Weather in Honduras

Nov 29, 2012

The weather in Honduras is similar to that of other Central American countries, it changes based on where in the country you are. No doubt it has a tropical climate and is most certainly warmer then North America and Europe in the winter months, making it a welcome reprieve from the snow and cold for those looking to escape.

Seasons in Honduras

Although you will always find mild, tropical temperatures in Honduras, there are a variety of seasons to be aware of prior to visiting or if you are contemplating a permanent move.

December to May - this period is considered the dry season, and is certainly the recommended time to visit Honduras. That being said, "dry season" may be a bit misleading, as in reality, there is no time of the year that it does not rain in Honduras. Typically, a light shower in the afternoon can be expected and cooler temperatures will roll in come evening. Nothing more then a light jacket or sweatshirt is required to keep you comfortable though.

May to November - this period is considered the rainy season. Although, depending on where in Honduras you are, this can change. For example, in the northern part of the country, near the Bay Islands, the rainy season arrives later in the year, from September to December. February can also bring in some occasional cooler storms from the far north - known as 'northerners' - to the northern Caribbean area of Honduras.

May and June - Considered the 'shoulder season', this is a good time to visit Honduras to avoid the packed beaches and hustle bustle of the peak tourist season. In addition, the weather is near perfect during these two months. The rainy season is just beginning and the average temperature is about 29C, although the mountain regions and interior remain a bit cooler.

Microclimates in Honduras

Unlike the countries located in the northern latitudes, tropical temperatures vary predominantly based on elevation as opposed to with the seasons.

The majority of central Honduras, at altitudes of 2000 to 6000 feet (Tegucigalpa, the capital city, is at 3000 feet) is considered temperate land (tierra templada in Spanish) with enjoyable warm days and cooler nights. Highs can range from 22-29C, and the lows from 15-20C. If you move a little higher in altitude the overnight temperatures are considerably cooler, and it's possible to even see frost on the ground.

The Caribbean and Pacific lowlands are considered hot land (tierra caliente), and enjoy daytime highs between 28C and 32C throughout the year. The Pacific lowlands experience their warmest temperatures in April, the final month of the dry season. It tends to be a bit cooler during the rainy season, but with high humidity. In the Caribbean lowlands, it is hot and humid year-round, with the exception of December or January when occasional cold fronts from the north move in and bring numerous days of northwest winds and slightly cooler temperatures.

Rainfall in Honduras

The amount of rainfall Honduras receives is typically dependent on the seasons. The only exception to this is the Caribbean lowlands in the north. Here, the rain falls year around with an average rainfall of 2400 millimeters. The closer you get to San Pedro Sula, near the Guatemala border, the rainfall is slightly less between November and April, but they still receive substantial precipitation. The interior highlands and the Pacific lowlands do enjoy their summer from November to April with limited to no rainfall. During the winter months, May to September, annual amounts of precipitation generally depend on the topography, but as an example, Honduras' capital, Tegucigalpa, located in a sheltered valley, receives an average of only 1000 millimeters.

It's clear that Honduras enjoys predominately tropical weather, but just like elsewhere in the world, seasons and topography are major factors in climate and temperatures. If you are looking for a place to vacation or settle down long-term, Honduras should definitely be among your list of destinations to consider, as it is a country that enjoys predominantly lovely temperatures all year round.

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