Nicaragua has a broadly similar climate to Costa Rica, its neighbour to the south. The Pacific basin in western Nicaragua, where the historic towns are situated, has a more pronounced dry season from December to mid-May. At its height it can be too hot for some although towards the end of the dry season, the Caribbean waters are calmer and are at their best for snorkelling. In general terms the Caribbean side of the country also tends to be wetter than the Pacific side.
The 'wet' season is from mid-May to mid-November. It tends to be more moderate than in Costa Rica and is generally good for travel with showers occurring mainly in the afternoon and overnight. The wettest months are September and October.