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Weather in Rivas
Isthmus town near Ometepe and the border
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About Rivas
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, December
Things to do in Rivas
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
31C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
April
32C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
July
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
September
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
October
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
November
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
December
29C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Rivas is a low-key transit town in southwestern Nicaragua, mostly used as the gateway to Ometepe Island and the surf beaches of San Juan del Sur, but its own colonial church and shaded plaza make for a pleasant pause if you're waiting for a ferry or bus connection. The surrounding lowlands are dotted with cattle ranches and plantations, a quieter slice of Nicaragua away from the better-known coastal towns.
Best areas to stay in Rivas
Rivas centre
The main town with its colonial church, plaza, and bus terminal connections.
San Jorge port
The ferry departure point for Ometepe Island, a short drive from central Rivas.
Pan-American Highway corridor
Hotels and services along the highway, convenient for those breaking up a longer journey.
Tola coast
A stretch of beaches and surf breaks west of Rivas, increasingly popular with surfers and resort development.
Getting to Rivas
✈
Flights
Fly into Managua (MGA), then travel by road around 2 hours to Rivas.
⏱
From London
~12-14 hours from London via a US connection plus onward road travel.
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Getting around
Buses run along the Pan-American Highway between Managua and the Costa Rican border via Rivas; taxis connect to San Jorge port and San Juan del Sur.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Rivas?
November to April is the dry season, which also makes onward ferry crossings to Ometepe more reliable.
How do I get to Rivas?
Rivas is on the Pan-American Highway, around 2 hours from Managua by bus or car, and close to the San Jorge ferry port for Ometepe.
Is Rivas worth visiting on its own?
Most travellers pass through quickly, but the central plaza and church are worth a short stop if you have time before a connection.
How do I get to Ometepe Island from Rivas?
Ferries to Ometepe depart from the nearby port of San Jorge, about 10 minutes from Rivas town centre.
Is Rivas close to San Juan del Sur?
Yes — San Juan del Sur is about 30-40 minutes away by road, making Rivas a common transfer point for surfers and beachgoers.
Traveler reviews
★★★☆☆
Mainly passed through Rivas to catch the ferry to Ometepe, but the plaza and church were a nice spot for breakfast while waiting.
Owen R. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Used Rivas as a stopover between Granada and San Juan del Sur, easy bus connections and a relaxed feel for an hour or two.
Sofia L. · March 2023
★★★☆☆
Not much to see in town itself but it's a convenient hub if you're heading to Ometepe or the Tola beaches.
Mateo G. · February 2024
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