Best Time to Visit Georgetown

Two wet seasons, two drier ones

Georgetown sits almost on the equator's doorstep, so the temperature barely moves. It's warm all year, and nights stay close to the daytime heat. What changes is the rain. There's a long wet season from May to July, a shorter one in December and January, and two drier spells in between.

The long wet season is the one to think about. May, June and July each get around 300 mm of rain, and it rains on nearly every day in July. Streets near the Stabroek Market flood easily, and the sea wall gets few walkers. The low-lying city sits below high tide level, so heavy rain drains slowly.

February to March and September: the best bets

These months get the least rain, and September is the driest and sunniest of the year. The air still feels sticky, but you can plan a walk past St George's Cathedral, the Botanic Gardens and the Promenade Gardens without constantly ducking under a roof.

Thinking of Kaieteur Falls or the interior? Flights and river trips are much easier when the skies are clearer. September is a good pick. Late February to March is also good, and it's when the city gets lively.

Festivals and crowds

Mashramani, Guyana's Republic Day party, falls on 23 February. Expect colourful costume parades, soca music (fast, happy Caribbean dance music) and street food. Hotels fill up, and it's the busiest week for visitors who aren't from Guyana. If you hate crowds, come a week earlier or later.

Phagwah, the Hindu spring festival of colour, usually lands in March. People throw bright powder and splash water, so wear clothes you don't mind ruining. Easter brings kite flying to the sea wall, which is a lovely sight on a breezy afternoon.

Christmas and the weeks around it bring family visitors from overseas, so flights are tighter, even though December is wet. Georgetown has no real tourist crush. The main pressure comes from the festivals and the diaspora (Guyanese living abroad) coming home.

Which month for which trip?

For a city break with food and festivals, aim for late February. For nature trips and fewer clouds, try September. October is a decent fallback.

On a tight budget, or if you don't mind getting wet, June can be quiet. Just keep the plans flexible, and expect to spend some afternoons in a café with a pepperpot (a rich, slow-cooked meat stew) on the table.