Essequibo River & Bartica: When to Go

The lower Essequibo shares Georgetown’s climate: hot all year, with rains from about May to mid-August and again in December and January. The river is tidal as far as Bartica.

Season by season

February to April: dry season

Sunny days and generally calm water. Waterfalls are lower but pools are clear. Easter is the busiest weekend of the year.

May to mid-August: long rains

Showers and squalls make crossings wetter and rougher; waterfalls are full and the forest lush. Trips still run most days.

Mid-August to November: second dry season

Hot, bright and usually calm — the most comfortable time for boat travel and river beaches.

December and January: short rains

Changeable, with holiday crowds from Georgetown at the resorts around Christmas and New Year.

Month by month

Temperatures are rounded approximations for the area and the rain and rating columns describe a typical year; the rains regularly arrive early or late, so treat this as a guide only.

Festivals & events

• Easter weekend
  Bartica Regatta
  Powerboat races on the river, a pageant, street fairs and concerts draw visitors from all over Guyana.
• August
  Summer holidays
  Resorts and river beaches are popular with local families.
• October (dates vary)
  Essequibo Coast fairs
  Agricultural and community fairs are held on the coast in the dry months; check locally.

Visitor numbers & booking ahead

Outside public holidays the river is quiet and you can decide a day or two ahead. For Easter in Bartica, and for long weekends at the island resorts, book weeks in advance. Day tours need a minimum number of passengers, so reserve early and confirm the day before.