Seasons of Amazônia

Rainy Season

The rainy season runs from January through April or May when the jungle undergoes spectacular changes. The average annual rainfall across the Amazon basin is over 7 feet per year, and in the deep forest in the Northwest of Brazil, the annual rainfall can reach nearly 20 feet.

All along the course of the Amazon basin there are seasonal floods. Tributaries flowing from the south tend to reach their highest stages from February to April, while those coming from the north tend to crest in June and July.

Transition Period

The period from May through July is the transition between the wet and dry seasons. The rivers start ebbing, orchids start blooming, pink and black dolphins abound, and waterfalls and white beaches reappear along the rivers.

Dry season

The period from August through December is called the "dry" season, mainly because the number of rainy days is minimal, and because temperature, occasionally, surpasses 40° C (104° F). Nights however are always cool.

Fishing Season

September through December is considered the best fishing period of the year. The rivers are receding to their former margins, leading to an abundance of fish.

For the fisherman it's a golden opportunity to catch the "Tucunaré" (Cichla Ocollaris, the famous peacock bass) or the piranha, a fish with a reputation for its carnivorous activities, but also "good eating." This period is also the best to spot alligators at night in the river.

 

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