Climate

Basically, Nicaragua enjoys a stable tropical climate with minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Topographical differences, however, create a variety of climatic characteristics: In the lower regions up to 700 meters, where many of the tourist attractions are to be found, maximum daily temperatures average between 30 and 35° Celsius; at night temperatures drop to a pleasant 20 to 25° Celsius. In the central highlands (750 to 1600m), one can expect between 15 and 27° Celsius.
The greater part of the country knows only two seasons: The dry spell from November to April and the rainy period from May to October. During the dry season there is no rain whatsoever. In the wet months, short but heavy downpours occur at intervals but this usually amounts to no more than one hour of rainfall altogether throughout the day.

An exception to this is found on the Caribbean coast and particularly along the San Juan River. In this rain forest region precipitation is high the whole year long with lesser intensity between February and April.
Furthermore, the Caribbean coast is frequently subjected to hurricanes in September and October. The two most devastating in recent past (1988 Joan and 1998 Mitch) caused many deaths and severe destruction.