Best Time to Visit the Amazon

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

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.

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.

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.

Contact Adventure-life specialists for expert advice on the best time to visit the Amazon rainforest