Temperature varies little with the seasons in Nicaragua and is largely a function of elevation. The tierra caliente, or the "hot land," is characteristic of the foothills and lowlands from sea level to about 750 meters (2,460 ft.) of elevation. Here, daytime temperatures average 86° F to 91° F, and night temperatures drop to 69° F to 75° F most of the year. The tierra templada, or the "temperate land," is characteristic of most of the central highlands, where elevations range between 750 and 1,600 meters (2,460-5,250 ft.). Here, daytime temperatures are mild (75° F to 80° F), and nights are cool (59° F to 68° F). Tierra fría, the "cold land," at elevations above 1,600 meters (5,250 ft.), is found only on and near the highest peaks of the central highlands. Daytime averages in this regionion are 71° F to 75° F, with nighttime lows below 59° F.

Rainfall varies greatly in Nicaragua. The Caribbean lowlands are the wettest section of Central America, receiving between 2,500 and 6,500 millimeters (98-255 inches) of rain annually. The western slopes of the central highlands and the Pacific lowlands receive considerably less annual rainfall, being protected from moisture-laden Caribbean trade winds by the peaks of the central highlands. Mean annual precipitation for the rift valley and western slopes of the highlands ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 millimeters (39-59 inches). Rainfall is seasonal--May through October is the rainy season, and December through April is the driest period.

During the rainy season, eastern Nicaragua is subject to heavy flooding along the upper and middle reaches of all major rivers. The coast is also subject to destructive tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from July through October. The high winds and floods accompanying these storms often cause considerable destruction of property. In addition, heavy rains (called papagayo storms) accompanying the passage of a cold front or a low-pressure area may sweep from the north through both eastern and western Nicaragua (particularly the rift valley) from November through March.

Nicaragua occupies an area of 120,254 square kilometers (46,430 square miles) and has a population (official estimate 2003) of 5,482,000. The official language is Spanish, the capital is Managua, the government is a republic.