The climate of Managua
Managua, the capital city of
Nicaragua, experiences a Tropical wet and dry climate, also known as a savanna climate under the Köppen climate classification. The weather oscillates between two distinct seasons: wet and dry, with consistently high temperatures.
The average high temperature remains around the 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. The warmest month seems to be
April with an average high of 34.6°C (94.3°F) while
November and
December tend to be slightly cooler with an average high of 29.8°C (85.6°F) and 30.2°C (86.4°F) respectively. Standing in contrast, average low temperature has a narrow range that varies from about 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F).
Rainfall shows a marked seasonality with
February to April having rainfall below 4mm (0.16"), escalating to a high peak of 317mm (12.48") in
October. A significant feature in relation to rainfall is the remarkable transition from low precipitation levels in April to distinctively high levels in
May, marking a clear shift from the dry season to the wet season.
Relative humidity generally shows a rising trend starting from an average of 59% in April, peaking at 86% in October, and then gradually decreasing. Along with temperature, sunshine and UV index values also stay relatively stable throughout the year, with more than 7 hours of sunshine per day on average.
The best time to visit Managua
The best time to visit
Managua is generally the dry season that runs from
February to
April. During these months, rainfall is low coupled with a relatively lower humidity than the wet season and average high temperatures around 32.8°C (91°F) to 34.6°C (94.3°F). These conditions are suitable for outdoor activities. In addition, clear visibility up to 10km (6.2mi) maximizes the enjoyable view of the city and its surroundings.
The worst time to visit Managua
The wet season particularly
October, may not be the most ideal time to visit
Managua. October has the highest average rainfall at 317mm (12.48"), the highest relative humidity at 86% and the least amount of sunshine, which might lead to discomfort and spoiling of outdoor plans.
Spring weather in Managua
Spring in
Managua, from
March to
May, starts on a drier note and shifts towards a significantly wetter period. The average high temperature rises to 34.6°C (94.3°F) in
April but cools marginally to 32.6°C (90.7°F) in May. Rainfall, although negligible in March and April at 3mm (0.12"), increases dramatically to 208mm (8.19") in May. Despite entering the rainy season, the sun shines for about 9.7 to 9.8 hours per day.
Summer weather in Managua
Summers in
Managua, extending from
June to
August, are characterized by a significant amount of rainfall, ranging between 168mm (6.61") to 192mm (7.56"). Despite the heavy rainfall, the temperature averages a high of 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F) and a low of about 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F). Relative humidity increases, averaging 80% to 83%.
Autumn weather in Managua
Autumn, from
September to
November, witnesses the highest average rainfall with about 173mm (6.81") in September, soaring to the yearly high of 317mm (12.48") in
October, and declining to 87mm (3.43") in November. The temperature sees a decrease with daily highs averaging 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F). Average daylight decreases from 12.2 hours in September to 11.6 hours in November, while the sunshine duration decreases from 8.6 hours to about 9.2 hours per day.
Winter weather in Managua
The winter season in
Managua, namely
December and
January, is relatively dry, with rainfall drastically decreasing to just about 16mm (0.63") and 2mm (0.08") respectively. The temperature ranges from a high of 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F) and a low in-between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 21.5°C (70.7°F), providing a comfortable climate. With humidity decreasing from 73% to 67% and around 11.4 to 11.5 hours of daylight per day, it seems to be a pleasant time of the year.
Weather in January
Despite being the heart of winter in most parts of the world, temperatures in
Managua,
Nicaragua are moderate with high temperatures of 31.4°C (88.5°F) and lows of 21.4°C (70.5°F). The cool wind speeds averaging 16.8km/h (10.4mph), along with slightly lower relative humidity of 67%, allow for comfortable outdoor activities during this month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Temperatures slightly increase in
February with recorded maximums that can reach up to 32.4°C (90.3°F). The weather shifts towards hotter and drier tendencies compared to
January, paving the path for those who enjoy tropical retreats.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, there is a spike in temperatures with maximums peaking at a scorching 33.6°C (92.5°F). As one of the warmest months in
Managua, it signifies the end of the dry season and the onset of pre-monsoons. The longer daylight hours combined with more sunshine hours per day indicate more Vitamin-D-rich days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With highs soaring to 34.6°C (94.3°F),
April exhibits the highest temperature values and marks the onset of the rainy season. A drastic increase in rainfall is observed, transitioning from 3mm (0.12") in
March to a whopping 35mm (1.38").
Weather in April »Weather in May
May witnesses the beginning of the monsoon season in
Managua with rainfall surging to a high of 208mm (8.19"). Compared to
April, temperatures descend, providing respite from the earlier heat. The weather conditions oscillate between hot, humid days and thundery showers.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The monsoon season in
Managua stabilizes with
June recording a lower temperature high of 30.8°C (87.4°F) and observing 168mm (6.61") of rainfall. Temperatures are relatively milder now which effectively cools off the region. Clouds often blanket the city, delivering generous spells of rain that fill the streets.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July experiences similar weather patterns as
June with high temperatures around 30.6°C (87.1°F). There is a slight decrease in rainfall and relative humidity, leading to less oppressive conditions compared to June. With most of the city drenched under the monsoon showers, the lush green landscape stands at its prime.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The month of
August brings continuity to the rainy season with 192mm (7.56") rainfall. The temperatures do not vary much from the preceding month, indicating a steady climate. Despite the high humidity and frequent monsoon showers, the richness in the city's flora and fauna shines through.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September is the wettest month in
Managua with the highest recorded rainfall of 317mm (12.48"). There is a slight dip in the high temperature to 30.4°C (86.7°F). This month welcomes autumn with the city still under the influence of constant monsoon showers.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October maintains high rainfall numbers with precipitation recorded at 173mm (6.81"), however, it's notably less than
September. The high temperature reduces further to 29.3°C (84.7°F) bringing some reprieve from the typical tropical heat.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Rainfall drops to 87mm (3.43") in
November, marking the end of the monsoons. Temperatures are milder with highs edging up to 29.8°C (85.6°F).
Managua transitions into the drier period this month making it more pleasant for tourism.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December records the coolest maximum temperatures of 30.2°C (86.4°F) and a considerable drop in rainfall to 16mm (0.63"). With the arrival of December,
Managua bids farewell to the monsoons and welcomes the dry season in full swing.
Weather in December »