The Best Time To Visit Honduras Depends On What You Want To Do

Whether planning to go white-water rafting, hiking, whale shark spotting and more, Honduras is the ideal location. The country’s warm, sub-tropical climate makes the country ideal for many outdoor activities. However, many are weather dependent, so you need to know exactly when to visit Honduras to have the most fun. Read on to find out the best time to visit Honduras for a variety of different activities.

Outdoor adventure in Honduras from January to June

The best time to visit for outdoor adventure is from January to June. At this time of year, the days are warm and sunny, while the nights are cooler. This is the perfect time to hike in the mountains around Lago de Yojoa, visit the quirky coastal town of Trujillo and explore the Mayan ruins of Copán.

Meanwhile, this is also the driest time to visit the Bay Islands where you can snorkel and scuba dive and explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef when visibility is best between January and March.

During May and June, the summer rains fall on the mainland, while the Bay Islands stay relatively dry, as they enjoy their own microclimate. Meanwhile, it is the perfect time to enjoy the white-sand beaches in Roatán or Cayos Cochinos. However, please bear in mind that this is the busiest season in Honduras, so hotel prices spike around New Year and over Easter.

Hiking the highlands of Honduras in March

March sees the days warming up in the highlands of Honduras, while the nights are still cool. This makes it the perfect time to hike the mountain trails around Lago de Yojoa. At the same time, diving and beach season is on in the beautiful Bay Islands.

Easter festivities in April

As with other Roman Catholic countries, Easter is one of the biggest celebrations in Honduras. Here, you can expect moving and solemn processions in the streets along with carpets of flowers. However, while the highlands are starting to experience rain, the showers rarely last long and the warmer evenings are the best time to visit Santa Rosa de Copán.

Mardi Gras is a celebration in May

May sees the start of the rainy season on the mainland of Honduras. In the daytime, the weather is hot and humid. However, this is a great time to party as the Coastal La Ceiba starts its two-week-long carnival. This is the biggest party ever in Central America, with its dancing in the streets, bright and colorful parades and plenty of live music.

Whale shark spotting from July to September

It is possible to see the odd whale shark around Utila Island between February and April. However, the June to September migration season is the best time for spotting small schools of these gentle marine creatures.

Riverboat exploration in Honduras

Meanwhile, August to November is the best time to board a river boat to explore the remote La Moskitia region, which has its own mini dry season. Meanwhile, the scuba diving centers on Utila and Roatán are open all year round. Admittedly, visibility isn’t at its best, however, this is the perfect time to get some real bargains on diving packages.

Explore the Moskitia region in September

For those who are longing for river travel in the Moskitia region, September is the ideal time. The mainland may be drenched with heavy rains, but remote Moskitia in eastern Honduras enjoys a mini dry season. This makes it perfect for explorers to head through the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve and the tiny indigenous villages dotted in the jungle and only accessible by river boat.

White-water rafting in November

As the rainy season comes to an end, the rivers are filled with the fall rains, making this the perfect time for white-water rafting on Rio Cangrejal. Meanwhile, the Chorti people in the Santa Rosa de Copán area hold their biggest annual festival this month, Tzikin. This makes it an ideal time to learn more about the indigenous cultures in Honduras.

Festival season in December

In the weeks leading up to Navidad (Christmas) festivities are in full swing in Honduras. Visit Santa Barbara to see the Royal Walk of the Giant Chimneys. Alternatively, visit the north coast to experience Garifuna drumming and processions. However, bear in mind that this is the beginning of the dry season and accommodation can quickly get booked up before the holidays.

Experience Honduras at a time that suits your planned activities, but whenever you do visit, this Central American nation will give you a warm welcome. Visit the country’s official tourism website for more information.