Typical Weather Patterns
San Juan del Sur operates on a tropical wet and dry cycle, strictly divided into two distinct periods: the dry season (verano) and the rainy season (invierno). Despite these shifts, the temperature remains remarkably steady, with daytime highs typically hovering between 85°F and 91°F (29°C–33°C). The true variable is moisture and wind, which dictate the "feel" of the air and the vibrancy of the landscape.
Daily Climate Rhythm
In this coastal town, the day follows a predictable heat cycle. Mornings are often clear and relatively mild, but by midday, the tropical sun peaks, creating an "oppressive" humidity during the wet months or a crisp, intense heat during the dry months.
- The Golden Hour: Late afternoons provide relief as the sun dips, often resulting in world-class orange and pink sunsets.
- Evening Cooling: Coastal breezes, especially those coming off the Pacific, provide a natural cooling effect that drops nighttime temperatures to a comfortable 74°F to 76°F (23°C–24°C).
Seasonal Trends
The Dry Season (November – April)
Locals call this "Summer." It is characterized by near-total absence of rain and the arrival of the powerful Papagayo winds.
- January & February: The coolest and windiest months. The air is dry, and the sky is a deep, cloudless blue.
- March & April: The hottest window of the year. Temperatures can spike to 95°F (35°C), and the landscape turns a dusty brown as the tropical dry forest goes dormant.
The Green Season (May – October)
Known as "Winter," this is when the rains return, transforming the brown hills into a lush, emerald jungle almost overnight.
- May & June: Transitional months. Rain typically arrives in short, violent bursts in the late afternoon or at night, leaving the mornings sunny.
- September & October: The peak of the rainy season. Expect higher humidity and more consistent cloud cover. While all-day rain is rare, tropical depressions can occasionally bring several days of overcast weather.
- La Canícula: A unique phenomenon occurs in late July and August—a "mini-dry season" within the rainy season where precipitation drops significantly for a few weeks, offering a brief window of dry, sunny weather.
Specific Weather Phenomena: The Papagayo Winds
One of the most defining characteristics of San Juan del Sur is the Papagayo winds. Between December and March, high-pressure systems from North America funnel cold air through the break in the Central American cordillera near Lake Nicaragua. These winds accelerate as they hit the Pacific, frequently gusting at 20–40 mph.
- Impact: These offshore winds "groom" the ocean waves, making the area a premier surfing destination. However, they also cause upwelling, where the wind pushes surface water away, pulling cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep. This can cause sea temperatures to drop unexpectedly by several degrees in the middle of the tropical summer.
Local Experience and Adaptation
Locals, or Sanjuanenos, have long adapted to the extremes of wind and rain:
- Wind Management: During the peak of the Papagayo season, you will see residents using heavy rocks to weigh down roof tin or patio furniture. Boating and fishing are often suspended when the navy (La Fuerza Naval) closes the port due to gale-force gusts.
- The Siesta Mentality: During the peak heat of April, the town slows down between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Life moves indoors or to the shade to avoid the "flip-flop melting" ground temperatures.
- Rain Preparedness: In the wet season, the community embraces the rain as a renewal. Nature comes alive with massive sea turtle arrivals (arribadas) on nearby beaches, often triggered by the lunar cycle and weather changes.
What It Feels Like
- Dry Season: It feels "bright" and kinetic. The wind is a constant presence, whistling through the trees and keeping the air from feeing stagnant. Even at 90°F, the low humidity makes it feel manageable.
- Wet Season: It feels "heavy" and tropical. The scent of damp earth and blooming jasmine is prominent. The air is thick, making a simple walk feel like a workout, but the sudden afternoon downpours provide a dramatic, refreshing reset.