Best Time to Visit Rancho Santana: A Seasonal Guide

Tucked away on 2,700 acres of Nicaragua’s breathtaking Emerald Coast, Rancho Santana offers the ultimate blend of luxury and natural beauty for an unforgettable getaway. With year-round sunshine and warm breezes, this stunning destination sits perfectly between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, inviting you to immerse yourself in paradise.

While Nicaragua is beautiful any time of year, each season offers unique and unforgettable experiences. Rancho Santana has various seasonal offerings, allowing you to plan your trip accordingly!

Understanding Nicaragua’s Seasons

Nicaragua has two main seasons: the dry season, from November to May, and the wet season, from May to October.

Dry Season (November to May)

Known as Nicaragua’s summer, the dry season offers a welcome escape for travelers from the Northern Hemisphere who want to avoid chilly winter temperatures. 

• Weather: Warm, tropical temperatures and bright, sunny days! Average daily temperatures range from the high 70s to the high 80s.
  
• Highlights:
  • This is the perfect time for beach days, surfing, hiking, and all outdoor adventures.
  • Nicaragua comes to life with vibrant energy during the dry season, especially during the country’s holiday celebrations.
    
• Considerations: December through May have the ideal weather conditions for relaxing beach retreats and unforgettable outdoor excursions.

Wet Season (May to October)

Nicaragua’s wet season is considered the country’s winter and off-peak season. But don’t let that dissuade you; the temperatures remain warm with many adventures to be had. 

• Weather: Temperatures remain in the 70s and 80s, with a roughly 20% chance of afternoon rainfall.
  
• Highlights:
  • The wet season is a less crowded time, allowing visitors to explore the country’s beauty at their own pace.
  • Due to the rainfall during this season, Nicaragua’s lush greenery flourishes, making rainforest retreats a must-see. Cooler mornings make outdoor yoga and hiking a serene experience.
  • More experienced surfers fall in love with Nicaragua’s wet season. The increased swell from the southern hemisphere brings with it larger waves and steady offshore winds, attracting surfers from all over the world.
    
• Considerations: The heaviest rainfall occurs between September–October, which may disrupt travel. 

Seasonal Highlights at Rancho Santana

Winter at Rancho Santana (December to February)

Escape the winter blues and spend your days enjoying a luxurious tropical escape packed with unforgettable experiences. Rancho Santana’s winters are warm, festive, and the perfect setting to create lasting memories. 

Activities and Experiences:

• Holidays at the Ranch are magical. Our Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are festive and fun and include family-friendly activities for all ages.
  
• Surf, Surf, Surf
  • International Surfing Association (ISA) Certifications: Get certified as a surf instructor by ISA, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, and create meaningful connections with people from all over the world. 
  • New to surfing? We also offer a Surf Conditioning Workshop in January!
    
• Wellness
  • Enjoy guided meditations, yoga al fresco, and more holistic wellness experiences.
  • Holotropic Breathwork Workshop — This January & February workshop will help you realign with yourself and unlock physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

• For Nature Lovers
  • Coastal Horseback Riding Adventure — Saddle up to embark on a ride through our stunning landscapes while on horseback. 
  • Set Sail on a Luxury Catamaran — Take in the beauty of the Pacific on a spectacular catamaran adventure, including underwater snorkeling, boogie boards, fishing, and an open bar (with tacos and ceviche!). 
  • See a Rare Turtle Hatching — Experience the magnificent sight of thousands of green turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean at our on-site conservatory on our Playa Escondida beachfront.

Why Visit:

• Perfect for families, those looking to spend their holidays in a beautiful place, and anyone seeking a lively atmosphere. 

Spring at Rancho Santana (March to May)

Activities and Experiences:

• Celebrate Easter at Rancho Santana
  • Enjoy curated festive activities, including Easter egg decorating, crafting your own Easter piñata, Easter Sunday brunch, and more!
    
• Wellness & Nature
  • Spring is a time to bloom, and Rancho Santana has everything you need to find your bliss again. Our wellness activities offer travelers the opportunity to commune with nature, get back to the center, and flourish.
    
  • Spring is a perfect time to Scout Monkeys in the Forest on a guided nature hike or Enjoy a Nicaraguan Birdwatching Tour!

Why Visit:

The transition from dry to wet season offers a beautiful mix of sunshine and occasional rainfall, creating the perfect tropical moments. This is an ideal time for those interested in holistic wellness, outdoor activities, and cultural events. 

Summer at Rancho Santana (June to August)

Activities and Experiences:

• The Big Wave
  • As the wet season begins, you’ll get to experience an amazing surf season with epic swells. The water remains warm and favorable, but the increase in rain allows Nicaragua’s lush greenery to come to life and provide a gorgeous backdrop to your surf session. 
  • Note: Surfing during the wet season is only recommended for more experienced surfers, as waves are larger and surfing conditions are unpredictable. 
• Canícula
  • From July–August, Nicaragua experiences Canícula, or “little summer.” Canícula is the drier part of the wet season and feels a lot like summer, while still reaping the benefits of beautiful flora and foliage
    
• Lush Rainforest Adventures
  • Enjoy the off-peak season and connect with nature in a profound way through Nicaragua’s vibrant landscapes and stunning rainforest experiences. Take advantage of the cooler mornings on a guided tropical hike offered by one of our experienced staff members.

Why Visit:

• The best time to visit for surf enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience the splendor of nature. 

Fall at Rancho Santana (September to November)

Activities and Experiences:

• Cultural & Festive Celebrations
  • Celebrate Nicaraguan Independence Day at Rancho Santana on September 15th! Join our festivities, immerse yourself in the Nicaraguan culture, and enjoy an unforgettable celebration. 
  • Thanksgiving at the Ranch, surrounded by pristine nature and a tropical climate, sounds a lot better than the stressful holidays of years past!
    
• Wet Season Comes to an End
  • This is a wonderful time to visit Nicaragua as the wet season comes to an end. Enjoy the rewards of the season — vibrant landscapes and rich natural greenery — with fewer rain showers and sunnier days. 

Why Visit:

• Take advantage of the last few weeks of Nicaragua’s off-season! Enjoy fewer crowds while experiencing the country’s beautiful natural beauty and rich culture. 

Why Rancho Santana is a Year-Round Destination

Whether you prefer lounging on a beach in sunny weather or embarking on a lush rainforest excursion, Rancho Santana is always a year-round destination. 

Nicaragua offers warm weather throughout the year, with consistent 70s–80s temperatures. The Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea make Nicaragua an ideal tropical escape. 

Rancho Santana has a wide range of family-friendly activities for all ages. From surf lessons, guided city tours, a fun kids club, to family photography sessions, Rancho Santana is perfect for multi-generational trips! 

Plan Your Visit to Rancho Santana

Staying at Rancho Santana is an experience unlike any other. From oceanfront patios to personal infinity pools and private beach access, we offer plenty of options to make your dream trip a reality. 

Accommodations

The Inn—Our 17-room, 2-story beachfront boutique hotel offers intimate retreats and roomier suites. Each room has a private terrace and is outfitted with furniture made by local artisans at our on-site woodshop.

Residential Suites — These 3 bedroom/3 bath condo-style Residential Suites offer Deluxe Friends & Family, Superior Ocean-View, or Superior Beach Access suites, perfect for accommodating your whole crew.

Pacific Condos — Every two- or three-bedroom condo at Rancho Santana is individually owned and uniquely decorated in traditional Nicaraguan style. These condos offer ocean views and easy access to Playa Santana.

Garden View Casitas — Surrounded by gorgeous tropical greenery, our Garden-View Casitas are a short stroll from the Clubhouse and Playa Santana and feature a fully equipped kitchen. 

Seasonal Guides: Check out Rancho Santana’s Seasonal Experiences page for the latest events and activities.

It’s Always the Best Time to Visit Nicaragua

From mountains, rainforests, beaches, and more, Rancho Santana caters to each season and dream vacation! Our sprawling coastal resort offers 2,700 acres of unforgettable experiences on Nicaragua’s pristine Emerald Coast.

Ready to experience the best of Nicaragua?