León: When to Go

León is located in the hottest part of Nicaragua, so expect year-round muggy, sweltering conditions. Daytime temperatures tend to be in the low 30°Cs (high 80°Fs), spiking in April and dipping into the relatively cool mid-20°Cs (high 70°Fs) in December. The dry season lasts from November to May.

If you want a taste of one of the city's famous fiestas, there are plenty to choose from. Día de la Virgen de Merced (September 24) is León's saint's day, solemnly observed with religious processions through the city streets. The preceding day is more festive: revelers don a bull-shaped armature lined with fireworks, called the toro encohetado , then charge at panic-stricken onlookers as the rockets fly. Día de la Purísima Concepción (December 7) is a warm-up for Día de la Concepción de María (December 8), celebrated throughout Nicaragua. Locals take part in the gritería - groups wander around calling on any house that displays an altar and shouting, ¿Quién causa tanta alegría? ('Who causes so much joy?') to receive the response, ¡La concepción de María! ('The conception of Mary!').

Weather

Northwest Nicaragua is the hottest part of the country, and León's daytime temperatures hover near 30°C (86°F) almost year-round, spiking in sweltering April and dipping into the relatively cool mid-20°Cs (around 77°F) in December. The wettest time of the year is between May and October, while December through March tends to be fairly dry. Nicaragua's hurricane season officially runs from June to November.

Temperature (average ° C)

Rainfall (average mm)