Nicaragua's climate is tropical in lowlands and cooler in northern highlands. It is characterized by two seasons: the dry season (summer) and the rainy season (winter). There are three distinct climate zones in Nicaragua: the coast along the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Lowlands), the coast along the Pacific Ocean (Pacific Lowlands) and the northern mountainous region (North-Central Highlands).
The Pacific Lowlands have temperatures almost constant throughout the year, with highs from 29°C to 32°C / 85°F to 90°F. There is almost no rain during the dry season. The rainy season usually lasts here from May to October, giving the Pacific Lowlands 100-150cm / 40-60" precipitation. Rains can occur daily and are usually short but heavy.
The weather in the Atlantic Lowlands Coast is hotter and more humid. The temperatures are around 32°C / 90°F. The rainy season last here longer than on the Pacific side and the dry season is between March and May.
Daytime temperatures in the highlands are much lower - 24°C / 75F° on average.
The best time to visit Nicaragua is during the dry season from December to April.
Weather Averages in Nicaragua
Managua |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average Temperature |
79°F 26°C | 81°F 27°C | 83°F 28°C | 84°F 29°C | 84°F 29°C | 82°F 28°C | 81°F 27°C | 81°F 27°C | 81°F 27°C | 80°F 27°C | 80°F 27°C | 79°F 26°C |
| Average High Temperature |
88°F 31°C | 90°F 32°C | 92°F 33°C | 93°F 34°C | 92°F 33°C | 88°F 31°C | 87°F 31°C | 88°F 31°C | 87°F 31°C | 87°F 31°C | 88°F 31°C | 87°F 31°C |
| Average Low Temperature |
70°F 21°C | 71°F 22°C | 73°F 23°C | 75°F 24°C | 76°F 24°C | 75°F 24°C | 74°F 23°C | 74°F 23°C | 74°F 23°C | 73°F 23°C | 72°F 22°C | 71°F 22°C |
| Highest Recorded Temperature |
95°F 35°C | 96°F 36°C | 100°F 38°C | 100°F 38°C | 99°F 37°C | 96°F 36°C | 95°F 35°C | 99°F 37°C | 102°F 39°C | 93°F 34°C | 93°F 34°C | 94°F 34°C |
| Lowest Recorded Temperature |
61°F 16°C | 59°F 15°C | 61°F 16°C | 66°F 19°C | 70°F 21°C | 66°F 19°C | 68°F 20°C | 65°F 18°C | 68°F 20°C | 68°F 20°C | 61°F 16°C | 61°F 16°C |
| Average Number of Days With Precipitation |
4 days | 2 days | 2 days | 2 days | 10 days | 16 days | 15 days | 16 days | 18 days | 15 days | 8 days | 5 days |