Central America spans seven countries (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama) positioned between Mexico and Colombia. Despite its relatively small size, the region features diverse microclimates influenced by:
- Elevation differences (from sea level to mountains over 4,000 meters)
- Position between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
- Proximity to the equator
- Seasonal wind patterns
Temperature Patterns
Central America maintains relatively stable temperatures year-round due to its tropical location. However, temperatures vary significantly based on elevation:
Lowland Coastal Areas (0-800m)
- Average temperatures: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
- Minimal seasonal temperature variation (typically less than 5°C difference)
- Highest temperatures: March to May (pre-rainy season)
- Humidity levels often make temperatures feel warmer than measured
Mid-Elevation Areas (800-1,500m)
- Average temperatures: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- Slightly more seasonal variation (5-8°C difference)
- Often described as “eternal spring” climates
- Examples: Guatemala City, San José (Costa Rica), central Honduras
Highland Areas (Above 1,500m)
- Average temperatures: 10-18°C (50-64°F)
- Greater diurnal temperature variation (warm days, cool nights)
- Coldest months: December to February
- Examples: Quetzaltenango (Guatemala), parts of western Honduras
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall provides the most significant seasonal variation in Central America:
Dry Season (Roughly December to April)
- Pacific Coast: Very little rainfall (0-50mm monthly average)
- Caribbean Coast: Some rainfall (50-150mm monthly average)
- Typically clear skies with occasional brief showers
- Lower humidity levels across the region
Wet Season (Roughly May to November)
- Pacific Coast: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms (200-400mm monthly average)
- Caribbean Coast: Consistent rainfall (150-300mm monthly average)
- Mornings often clear, with rainfall increasing in afternoons
- Potential for tropical storms and hurricanes (August-November)
Transitional Periods
- April-May: Gradually increasing rainfall
- November-December: Gradually decreasing rainfall
- May often features the “little summer” (veranillo) with temporarily reduced rainfall
Hurricane Considerations
The Atlantic hurricane season (June to November, peaking August-October) affects primarily the Caribbean coast. The Pacific coast experiences fewer direct hurricane impacts but can see heavy rainfall from nearby systems.
Country-Specific Climate Insights
Belize
- Dry season: February to May (temperatures 24-32°C)
- Wet season: June to January (rainfall 150-400mm monthly)
- Hurricane risk highest in September and October
- Inland areas typically receive less rainfall than coastal regions
Guatemala
- Pacific coast: Hot year-round (28-34°C), dramatically less rain December-April
- Central highlands: Moderate temperatures (15-25°C), dry November-April
- Caribbean coast: Consistently humid (24-32°C), rainfall throughout year
- Lake Atitlán region: Moderate temperatures with afternoon rain May-October
El Salvador
- Dry season: November to April (temperatures 22-35°C)
- Wet season: May to October (rainfall 200-350mm monthly)
- Relatively uniform climate throughout the small country
- Coastal areas consistently warmer than inland
Honduras
- Caribbean coast: Very humid (25-32°C), rainfall throughout year
- Pacific coast: Hot and dry December-April, hot and wet May-November
- Interior highlands: Moderate temperatures (15-25°C), distinct dry season
Nicaragua
- Pacific lowlands: Hot (28-32°C), very dry December-April
- Caribbean coast: Warm and humid year-round, wettest July-December
- Central highlands: Moderate temperatures (18-25°C), less rainfall
Costa Rica
- Caribbean coast: Consistently humid, wettest June-August and November-December
- Pacific coast: Distinct dry season December-April, wet season May-November
- Central Valley: Moderate temperatures (17-26°C), reduced rainfall January-April
- Monteverde cloud forest region: Cool temperatures (14-20°C), misty year-round
Panama
- Caribbean coast: Consistently warm and humid (24-31°C), rainfall throughout year
- Pacific coast: Hot (26-32°C), distinct dry season January-April
- Highland areas (Boquete): Moderate temperatures (16-24°C), reduced rainfall January-April
- Rainfall typically highest in October (250-450mm)
Optimal Travel Periods By Priority
For Minimal Rainfall (Highest Priority for Beach Activities)
- Best Period: January to March
- Region-Specific Timing:
- Pacific Coast: December through April offers consistently dry conditions
- Caribbean Coast: March typically has the lowest rainfall of any month
For Moderate Temperatures
- Best Period: December to February for highland areas
- Region-Specific Timing:
- Lowland areas have minimal temperature variation year-round
- Highland areas experience coolest temperatures December-February
For Avoiding Crowds While Maintaining Good Weather
- Best Period: November and April/May (shoulder seasons)
- Early November often features decreasing rainfall but precedes high tourist season
- Late April/early May typically has good weather before heavy rains begin
For Budget Considerations
- Best Period: September-October (lowest prices, but highest rainfall)
- Significant discounts available during wet season (May-October)
Recommended Travel Periods by Country
- Belize: February to April for optimal weather
- Guatemala: November to April for most areas
- El Salvador: November to April (December-February ideal)
- Honduras: January to March for nationwide travel
- Nicaragua: December to April for Pacific and central regions
- Costa Rica: January to April for Pacific, September-October for Caribbean
- Panama: January to April for most regions
Conclusion
Central America’s climate varies significantly based on elevation and proximity to either coast. For most travelers seeking to minimize rainfall while enjoying comfortable temperatures, the period from January through March represents the optimal travel window for the region as a whole. However, travelers with specific destination priorities may find different months ideal depending on their regional focus.
Have a look a the table below for detailed information about rain- and temperature patterns during the year.
| Country | Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||||
| Belize | Temp | (°C) | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 24 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | 135 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 115 | 215 | 205 | 185 | 235 | 280 | 210 | 160 | ||||
| Guatemala | Temp | (°C) | Lowlands | 28 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | ||
| Temp | (°C) | Highlands | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 16 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Pacific | 5 | 5 | 10 | 35 | 160 | 295 | 205 | 280 | 320 | 240 | 60 | 10 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Caribbean | 180 | 115 | 95 | 85 | 150 | 295 | 390 | 330 | 280 | 305 | 255 | 215 | |||
| El Salvador | Temp | (°C) | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | 5 | 5 | 10 | 45 | 185 | 310 | 280 | 315 | 335 | 235 | 45 | 10 | ||||
| Honduras | Temp | (°C) | Lowlands | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | ||
| Temp | (°C) | Highlands | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 18 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Pacific | 5 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 150 | 210 | 160 | 215 | 300 | 180 | 45 | 10 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Caribbean | 215 | 145 | 110 | 95 | 140 | 245 | 350 | 290 | 255 | 300 | 290 | 260 | |||
| Nicaraqua | Temp | (°C) | Lowlands | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | ||
| Temp | (°C) | Highlands | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 19 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Pacific | 5 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 190 | 250 | 150 | 190 | 290 | 310 | 80 | 15 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Caribbean | 255 | 180 | 120 | 110 | 230 | 385 | 420 | 340 | 310 | 380 | 340 | 290 | |||
| Costa Rica | Temp | (°C) | Lowlands | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | ||
| Temp | (°C) | Central Valey | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Pacific | 10 | 10 | 15 | 65 | 260 | 290 | 220 | 280 | 360 | 380 | 160 | 50 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Caribbean | 320 | 240 | 185 | 210 | 290 | 280 | 350 | 270 | 160 | 290 | 380 | 360 | |||
| Panama | Temp | (°C) | Lowlands | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | ||
| Temp | (°C) | Highlands | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Pacific | 30 | 15 | 15 | 65 | 250 | 240 | 205 | 250 | 300 | 360 | 240 | 90 | |||
| Rainfall | (mm) | Caribbean | 290 | 180 | 130 | 170 | 310 | 320 | 370 | 305 | 230 | 370 | 450 | 380 | |||