Unlike the coast, the Rupununi has a single rainy season, from about May to August or September. Days are hotter than in Georgetown and nights pleasantly cooler, with a steady breeze over the grassland.
Season by season
September to November: early dry season
Waters fall, tracks reopen and wildlife gathers along the shrinking rivers. Green, uncrowded and excellent for otters and fishing.
December to April: high dry season
The savannah turns gold, ponds dry out and animals concentrate at the remaining water. Travel is easy; it is hot and dusty by March. Easter brings the rodeo.
May to August: the rains
Storms flood the grasslands, roads are cut and lodges are reached by boat. Mammals disperse and insects multiply, but waterbirds and scenery are superb. Some lodges close or limit activities.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | For a visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 °C | 23 °C | Dry | Best |
| February | 32 °C | 23 °C | Dry | Best |
| March | 33 °C | 24 °C | Dry | Best |
| April | 32 °C | 24 °C | Showers | Good |
| May | 31 °C | 24 °C | Very wet | Mixed |
| June | 30 °C | 23 °C | Very wet | Poor |
| July | 30 °C | 23 °C | Very wet | Poor |
| August | 32 °C | 23 °C | Wet | Mixed |
| September | 33 °C | 24 °C | Showers | Good |
| October | 34 °C | 24 °C | Dry | Best |
| November | 33 °C | 24 °C | Dry | Best |
| December | 32 °C | 23 °C | Showers | Best |
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 weekendRupununi Rodeo, Lethem
Three days of rodeo events, food and music. - EasterSand Creek Rodeo
A smaller, more traditional rodeo in a south Rupununi village, held around the same time. - SeptemberAmerindian Heritage Month
Village heritage days with archery, cassava work, dance and food. - Dry season (dates vary)Rupununi Music and Arts Festival
An occasional outdoor festival of Guyanese, Brazilian and Indigenous music; check whether it is being held.
Visitor numbers & booking ahead
The Rupununi receives very few visitors, but its lodges have only a handful of rooms each. The driest months, and above all Easter, need reservations several months ahead. From June to August you will often be the only guests — if the lodge is open and you accept that some activities will be rained off.
