© Scott S. Bateman

The best time to visit Roatán for dry weather is during the late winter and early spring. The worst times are September and October during the rainy season.

With a new cruise ship terminal, a new professional golf course at Pristine Bay and aggressive marketing of Roatán as a top ecotourism destination in this part of Central America, Roatán is poised to make a steady comeback from the hurricanes that have ravaged its shores.

Average Roatan Temperatures

The average high temperature for this cruise and hotel destination ranges from the low 80s Fahrenheit or high 20s Celsius during the winter to the high 80s Fahrenheit or low 30s Celsius in the summer. Average low temperatures, mostly at night, range from the mid 70s Fahrenheit in the winter to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

Like most Central American countries and Caribbean destinations, average temperatures in Roatán do not change dramatically from season to season. But rainfall does.

Rainy and Dry Seasons

Like most tropical countries, Honduras has a rainy season and a dry season, known locally as invierno (winter) and verano (summer).

In general, the rainy season runs from May to November in the interior and from September to January along the north coast. September through January is the worst time to visit Roatán, although December and January are less risky than September through November.

Despite wetter weather, December is a popular time to visit Roatán because of spring break from schools.

Similar to the Caribbean, the Roatán hurricane season runs from August to November. Direct hits are uncommon, but they can cause severe damage when they occur. More likely, they pass through the region and bring heavy rains and strong, sometimes damaging winds.

In the interior of Honduras, especially the west and south, the rainy season runs roughly from May to November. Rains usually come in the afternoon and last an hour or so. On the north coast and Bay Islands such as Roatán, the rainy season is later, around September to December, with a few moderate storms possible into February.

When To Go

The dry season for Roatán and the Caribbean coast of Honduras lasts from February to June. It is generally the best time to visit, with the coolest time of the year being the months from November to February.

Travel is easier during the dry season, especially for scuba diving and trips. On the other hand, the forests and countryside are lusher during the rainy season.

Furthermore, when the rains come they are usually in short bursts, heaviest between August and December.

February and March are good months to visit because the weather is fairly stable across the country. During this period, the trails and roads begin to dry out but the trees and underbrush are still full and green. Apart from the lushness, the air is also fresh, and it is a nice contrast to the parched conditions you may see in March and April.

Tourist Season

December through April is the major tourist season in Honduras as northerners flee the frigid temperatures. As such, lodgings quickly fill, so reservations in advance are always advisable. Indeed, they are a must during Christmas and Easter weeks, when Hondurans are apt to travel and compete for available hotel space.

The country has a second, shorter high season during July and August, prime North American and European vacation time.

The Holidays

Christmas Week is a popular time to travel to Central America to see religious ceremonies, etc. Easter Week is also when many North Americans have their vacations.

Keep these two things in mind, if you are planning to go during the holiday season, everyone with a job in Honduras takes this week off. As such, certain places may be closed.

Generally, most people visit during the dry season with a few others opting to travel during the rainy period.  Still, if we had to pick one no-go month, it might be October, when the entire country is often deluged with rain.