I will summarize the relationship between seasonal events and climate in Nicaragua below. Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon climate, there are distinct dry (November to April) and rainy seasons (May to October), but I will explain them by mapping them to the four seasons on a monthly basis.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Features
- Temperature: High temperatures around 25 to 35°C
- Precipitation: Almost no rainfall in March and April; signs of the rainy season starting from mid-May
- Characteristics: Transition period from the dryness at the end of the dry season to increasing rainfall starting in May
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| March |
Semana Santa (Holy Week) |
Under dry, sunny weather, parades and masses are held in various places. |
| April |
Semana Santa |
Outdoor events are abundant due to the dry season. Many pilgrims visit rituals at ruins and in front of churches. |
| May |
Palo de Mayo (East Coast) |
A festival of traditional dance and music, held while feeling the beginning of the rainy season from early to mid-May. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Stable at 24 to 30°C
- Precipitation: Rainy season peak from June to October, with thunderstorms and downpours occurring mainly in the evenings
- Characteristics: High humidity, unexpected heavy rainfall, and increased risk of river flooding
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| June |
San Pedro Festival (Bonanza) |
A festival celebrating the local saint. Worship and parades are held indoors and outdoors as the rainy season's rain intensifies. |
| July |
San Cristóbal Festival (Chinandega) |
A folk event held between rainy seasons. Many food stalls in markets, requiring preparation for rain gear. |
| August |
Assumption of the Virgin |
Mass and parades in churches on August 15. This often coincides with "sunny days" when the rainy season temporarily halts. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Slightly decreases to 23 to 29°C
- Precipitation: Increased heavy rain in September and October due to typhoon fringes; transition to the dry season in November
- Characteristics: A mix of intense rainfall at the end of the rainy season and the transition to the dry season
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| September |
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) |
On September 15. Outdoor parades and fireworks are common, with street lighting and decorations aimed at temporary sunny breaks in the rainy season. |
| October |
Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos) |
On the weekend close to November 2, cemetery visits and family gatherings. Transition to the dry season makes it easier to visit cemeteries by late October. |
| November |
La Purísima (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) |
On November 7-8. Prayer meetings honoring the Virgin Mary are held under clear skies at the beginning of the dry season, featuring candlelight processions and hymns. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Features
- Temperature: Relatively comfortable at 22 to 28°C
- Precipitation: Peak of the dry season with almost no rainfall
- Characteristics: A continuation of sunny days, leading to the peak of the tourism season
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Relationship with Climate |
| December |
La Gritería (The Crying of the Virgin Mary) |
On December 7-8. Nighttime parades and firecrackers. Outdoor activities are easier during the cool nights of the dry season. |
| January |
Romería de Jesús del Rescate |
From January 1-9. A pilgrimage from the capital Managua to the town. Many believers participate on foot under stable dry season weather. |
| February |
Carnaval de Managua |
Held on the weekend after the lunar new year. The light winds of the dry season provide a suitable climate for festival stalls and markets. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationships
| Season |
Climate Features |
Example Main Events |
| Spring |
Ending dry season dryness → Beginning of rainy season |
Semana Santa, Palo de Mayo |
| Summer |
High humidity and heavy rain at rainy season peak |
San Pedro Festival, San Cristóbal Festival, Assumption of the Virgin |
| Autumn |
Intense rainfall at rainy season end → Transition to dry season |
Independence Day, Day of the Dead, La Purísima |
| Winter |
Clear skies and cool breezes at dry season peak |
La Gritería, Romería, Carnaval de Managua |
Supplement
- The dry season (November to April) is the tourism season with many outdoor events.
- The rainy season (May to October) features events related to agriculture and harvest.
- The fusion of religious and agricultural cultures has led to traditional events adapting to climate changes.
The above is a list of climate characteristics and main events and culture for each season in Nicaragua.
Light rain shower