San Carlos, Nicaragua: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for San Carlos, Nicaragua? If you're planning to go to San Carlos, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to San Carlos, Nicaragua

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

What to wear/what to pack for San Carlos, Nicaragua

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for San Carlos, Nicaragua by month

January

January in San Carlos is consistently hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Carlos. 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale 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 is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February here is consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

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 San Carlos. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

In March, San Carlos is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for San Carlos, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

April

April in San Carlos is scorchingly hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s 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 San Carlos. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to San Carlos in May, you will notice that it can be very hot and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 San Carlos. 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 large 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. Check that you get the right type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you go to San Carlos in June, you will notice that it is consistently hot and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you go to San Carlos in July, you will notice that it can be very hot and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Carlos. 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

August

August in San Carlos is really hot and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Carlos. 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 nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

September

September in San Carlos is extremely hot and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s 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 frequently losing things recently, 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Carlos. 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 prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • 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

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

October

October in San Carlos can be very hot and extremely rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s 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 constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 San Carlos. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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. It's important that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November here can be sweltering and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains most days.

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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Carlos. 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 large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

December

In December, San Carlos is constantly hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for San Carlos, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

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 on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 San Carlos. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

What to do in San Carlos, Nicaragua

San Carlos is a town situated on the southern shores of Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua. The town is known for its captivating landscape and rich historical attractions, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking adventures and thrilling experiences. Here are the top tourist attractions in San Carlos, Nicaragua.

1. The San Carlos Fortress

This significant monument is located on the shore of Lake Nicaragua and was built in 1673 to protect the town from pirate attacks. The fortress is made up of walls with cannons and offers visitors a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding areas.

2. San Miguelito Archaeological Reserve

The San Miguelito Archaeological Reserve is a testament to Nicaragua's fascinating past. The reserve features stone structures, petroglyphs, pre-Columbian artifacts, and stunning flora and fauna. Visitors can book a guided tour to the site and learn about Nicaragua's indigenous cultures that once thrived in the area.

3. The Solentiname Islands

The Solentiname Islands are a collection of small islands on Lake Nicaragua's southern shore. The islands are known for their stunning natural scenery and artistic culture. Visitors can take a boat ride to the islands and get to experience the region's traditional art and handicrafts.

4. The La Mariposa Spanish School

The La Mariposa Spanish School is one of the top language schools in Nicaragua. The school offers beginner to advanced Spanish lessons, cultural immersion programs, and volunteer opportunities for those who would like to experience local life in San Carlos. Visitors can learn Spanish and get to know the town and its people.

5. The Ometepe Island

The Ometepe Island is the largest island in Lake Nicaragua and is renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife. The island is home to two active volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas. Visitors can trek to the top of either volcano for stunning views of the area or take a dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Nicaragua.

6. The Reserva Natural Volcan Mombacho

The Reserva Natural Volcan Mombacho is a natural park located in the vicinity of San Carlos. The reserve features tropical forests, winding trails, and stunning views of the surrounding areas. Visitors can participate in hiking, camping, bird watching or zip-lining activities.

7. The Gallo Pinto Festival

The Gallo Pinto is a famous traditional dish in Nicaragua. The dish consists of rice and beans cooked together and often served with cheese, avocado, and meat. Every year, San Carlos hosts a festival dedicated to Gallo Pinto. During the festival, visitors can sample different recipes of Gallo Pinto, listen to traditional music or participate in dancing events.

In conclusion, San Carlos is an excellent destination for tourists seeking adventure, historical tours and cultural immersion. The region is home to unique attractions, such as the San Carlos Fortress, San Miguelito Archaeological Reserve, the La Mariposa Spanish School, and the Gallo Pinto Festival. Visitors can explore the area's stunning natural beauty, learn about Nicaragua's fascinating past, and have unforgettable experiences.

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.

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