We get it: You’re finally on vacay and you really need the weather to be good. Sun in your face, absolutely-no-sweater-weather, warm summer nights. So the cold beer in your hand feels extra cold.
Luckily, the weather in Nicaragua is decent year-round. Temperatures are always somewhere between warm and hot, which makes the country the ideal destination for your summer holidays.
But, there’s more to that – let’s dive in!
The seasons in Nicaragua
Forget about the four seasons: In Nicaragua we only have verano and invierno. Summer and winter, one hot and one cold season… right?!
Dry season vs. rainy season
In Nicaragua there is a rainy season and a dry season. Rainy season is from June until roughly October. At the end of October or mid-November the rains stop. You’ll get an occasional shower for a few months, but between December and May it is mostly dry.
Nicaraguan rainy season: What does that really mean?
Rainy season in Nicaragua means lush nature, a fresher climate (for what we’re used to anyways) and the most remarkable sunsets.
What it does NOT mean: 24/7 downpours for months on end, hurricanes every week, bad vibes. In San Juan del Sur it usually goes something like this:
- First rain mid-May
- A week of heavier rains some time in June
- Showers and heavier rains at nighttime June–September
- Heavier rains and the occasional hurricane (quite rare) in October
Usually the wettest months are September and October. But what’s true some years is entirely wrong other years.
Many people embrace rainy season: After months of drought, nature comes alive again, the landscapes turn into a lush wonderland and the plants show off in all different shades of green.
Nicaraguans and everyone who lives here (or in a similar climate) are used to this. We’re ready for the rains.
In San Juan, it’s business as usual: Throw on your raincoat, drink a shot of rum against the “cold” and go on with your day. We surf in the rain, we party in the rain… and we definitely have just as much fun in the rain as in any other type of weather.
Rainy season = wave season
Rainy season doesn’t only transform Nicaragua’s nature into a lush heaven full of tropical greenery – it also produces great conditions for surfing.
The biggest and best swells hit Nicaragua between May and October. Wave height can reach up to 8 feet on bigger days, with some heavy and powerful sets and the occasional barrel – the perfect playground for advanced surfers.
From November on, the conditions get more mellow. This is the better time for beginners and members of the tiny-wave-club (we see you & accept you, no matter what your local “pro” says).
San Juan del Sur’s climate & average temperatures
San Juan del Sur is warmer than the cooler climates in mountainous Matagalpa in Nicaragua’s North but doesn’t get the sweltering heat of Leon or Granada.
Depending on the month, temperatures in San Juan average between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 83 °F). According to plantmaps, the highest temperature measured was a flip-flop-melting 44 °C (111 °F) on April 22, 1976, in the department of Rivas.
Apart from temperatures & rain, there’s another factor to consider when planning your trip to San Juan del Sur: the wind.
As SJDS is by the beach, you often get a refreshing breeze. Forget about the sticky onshore waft of Northern Chinandega (home region of “the Boom” wave).
Fun Fact: Most years, we get a few weeks of windy season. When is that, you ask? Only climate change would know for certain, but usually sometime between November and March.
When is the best time to visit San Juan del Sur?
The best time to visit San Juan del Sur is whenever you can, really – ideally for months on end.
Joking aside: It depends on what you want for your holiday.
- If you like it dry, sunny & hot, go for November–April. Waves are small, town is bustling.
- If you like it a tad cooler & prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, come between May–October. The surf is pumping, town is not as busy with tourists.
Bottom line: Come whenever you want.
When to travel to Nicaragua: What else to consider
Dry season is high season (more or less).
This means that you need to plan ahead. Especially around popular travel dates like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter (do NOT underestimate Semana Santa in Nicaragua). San Juan del Sur gets really busy and places are often fully booked, sometimes weeks in advance. Prices for accommodation can go up around those dates too.
Make sure to book your stay at Pachamama well in advance to secure your spot – especially between November and April.
If you’re sensitive to heat, get a room with A/C! Especially in April/May, this can save you sleepless nights and provide additional comfort. It really is worth paying a few bucks more.
5 tips for planning your stay in Nicaragua around the weather
The weather is an important factor in planning your trip to San Juan del Sur – but it shouldn’t be the only one. Here are some things to consider:
- Don’t let rainy season keep you from visiting! It’s a beautiful time of year and nature is far more beautiful than in dry season. And as it typically rains at night, activities are still a go.
- Be flexible. Even if life does usually go on as normal, there can be unexpected turns of events – for weather-reasons or others. Go with the flow and enjoy your time in Nicaragua to the fullest, no matter the weather.
- We’re huge fans of sun protection. SPF 50+ is definitely our best buddy – throw in a hat and some zinc for surfing and you’re good to go. Your skin will thank you later (your mom says hi!).
- Try to plan strenuous, physical activities early in the morning or around sunset time (especially during dry season).
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Bring a refillable bottle. In the Pachamama Hostel kitchen there is free drinking water for our guests – fill your bottle as often as you like.
When to visit Nicaragua? The time is NOW
When it comes down to choosing the perfect time for your trip to Nicaragua, you should figure out your priorities first.
If you come for (advanced) surfing, you should look into visiting between May and October. Furthermore, these months make for a more relaxed atmosphere, as there are fewer crowds compared to high season. Lastly, the temperatures in San Juan del Sur are a lot cooler during those months.
People who love a bustling town and meeting loads of other travelers should look into visiting from November through April. The weather is hot, waves are small and the beaches are busy.
Our favorite time of year in Nicaragua? We embrace all the seasons. All our events at Pachamama take place year-round and we’re open 365 days of the year, 24/7. Regardless of when you visit: Get ready to be blown away by the beauty of our country.
FAQ: weather in Nicaragua & the best time to visit Sjds
What time of year is the best to visit Nicaragua?
The best time to visit Nicaragua can be any month, depending on your priorities. Rainy season (May–October) brings bigger waves, beautiful lush nature and a cooler climate compared to dry season.
What’s the coldest month in Nicaragua?
The coldest month in Nicaragua is somewhere between November and January. In San Juan del Sur, that still means temperatures around 24 °C (75 °F). Up North it can get a lot cooler: In Matagalpa temperatures often drop to under 20 °C (68 °F).
Where in Nicaragua is the best climate?
The best climate in Nicaragua depends a lot on what you prefer. Matagalpa is a lot cooler than the coastal regions or cities like Leon. In San Juan del Sur, you can enjoy warm temperatures year-round, with April being one of the hottest months.
Does Nicaragua have seasons?
Nicaragua has two seasons: rainy and dry season. The dry season is hotter and therefore often referred to as verano (summer).
Is June a good time to go to Nicaragua?
June is an excellent time to visit Nicaragua. In San Juan del Sur, temperatures have cooled off a bit by that time with the start of rainy season. If you’re there for surfing, you might be lucky and catch a bigger swell, as June is the beginning of wave season in Nicaragua.
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