Best Time to Visit the Amazon
How to Choose the Best Time to Visit the Amazon Rainforest
The best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest depends on the experiences you’re looking for. The drier months from July through December typically offer lower water levels, making jungle trails easier to navigate and hiking conditions ideal. During the wetter season from January to June, river levels rise and wildlife viewing can be exceptional, as animals are often easier to spot along flooded waterways.
Although Amazon weather is famously humid and rainy, rainfall is usually brief and rarely lasts more than an hour or two at a time. Both lodge-based stays and Amazon river cruises operate year-round, with each season offering a different perspective on the rainforest. Our selection of Amazon Rainforest tours allows travelers to choose the best itinerary based on water levels, activities, and personal travel preferences.
Note: While it rains year-round in the Amazon Rainforest, prolonged all-day rain is uncommon.
Rebecca Deering
Amazon Travel Expert
Visiting the Amazon during High Water Season
High Water Season (December – May)
The high water season occurs from December to May. During these months, the Amazon river is at its highest. As the rain comes down, the Amazon basin starts to flood, and boat excursions become a much deeper adventure. With the extra water in the river, travelers are able to see some of the wildlife that may have hidden from the main course of the river. Also, guests are able to swim in the beautiful blackwater creeks!
Note: During the high water season, rivers rise high in the Amazon Basin. In general, all rivers are accessible and allows travelers to explore the rainforest easily by canoe, boat, and/or cruise. In contrast, some of the trails may be flooded due to the rain, and not accessible.
Amazon Weather in the High Water Season
Amazon’s weather in the high water season is considered the colder and wet season. Though, keep in mind that it is warm in the Amazon any time of the year. Temperatures won’t drastically fall. In December, Manaus cools down to 88F / 31C and by May, the temperature can get as low as 75F / 23C, which is relatively low for the Amazon.
Manaus
33ᵒ C / 91ᵒ F
Iquitos
32ᵒ C / 90ᵒ F
Puerto Maldonado
33ᵒ C / 91ᵒ F
Things to Do in the High Water Season
When the water levels are high in the Amazon, the best thing to do is indulge in water-based activities. We recommend taking an Amazon cruise, canoeing, kayaking, or spotting marine life. During the high water season, choose a cruise from places like Iquitos Peru, Coca Ecuador, and Manaus Brazil. These are all great places to begin an Amazon cruise adventure.
Amazon Rainforest Travel Guide
Download our FREE Amazon Travel Guide and get inspired to travel to the Amazon. Browse through 30 pages of travel planning tips and ideas – a great resource for planning your Amazon dream vacation.
- Colorful maps and images
- Places to visit in the Amazon
- Amazon tour ideas
- Recommended Amazon cruises & lodges
- Amazon FAQs and travel tips
Visiting the Amazon during Low Water Season
Low Water Season (June – November)
The low water season lasts from June to November. As the water starts to recede, forest animals, fish, and pink dolphins that have spread out in the flooded rivers become more concentrated. And as the extra water begins to drain from the wetlands, forest walks become popular, as the trails are clear and lead guests deeper into the rainforest. During this time, guests enjoy fishing for piranha alongside a local guide.
Amazon weather in the Low Water Season
The low water season is the “warmer” season in the Amazon, and despite its name, this time of year receives some short, but heavy rainfall. In June, the average temperature of Manaus is around highs of 87F / 30C. By November, Manaus can reach as high as 90F / 32C.
Manaus
20ᵒ C / 81ᵒ F
Iquitos
20ᵒ C / 68ᵒ F
Puerto Maldonado
32ᵒ C / 90ᵒ F
Things to Do in the Low Water Season
During the low water season, guests can enjoy land-based excursions such as hiking, trekking, canopy climbing, ziplining, and wildlife spotting. All lodges offer guided hikes and access to surrounding trails. Whether you embark on an educational hike and learn about the ecosystem that surrounds you, or you hike to a tall canopy bridge where you can overlook the rainforest, hiking and trail walking is the best during the dry, low water season.
Note: Some of the rivers aren’t navigable during the “low water” season. Instead, hiking trails are more accessible during this time and allow explorers to venture deeper into the lush jungle.
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