Rainy Season

Before we arrived in Nicaragua, I had significant concerns about rainy season.  All the guidebooks and travel websites suggested you stay out of Nica during October and November.  Go during dry season they advised, when it’s guaranteed to be sunny.

I respectfully disagree.

So far, rainy season seems to be the best kept secret around here.  Yes, it rains.  But usually the rain lasts for 30-60 minutes, and then gives way to sunny blue skies.  We’ve only experienced two days that were more cloudy than clear, but even then the rain just came in an out and was light enough you could walk around in it without much concern.  The rain helps cool off the temperature, cleans the roads, and gives the air that nice fresh rain smell.   As far as tropical weather goes, it’s quite agreeable.

The best part, though, is the lack of other travelers.  We practically have Nicaragua to ourselves.  The above photo is of the Catarina Viewpoint, overlooking Laguna de Apoyo and Granada, which would be hopping with tourists during busy season.  This time of year we can have our pick of benches.  Nearly all of our lodgings have been discounted to off season rates, and we’ve never had an issue finding a place to stay or eat.  It’s true that some tourist places are closed for rainy season, particularly those owned by foreigners who use the off season as a chance to visit their home countries.  For the most part, though, everything we could want is available, cheaper, and less crowded.

While I was initially panicked to learn we were hitting Nicaragua just as all the rain was about to fall, I’m now pretty happy with our timing.  We’ll get more and more rain as October progresses (or so they say), but so far the only down side has been that it takes a little longer for my clothes to dry on the clothesline at our apartment.  I think I can handle that little setback.