The climate of Honduras
Honduras is primarily characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, but it also possesses microclimates in different regions owing to its geographic diversity. Positioned in Central America, the nation is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south, with its terrain divided by central highlands. The general temperature in Honduras varies from 20°C (68°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), depending on the altitude and time of the year. Coastal regions typically experience higher temperatures, while mountainous regions are cooler. The country has two seasons: the dry season, referred to as 'summer', usually lasts from
November to
April, and the rainy season, known as 'winter', lasts from
May to
October. Honduras receives an annual rainfall ranging between 1000mm (39.37") to 2500mm (98.43"), with heavier rainfall in the coastal areas.
The Best Time to Visit Honduras
For travelers who aim to explore the country with minimal rainfall, the best time to visit
Honduras is during the dry season, from
November to
April. This period provides favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and visiting archaeological sites. During this time, temperatures in coastal areas range between 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), while in the central highlands, they vary from 16°C (60.8°F) to 20°C (68°F). It is worth noting that although this is the drier part of the year, occasional showers are still possible, particularly in the mountainous regions.
The Worst Time to Visit Honduras
The rainy season, from
May to
October, is typically considered the least ideal time to visit
Honduras. During this period, the country experiences heavy rainfall, especially in the coastal areas, making some roads impassable and outdoor activities less enjoyable. Storms and hurricanes are also more likely to occur during this time, particularly between
August and October. The average temperature during this period ranges from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Spring Weather in Honduras
Given
Honduras' location in the tropics, it does not experience the traditional four-season cycle. However, the period from
March to
May can be loosely equated to spring in temperate climates. During this time, the weather is generally warm with average temperatures ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 30°C (86°F). The region starts transitioning from the dry season to the rainy season, leading to an increase in rainfall, especially in the latter part of May.
Summer Weather in Honduras
The months from
June to
August, akin to a northern hemisphere summer, mark the early period of the rainy season in
Honduras. Heavy rainfall is common, especially in the coastal areas, but there are usually intervals of sunny weather. The temperatures during this time range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Despite the rainfall, the rich, verdant landscapes during this period offer a unique beauty.
Autumn Weather in Honduras
The period from
September to
November, equivalent to an autumn season, is the tail end of the rainy season. The rainfall is heavy during these months, and there is an increased likelihood of storms and hurricanes, particularly in the coastal areas. Temperatures during this period range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). The heavy rainfall brings a lush green hue to the vegetation, providing a picturesque landscape.
Winter Weather in Honduras
The period from
December to
February can be likened to winter. This is the dry season in
Honduras, characterized by lower temperatures and decreased rainfall. The average temperature during this period ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). In the higher altitudes, temperatures can drop further, occasionally leading to chilly nights. Despite being termed as 'winter', the weather remains warm enough for outdoor activities and exploration.
Weather in January
January in
Honduras marks the height of the dry season, making it one of the most favorable times for travelers. The weather conditions during this month vary depending on the region, with notable differences between the coastal areas, central highlands, and interior lowlands. In the capital city, Tegucigalpa, located in the central highlands, the average temperature in January varies from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the last month of the dry season,
February maintains favorable weather conditions throughout
Honduras, but with a gradual increase in temperature and rainfall as the month progresses. In the central highlands, specifically Tegucigalpa, February temperatures range from 16°C (60.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March is a transitional month in
Honduras, marking the end of the dry season and the onset of the rainy season. As such, weather conditions during this month can vary, with an increase in both temperature and rainfall as the month progresses. In Tegucigalpa, situated in the central highlands, average temperatures in March range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Honduras heralds the beginning of the rainy season, with increasing rainfall and consistently warm temperatures throughout the country. In the central highlands, including the capital Tegucigalpa, temperatures in April vary from 18°C (64.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the onset of the intense rainy season in
Honduras, accompanied by consistently high temperatures across the country. The increase in rainfall is substantial, leading to higher humidity and verdant landscapes. In Tegucigalpa, located in the central highlands, temperatures in May fluctuate between 19°C (66.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is firmly within the rainy season in
Honduras, characterized by high levels of rainfall and consistently warm temperatures across the country. In Tegucigalpa, located in the central highlands, temperatures in June typically range from 19°C (66.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Honduras continues to be characterized by the rainy season's conditions, with significant rainfall and consistent warm temperatures across the country. However, the country often experiences a short respite from the rain during this month, known as the "canícula," or little summer. Tegucigalpa, situated in the central highlands, sees average temperatures in July ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Honduras returns to the full intensity of the rainy season following the brief respite offered by the canícula. This period is marked by substantial rainfall and consistently warm temperatures throughout the country. In the central highlands, Tegucigalpa experiences temperatures ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Honduras marks the peak of the rainy season, with significant rainfall accompanying consistently high temperatures. This month is typically the wettest period of the year in most regions of the country. In the central highlands, specifically Tegucigalpa, September temperatures fluctuate between 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Honduras continues the trend of the rainy season, characterized by significant rainfall and high temperatures. However, in many parts of the country, rainfall slightly decreases from the peak experienced in
September. In Tegucigalpa, situated in the central highlands, average temperatures in October fluctuate from 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Honduras marks the transition towards the end of the rainy season, characterized by a significant decrease in rainfall and consistently warm temperatures across the country. In the central highlands, including the capital Tegucigalpa, November temperatures range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Honduras signifies the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, characterized by significantly reduced rainfall and pleasantly warm temperatures across the country. In the central highlands, including Tegucigalpa, December sees temperatures between 16°C (60.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]