You can really visit the Amazon any time of year. The expansive Amazon jungle extends across more than six countries, from Bolivia & Peru through Ecuador and Colombia to Venezuela, and most prominently Brazil. But despite its immense size, the weather patterns of this tropical rainforest do not change much from season to season, characterized by daily rain, humidity, and heat. It is said that the two similarly hot & humid seasons of the Amazon are “rainy” and “rainier.”
July-December –
Low water Season 78-104ºF (26-40ºC)
Lower rivers
Better trail access
Better fishing & birding opportunities
Fewer mosquitos
Great time to see the caiman crocodiles
Less precipitation (though heavy showers are not unheard of)
January-June –
High water season 73-86ºF (23-30ºC)
Higher rivers
Slightly cooler temperatures
Better river accessibility & navigation
More mosquitos
Good time to swim in blackwater creeks
Expect intermittent daily showers, occasionally pretty heavy
Macaw Lick
Amazon Rainforest Seasons: Wet (Rainy) & Dry
The wet season in the rest of Bolivia and Peru (from December to April) does bring more precipitation to their portions of the rainforest, but since it already has a humid, rainy climate, the change is not particularly significant, other than a minor drop in tourism traffic and the potential to find some good hotel deals. The remainder of the year, from June to November, is the dry season, with relatively less rain and a higher number of visitors.
Water Level: Low and High Water Season
It might be better to describe these as the “low water” and “high water” seasons. During the low water season (June to November), there are fewer daily showers, but the rivers are lower and some are not navigable; instead, hiking trails allow explorers to gain access to deeper parts of the jungle on foot. The opposite is true during the high water season (December to May), when rivers can rise up to 23 feet (7m) in parts of the Amazon Basin, making all of the rivers and creeks accessible and navigable, though flooding some of the jungle trails.
Two squirrel monkeys in the Amazon
Seasonal Activities for Low Water
In the dry season, guests can go hiking, trekking, ziplining, canopy climbing, and animal sighting to have a better view of the surrounding area. All of the resorts provide guided walks and access to the neighboring hiking trails. Hiking and trail walking are at their best during the dry, low-water season, whether you're doing an informative hike to learn about the ecosystem around you or a leisurely stroll to a high canopy bridge to see the rainforest below.
Seasonal Activities for High Water
Water-based activities are ideal when the Amazon's water levels are high. It's best to go canoeing or kayaking on the Amazon River or viewing aquatic life. At this time of year, the best destinations to start an Amazon boat tour are Iquitos (Peru), Coca (Ecuador), and Manaus (Brazil).
It’s worth noting that the increased rainfall also promotes the growth of fruit, which draws more animals out and marks the start of their mating season, making it a great time to go if you’re hoping to spot monkeys, birds, or the other fascinating Amazon species in a flurry of activity. It also brings the verdant greens into even lusher shades of emerald than the rest of the year.
Trek through the Amazon
No matter when you go, insect repellant is a must as mosquitos thrive in this hot & humid environment. Even in the low water season when there are less, repellant is still a smart precautionary measure to take during your Amazon tours.
Plan your trip with flexibility
Many lodges in the rainforest require a separate domestic flight once you’ve arrived in your destination country. Heavy rains during the wet season could affect your itinerary, so it’s usually a good idea to bookend your trip with a day or two on either side of your Amazon river cruise just in case your flight to or from gets delayed or postponed.
For more information on the weather of the Amazon rainforest and individual regions of the jungle like Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, check out the Amazon weather page.
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
1 day ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
2 days ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
4 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
4 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
