North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Natural disasters

Nicaragua is prone to seismic and volcanic activity, hurricanes, severe storms and flooding. See advice on hiking in Local Travel section of this advice.

Flooding/Hurricanes

The hurricane season in Nicaragua normally runs from June to November.  You should monitor the local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

The wet season from April to October brings heavy rains and severe storms (see "Local Travel" section for advice on flying to the Atlantic Coast).  Flooding is common and widespread.  You should be aware that during this season (especially in rural areas) landslides, flooding, bridge collapses, heavy rains causing cancellation of local flights, can on occasions affect travel plans.

Earthquakes

The last serious earthquake was in 1972 and it destroyed the centre of Managua.   Regular small tremors (most of which go unnoticed) release pressures that could otherwise trigger a larger earthquake.

Volcanoes

A spine of volcanoes stretches the length of the country, several of which are active, in particular San Cristobal and Cerro Negro.  The San Cristobal volcano, 60 miles west of the capital of Managua, has been emitting gas and ash since early 2006.  You should follow media reports and keep in touch with the local authorities if intending to visit the area.