty brown, but beaches remain excellent.
May
The transition month as the wet season begins, typically with afternoon thunderstorms that clear up by evening. Mornings are often sunny and beautiful, and the countryside starts greening up. Prices drop noticeably and crowds thin out considerably.
June
Firmly in the wet season with regular afternoon rains, though mornings tend to stay clear for activities. The humidity climbs but temperatures moderate slightly. Everything's lush and green, waterfalls are flowing, and you'll have tourist sites largely to yourself.
July
Interestingly, July often brings a brief dry spell called "veranillo" (little summer) with reduced rainfall and clearer skies. This makes it a surprisingly decent time to visit, with low-season prices but better weather than surrounding months. Humidity remains around 70%.
August
The rains pick back up after July's brief respite, with frequent afternoon and evening storms. That said, it's still quite manageable for travel—just plan outdoor activities for mornings. The Caribbean coast gets particularly wet this month.
September
One of the wettest months with heavy rainfall and the highest risk of tropical storms or hurricanes, particularly on the Caribbean coast. The Pacific side is more manageable, but expect significant rain. Definitely low season with rock-bottom prices.
October
The wettest month of the year with frequent heavy rains and overcast days. Some remote areas can become difficult to access due to muddy roads. That said, serious budget travelers and surfers (who don't mind the conditions) can find incredible deals.
November
The wet season winds down, though early November can still see significant rainfall. By mid-to-late month, conditions improve dramatically with more sunshine and drying trails. A great shoulder season month with improving weather but still-reasonable prices.
December
The dry season is well underway with lovely weather—sunny days, comfortable humidity, and minimal rain. Tourist numbers climb steadily, especially around Christmas and New Year's when prices spike. Everything's still green from the recent rains, making it arguably the most pleasant month.