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Weather in San Juan del Sur
Pacific surf town and Christ of the Mercy
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About San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua's Pacific coastal town—a laid-back beach destination with a growing tourist infrastructure. The town sits in a crescent bay with fishing boats and tourist activity, served by hotels and restaurants. Nearby Laguna de Apoyo offers water sports, while Masaya's market and volcano are day trips.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, December
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in San Juan del Sur
Beach swimming and lounging
Nearby beach and island day trips
Surf breaks and surfing lessons
Lagoon kayaking and wildlife spotting
Local market shopping and Nicaraguan cuisine
Nightlife: bars, clubs, and beach parties
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
February
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
31C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
32C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
31C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
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
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
November
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
December
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua's best-known Pacific surf town, a fishing-village-turned-backpacker-hub wrapped around a horseshoe bay where pangas bob beside party boats. Beyond the lively waterfront, a short drive opens up a string of world-class surf beaches like Maderas and Playa Hermosa, while sunset views from the hilltop Jesus statue take in the whole curve of coast.
Best areas to stay in San Juan del Sur
Town Centre / Malecón
The bayfront strip of restaurants, bars and hotels facing the fishing harbour.
Playa Maderas
A popular surf beach a short ride from town, lined with hostels and surf camps.
Playa Hermosa
A wider, quieter beach favoured for stronger surf and beach clubs.
Hillside / Jesus Statue area
The ridge above town with the Cristo de la Misericordia statue and panoramic bay views.
Getting to San Juan del Sur
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Flights
Managua's international airport (MGA) is the main gateway, about 2.5 hours away by road.
⏱
From London
~2.5 hours by shuttle or car from Managua.
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Getting around
Shared shuttles and pickup trucks run to nearby beaches; scooters and taxis cover the town and immediate coastline.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit San Juan del Sur?
The dry season from November to April has the most sunshine, while May to October brings rain but better, more consistent surf swells.
Is San Juan del Sur good for surfing beginners?
Yes — several beaches around the bay have gentle breaks and surf schools, while Maderas and Hermosa nearby suit more experienced surfers.
How do you get around?
Shuttle vans and shared trucks run to the surrounding beaches; many travellers also rent scooters or use local buses for short hops.
Is it an expensive place to visit?
It's affordable by international standards, though prices are higher than inland Nicaragua due to the steady flow of tourists and expats.
What language is spoken?
Spanish is the local language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and surf camps.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Spent every morning surfing Maderas and every evening watching the sunset from the bay — exactly the laid-back rhythm we wanted.
Marco T. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Rainy season brought a few washed-out afternoons but also the best waves of our whole trip.
Hannah R. · July 2023
★★★★☆
The town itself is touristy and a bit rowdy at night, but the beaches just outside more than make up for it.
Diego S. · December 2024
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