San Juan del Sur has two distinct seasons: dry season (December to April) and wet season (May to November). For beach holidays and surfing, the dry season is far more comfortable — days are hot and sunny, the roads are passable, and the town is at its most lively with peak tourist numbers arriving in December and January.
The wet season brings daily afternoon downpours, which can make the unpaved beach roads treacherous and close La Flor to casual visitors. However, the wet season has its own attractions: the vegetation is lush and green, prices drop significantly, and from July to January the sea turtles are active at La Flor — the best arribadas typically occur in September and October. Serious surfers often prefer the wet season because the Pacific swells are more consistent and the beaches less crowded.
Avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) unless you enjoy your beach very crowded — Nicaraguans from Managua descend on San Juan del Sur in large numbers and the town fills completely.