Canaima Weather Guide: Seasons of the World's Highest Falls

Canaima National Park is defined by a tropical monsoon climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct shifts in precipitation. Located within the Guayana Shield, its weather is less about changing temperatures and more about the rise and fall of water levels, which dictate everything from transportation to the majesty of its world-famous waterfalls.

Seasonal Dynamics

The Rainy Season (May to November)

This is the period of peak drama in Canaima. The landscape transforms into a vibrant, deep green, and the rivers—the lifeblood of the region—swell.

• Atmosphere: Humidity is at its highest, often exceeding 80%. Frequent, intense tropical downpours (known locally as palos de agua) are common, typically occurring in short, heavy bursts during the afternoon.
• The Experience: Cloud cover is more persistent, which can sometimes shroud the summits of the tepuis. However, this is the only time the Churun River is deep enough for dugout canoes (curiaras) to reach the base of Angel Falls. The falls themselves are at their most powerful, frequently creating their own localized mist and wind.

The Dry Season (December to April)

As the rains recede, the region enters a period of “summer” (verano), though temperatures remain warm.

• Atmosphere: Skies are clearer, and the air feels slightly less oppressive. February and March are typically the driest months.
• The Experience: Waterfall volumes decrease significantly; Angel Falls may diminish to a thin ribbon of mist that evaporates before reaching the ground. Lower river levels often make boat travel impossible, shifting the focus to helicopter flyovers or hiking. Interestingly, this season reveals beautiful pink and white sand beaches along the tannin-stained rivers that disappear during the floods.

The Daily Rhythm

In Canaima, the days follow a predictable equatorial pattern. Mornings often begin with a refreshing coolness and low-hanging mist clinging to the rainforest canopy. As the sun rises, the temperature climbs quickly, peaking in the early afternoon between 28°C and 32°C (82°F–90°F). Even in the height of the dry season, the intensity of the tropical sun can make it feel much hotter than the thermometer suggests. Evenings bring a noticeable drop in temperature, particularly near the water or at higher elevations, where it can dip to a comfortable 18°C to 22°C (64°F–72°F).

Microclimates: The "Islands in the Sky"

The most fascinating weather variation occurs on the Tepuis—the ancient, flat-topped mountains that dominate the horizon. These formations create their own isolated microclimates.

• The Summits: While the savanna floor is hot and humid, the tops of tepuis like Auyán-tepui or Mount Roraima are significantly cooler and windier.
• The Mist: The summits are often perpetually shrouded in clouds, receiving up to 4,000mm of rain annually. This constant moisture supports unique, endemic flora that exists nowhere else on Earth. On top, the weather can change in minutes, swinging from blinding sun to driving rain and dense fog.

Historical Context and Local Adaptation

The indigenous Pemon people have lived in harmony with these patterns for centuries. They categorize the seasons not just by rain, but by the behavior of the rivers and the forest. Their traditional dugout canoes are designed specifically to navigate the tannin-rich, acidic blackwater rivers which can change level by several feet in a single day after a heavy storm.

Historically, the region has seen shifts in the intensity of the dry season due to El Niño events, which can occasionally lead to such low water levels that the park's primary energy source—hydroelectric power from the Caroní River—is affected. Locals adapt by maintaining a flexible approach to time, often referring to "jungle time," where schedules are dictated by the weather’s current mood rather than a clock.