Climate
Most of the country is tropically hot all year round. On the coast and in the lowlands it is humid. There are two rainfall seasons which vary according to geographical location - the majority of the country has a dry season from December to April. The rest of the year it can rain hard but usually not for too long. The Caribbean coastal lowlands have a shorter dry season which is March to May, and even then it can rain. The country lies in the hurricane belt with September and October historically the most susceptible months.
Below are two graphs showing average 24-hour temperature and rainfall for Managua, Rivas in the south-west, Chinandega in the north-west and London for comparison.
Average 24-hour Temperature (in oC)
Average Rainfall (in mm)
Festivals & Holidays
The principal holidays for Nicaraguans are Christmas and Easter when they flock to the beaches. Liberation Day on July 19th is the anniversary of the 1979 revolution and is still celebrated by sandinistas with parades. Every town has its own saint’s day with an annual festival: in Granada, Immaculate Conception or "Purisimas" is celebrated over nine days up to 7th December with floats and processions.
Currency
The local currency is the Córdoba. Current exchange rates are available via the OANDA currency converter. It's not advisable to try to acquire Latin American currency before travelling, if a currency is available in high street banks or exchange outlets the exchange rate is usually very poor. You can change US dollar cash or travellers checks locally and obtain cash advances via ATMs in most towns and cities. We'd advise that you tell your bank you intend to use your card abroad before you set off.
Visas
British citizens can find up-to-date information on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Citizens of other countries should consult their embassy before travel.
Vaccinations
We recommend that you always check with your own travel clinic or health professional before you travel, for advice specific to your requirements. The NHS Fit For Travel website contains for up-to-date health advice and lists the common vaccinations for travellers to Nicaragua.