Central America Travel Guide

Although located firmly within the tropics, altitude, rather than latitude, governs climate in Central America. Covering terrain which ranges between sea level and 3000m the temperature can vary by as much as twenty degrees. The year is divided into just two seasons: a rainy season , which lasts roughly from May to October and is often called "winter" ( invierno ), and a dry season - or "summer" ( verano ) - from November to April, although the distinction between the two varies wildly, even within small areas. In the highlands of Guatemala or Costa Rica, rainy-season downpours ( aguaceros ) are common in September and October. Meanwhile, on the Caribbean coastline, you'll find it's mostly wet year-round and almost supernaturally humid.

Where there is a rainy season, don't assume it will rain all the time; a common pattern is a fine, sunny dry morning until about noon or 1pm, then a clouding over and an afternoon downpour that sometimes extends into evening showers. It's true that travelling in the rainy season can be a little more problematic, due to washed-out roads and swollen creeks on some of the more backroad routes, but the advantages of coming to Central America in the rainy season are many, including lower accommodation prices (especially in heavily touristed areas like Costa Rica), fewer tourists, and the relief of a cooling shower or two.

Yearly average temperatures in the region change little, with daytime temperatures in the lowlands the hottest, averaging anywhere from 28 to 32°C. The coastal areas or the low inland plains are where you will feel the heat most uncomfortably. In the mountains the weather can be cooler, fresh, and surprisingly like a fine late spring day in the temperate zone, with temperatures more like 22 to 25°C. For more specific climate details, see the individual country introductions.