Playa Madera, Nicaragua: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Playa Madera, Nicaragua? If you're planning to go to Playa Madera, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Playa Madera, Nicaragua

Based on the climate and weather in Playa Madera, Nicaragua, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Playa Madera, Nicaragua

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Playa Madera, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Playa Madera, Nicaragua by month

January

January in Playa Madera is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

February

Traveling to Playa Madera in February, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

March

If you go to Playa Madera in March, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

April

April in this region is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

May

May here is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

June

June in Playa Madera is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

July

If you are traveling to Playa Madera in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

August

August in Playa Madera is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

If you go to Playa Madera in September, you will notice that it is hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

October

October in Playa Madera is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

Traveling to Playa Madera in November, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

December

If you are traveling to Playa Madera in December, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Nicaragua has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Playa Madera. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Playa Madera, Nicaragua

Located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, Playa Madera has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. This small beach town offers visitors a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, with a variety of activities and attractions to explore. Here are the top tourist attractions in Playa Madera, Nicaragua.

1. Surfing: Playa Madera is known for its consistent waves and is a popular spot for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are plenty of waves to catch.

2. Horseback riding: Take a horseback ride along the beaches and through the nearby jungle for a truly unique experience. There are various tour operators in town that offer guided horseback rides near Playa Madera.

3. Nacatete Waterfall: Located just a short drive from Playa Madera, the Nacatete Waterfall is a stunning sight to see. The waterfall is easily accessible and there are several pools at the base of the falls for visitors to swim in.

4. Turtle conservation: Playa Madera is home to a turtle conservation project, where visitors can witness the nesting and hatching of sea turtles. Tourists can participate in the nightly patrols to see the turtles laying their eggs, or join the team during the daytime to release the newborn turtles into the ocean.

5. Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities in Playa Madera. The nearby fishing village of San Juan del Sur offers fishing charters for those who want to try their luck at landing a big catch.

6. Sunset cruises: Watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean is a popular activity for visitors in Playa Madera. Hop on a sunset cruise to watch the sunset while enjoying drinks and snacks.

7. Yoga retreats: Playa Madera has become a popular destination for yoga retreats, with many lodging options offering classes and workshops for yoga enthusiasts.

8. Beach hopping: For those looking to explore the nearby beaches, Playa Madera is just a short drive away from several other beaches, including Playa El Coco, Playa Yankee, and Playa Hermosa. Each beach has its own unique charm and offers visitors a chance to experience Nicaragua’s beautiful coastline.

Overall, Playa Madera offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to explore. From surfing and horseback riding to turtle conservation and sunset cruises, there is something for everyone in this coastal paradise.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Geisenheim, Germany, Shanghai, China, Richfield, Ohio, United States of America, Goris, Armenia, Quorn, South Australia, Australia, Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States of America, Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada, Punat, Croatia, Bubaque, Guinea-Bissau, Junction City, California, United States of America, and Aniwa, Vanuatu.