Weather in Managua

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Managua. Below you will find the latest data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your time.

Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, has a distinct tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates slightly, remaining in a comfortable warm range, which makes the city attractive to visit at any time if you are prepared for tropical heat.

Two main seasons are clearly defined in Managua's climate: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from December to April; during this time precipitation is minimal or completely absent, and the number of rainy days tends to zero, especially from January to March. Starting in May, the rainy season begins, reaching its peak roughly from June to October. During these months, the amount of rainfall and the number of rainy days increase significantly, although downpours are often short-lived and refreshing.

Despite the change between rainy and dry seasons, the temperature regime in Managua remains surprisingly stable. Daytime highs regularly exceed 30°C, and nighttime lows rarely drop below 22°C. This means travelers should expect hot weather regardless of the month of travel, but it is worth considering the likelihood of rain when planning activities between May and November.

Warm weather reigns in Managua all year round, however, the temperature regime has its own seasonal features. The average annual temperature fluctuates in a relatively narrow range, from 26.8°C in October to 29.6°C in April. The hottest months are traditionally considered to be April, when the average maximum temperature reaches 34.8°C and the average temperature is 29.6°C, as well as March and May, with daily peaks regularly exceeding 33°C. The "coolest" month is October with an average temperature of 26.8°C, although even during this period the daytime temperature holds around 30°C.

The so-called "summer" or hottest period in Managua falls during the spring months of the northern hemisphere – from March to May. At this time, the daytime heat can be quite intense. For example, in April, average thermometer readings rise almost to 35°C, and nights bring only slight relief with temperatures around 24.4°C. March and April are characterized by dry heat, as precipitation is minimal. With the arrival of May, the heat persists, but humidity increases due to the onset of the rainy season, making the weather noticeably more muggy.

The period from October to February can be called relatively "cool" for Managua, although by the standards of a temperate climate, it is still very warm here. In October, the average temperature is about 26.8°C, and nighttime lows drop to 23.6°C. January and February bring the lowest nighttime temperatures, around 22.8°C - 22.9°C, while during the day the air warms up to 31-32°C. It is worth noting noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, especially in the dry season (from January to April), when the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can reach 9-10°C. In the rainy season, these fluctuations smooth out somewhat, amounting to 6-8°C.

In Managua, there is a distinct seasonality of precipitation, dividing the year into two main periods: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from December to April. During this period, the amount of rainfall is minimal. January and February are the driest months, when the total monthly rainfall is 0 mm, and there are no rainy days. In March, the monthly rainfall is also 0 mm, but there can be up to 2 rainy days. In December, the total monthly rainfall is also 0 mm, however, up to 3 rainy days are possible. April signals the approach of the wet season: the total monthly rainfall is just 1 mm with 4 rainy days.

The rainy season in Managua lasts from May to November, bringing a significant increase in the frequency of rainy days, although the total amount of precipitation remains moderate. The wettest month by total rainfall is October, when the total monthly precipitation reaches 10 mm, and the number of rainy days stands at an impressive 26. June also stands out with a high frequency of rain: 9 mm of precipitation falls during the month, and the number of rainy days reaches 23. September is not far behind with figures of 8 mm of rainfall per month and 25 rainy days. May (6 mm of rainfall per month, 20 rainy days) confidently opens the rainy season. In July and August, a significant number of rainy days is also observed: 17 (with 4 mm of rainfall) and 22 (with 5 mm of rainfall) respectively. November (5 mm of rainfall per month, 15 rainy days) concludes the wet season, demonstrating a gradual decrease in the intensity and frequency of precipitation.

The character of precipitation in the rainy season in Managua is predominantly frequent, but usually not very intense rains. Although rains may occur almost daily at the peak of the season, showers are often short-lived and do not bring a large total amount of moisture, quickly giving way to sunny weather, especially in the afternoon or evening. This high frequency of rainy days, especially between May and October, means travelers should be prepared for regular, albeit often light, rainfall. It is recommended to carry an umbrella or a light raincoat, especially if long walks or outdoor excursions are planned during these months.

When planning a trip to Managua, it is important to choose the right wardrobe, considering the city's hot tropical climate. High temperatures persist here all year round, so the basis of your clothing should be light, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or viscose. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high protection factor, a head covering (a hat or sun hat), and sunglasses. For walking around the city and its surroundings, you will need comfortable open shoes, for example, sandals or light sneakers.

Two seasons are clearly distinguished in Managua: dry (roughly from December to April) and wet (from May to November). If your trip falls during the rainy season, do not forget a light raincoat or a compact umbrella. Rains are usually frequent but short-lived, so bulky waterproof clothing will not be required. During this period, insect repellent may also be useful. Even in the rainy season, the temperature remains high, so any rain protection clothing should be as light as possible.

In the dry season, when precipitation is practically absent, the main emphasis is on protection from the sun and heat. Although the principle of layering in clothing for Managua is not so critical due to consistently high temperatures, a light cover-up or long-sleeved shirt may come in handy for sun protection during the day or for evening walks, when the temperature may drop slightly, especially between January and April. Also, such an item will save you from the chill in air-conditioned rooms.