Best Time to Visit Nicaragua

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Nicaragua is a destination that does not get to the top of a lot of travel lists, and that is a pity. It has the perfect weather for most of the year, and it is still obscure enough to not draw too many tourists. Off late, it has finally been getting the attention it deserves, with many families and backpackers being drawn to the lush green cloud forest, sporting adventures on volcanoes, and those stunning beaches. Nicaragua has a lot to offer throughout the year, but it is important for you to know what is the best time to visit Nicaragua. After all, the weather in Nicaragua does not stay the same the year round!

Quick Facts

  • High Season: December - April
  • Low Season: May - November
  • All Seasons: December - April (summer), May - November (wet season)
  • The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry season, between December and April. The weather will be rather warm, and there will be little to no rain.
  • November is usually considered the shoulder season, where the rains have stopped in some places, and the weather is rather wet and pleasant.
  • Between May and November, the rains increase all around the country - in the Pacific and Atlantic Coast, and in the central mountain regions.
  • It is possible for you to enjoy Nicaragua’s many offerings till the end of August, which is when the rains begin to increase.

Nicaragua is a country that has a varied geography. If you are an adventurer at heart, this is the right place for you. There are volcanoes to be climbed, and forests to be trekked, and oceans to be surfed. If you are a fan of relaxation, you can just head to one of the beaches, pull up a book, and spend your holiday sun-tanning. It’s almost impossible for you to wrong in deciding when to go to Nicaragua.

The dry season is between December and April, and is widely considered to be the best time to travel. The beaches are more accessible, and the sea is not too choppy. The countryside is usually green due to all the rains, and the trails become easy to traverse on, as well.

This is not to say that the wet season might not be the best time to visit Nicaragua for some. The wet season will bring a drop in the summer temperatures, which might be welcome to some. Towards the Pacific Coast, the rains usually fall in afternoons, and the mornings are usually dry.

Seasonal Overview

December to April — Dry Season / High Season

El Hoyo is one of the volcanic complex of Nicaragua
 Hike and ascent to the volcanoes in El Hoyo to experience the breathtaking view of the the volcanoe complex.

The best time to visit Nicaragua is when there is little to no rain throughout the country, so that you can get the most out of your vacation. Between December and February, the weather in Nicaragua is rather pleasant and warm, so whether you want to enjoy a day at the beach, or just exploring the local architecture, you will be good to go. However, between March and April, the temperatures will rise, and it might be really warm, especially in the coastal areas. There is little to no rain during these months, so you won’t have to worry about losing your holiday days! This is the peak season, so you should make sure you book your tickets and accommodation well in advance.

  • Avg. Temperature: 70 – 93° F / 21 – 34° C (in Managua)
  • Rainfall: 4 – 75 mm
  • Season: Summer
  • Highlights: This season is wonderful for those who want to indulge in outdoor activities. You can head to the beautiful beaches on the pacific coast - San Juan del Sur (head here for a surfing competition in November, that lasts a whole week), Corn Islands, and the Solentiname archipelago, offer white sand beaches, idyllic crowds, and rich island culture. You can even indulge in volcanic adventures - Cerro Negro offers volcano boarding, San Cristobal and Momotombo can impress even veteran trekkers. If you are a fan of lush greenery, head to Esteli, and visit the Miraflores National Park, where you can immerse yourself in Nicaraguan culture. During Easter, you can enjoy processions in Granada.

May to November — Wet Season / Low Season

The weather in Nicaragua slowly starts to get wet around this period - so you should definitely pack an umbrella. A lot of people believe this is the best time to visit Nicaragua, as the tourists would have left, and the rains provide a lot of respite from the heat. Between May and June, the showers are restricted to the afternoons, so you can still do outdoor adventures for the rest of the day. By July, the storms pick up.

  • Avg. Temperature: 72 – 92° F / 22 – 33° C (in Managua)
  • Rainfall: 60 – 300 mm
  • Season: Monsoon
  • Highlights: It is better for you to stick to the urban areas of Nicaragua during the monsoon, especially between July and October, as the rains might block a lot of the roads. Between May - June, the weather is still pretty good. This is a good time to visit Granada and León and engage with local Nicaraguan, as well as the beaches at Corn Islands, or San Juan del Sur for some snorkeling - the weather is just right for that. This is the off season in most of these places, so you will be able to get good discounts on accommodation as well as travel.