The Best & Worst Times to Visit Venezuela (Updated for 2023)

Whether you want to bask in the sun all day on a local beach or have an adventure-packed holiday, Venezuela has you covered. However, the activities you can expect to engage in will largely depend on when you visit.

While Venezuela is a year-round destination, it has these so-called dry and rainy seasons. That’s why it’s important to know more about the seasons before booking your trip, as they may be different from yours depending on where you travel from.

We’ve rounded up the best, cheapest, least busy, and worst times (if such a thing even exists) to go to Venezuela to help you make an informed decision.

The Best Time to Visit Venezuela

The best time to visit it is during its dry season, which is from November through April. If you’re in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, expect highs of 79°F and lows of 68°F.

By April, the temperatures reach highs of 81°F and lows of 70°F. From the first day in November all the way to April, there’s sunshine, blue skies, lower humidity, and the least amount of rain (the driest month being February).

Visitors can enjoy activities such as trekking, hiking, or sightseeing. We recommend Mount Roraima or Canaima National Park’s treks. When the decreased water levels allow wildlife observing, Los Llanos is a must-see.  

It’s worth noting that the dry season isn’t the only reason why travelers are attracted to Venezuela during this period. The much-celebrated February/March carnival is when the entire country gets immersed in huge celebrations.

If you’re in Venezuela during that period, you do not want to miss this event! It’s a one-of-a-kind festival experience loved by both locals and tourists.

El Carnival is a movement of excitement and sheer happiness celebrated annually three days before Ash Wednesday. The concept dates back to ancient civilizations that used to celebrate Shrovetide and agrarian cycles.

At present times, the festival is recognizable for its balls, performances, music, parades, lavish costumes, and food (meat in particular).

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the so-called Feria del Sol (Fair of the Sun), held alongside the carnival. Genuinely rooted in local traditions, this international cultural festival takes place in Mérida every February.

It features cultural expositions, bull competitions, concerts, sports, and parades. Of course, it also includes the well-known voting competition for “La Reina Del Sol” (The Queen of the Sun).

That said, keep in mind that hotel prices are quite high at this time, and encountering large crowds wherever you go and whatever you do is more than likely.

Cheapest Time to Visit Venezuela

If you’re traveling on a budget, we recommend visiting Venezuela in October. In October, the temperatures range between 67°F and 84°F.

The month typically has 12 rainy days, and the average amount of rain observed in October is around 108 mm. The month is like a shoulder season, as most travelers are getting ready to visit the country from November onward.

This means not only more affordable prices but also more versatile lodging options. If you’re visiting Venezuela in October, make sure to take note of the country’s Indigenous Resistance Day.

Honoring the efforts of the country’s indigenous population against colonization, the day celebrates human diversity and recognizes cultural differences.

Finally, if you’re traveling on a budget, “posadas” (or family-run guesthouses) are some of the most affordable accommodation options.

Least Busy Time to Visit Venezuela

The least busy time to visit Venezuela is anytime from September to November.  The weather is pleasant, but the country isn’t at its busiest as the height of the peak travel season is yet to begin.

Perfect for travelers trying to avoid large crowds. In September, the temperatures fluctuate between 67°F and 84°F. In November, they’re similar: they vary between 66°F and 83°F.

Plus, if you’re eager to work on your tan during your Venezuela stay, you’re most likely to catch the longest days in September.

That said, keep in mind that October is part of Venezuela’s rainy season (spoiler alert: the rainy season is the worst season to visit Venezuela, but more about that in a bit).

There are many places in Venezuela you could visit during this period, but we suggest opting for the city of Maracaibo to enjoy the Feria de la Chinita.

Celebrating the feast day of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá, this mesmerizing event is marked by folklore stories, music, parades, and games.

Also, a beauty contest is organized titled “Gala of Beauty,” and thousands of local participants sign up for it. Throughout the night, you can often hear traditional pipe music.

Worst Time to Visit Venezuela

The rainy season is best avoided (May–November period), as Venezuela has a humid and hot climate. In May, the temperatures range between 69°F and 86°F.

In November, they fluctuate between 66°F and 83°F. The mornings allure visitors with sunshine, but the afternoons serve them increased downpours and occasional thunderstorms.

The wet weather isn’t enough to provide some relief from the intense heat, though. As a result of the heavy bursts of rainfall, there’s consistent humidity.  

However, this can be a great time to visit some of the most remarkable Venezuelan waterfalls, such as Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world. This is when the waterfalls are with their water levels at their highest.

Going to the Canaima National Park is also a big thing during the water season as it has fantastic mountain ranges and numerous falls.

In the South, the Amazon Rainforest also tempts travelers to come visit. And while the weather makes Venezuela unattractive to visitors, the plethora of festivals compensate for the overwhelming humidity and irritating rain.

For example, the Corpus Christi Devil Dancing event takes place in May/June in the city of San Francisco de Yare and follows an ancient tradition from the 18th century.

Those who take part wear red capes with crosses and a devil mask and dance in groups followed by very loud drum beats. The parade dominates the streets while the participants move toward the church. On June 29, the Festival of Saint Peter and Saint Paul takes place.

Celebrating the sacrifice of St. Peter and St. Paul with bonfires lit on the roads the night before the official celebration, the festival fuses music, folklore, and dancing in an authentic way.

Locals wear traditional clothes, and attendees can enjoy a wide range of tasty street food such as yuca, tajadas, and empanadas.

Things to Consider

Venezuela may sound like an enchanting place to visit, but getting caught in the excitement of planning your journey might cause you to miss some important things worth taking into account before you plan your travels.

Below we share the most important ones:

• As the winter months in Venezuela are quite pleasant, many don’t bring warmer clothes. However, the nights can get cold, so we suggest bringing some woolen clothes to avoid getting sick during your travels.
• Venezuela’s hurricane season runs from around 1 June to 30 November. Closely monitor weather reports on local radio stations and TV broadcasts. You may also keep an eye on them online by following the latest World Meteorological Organization information as well as the US National Hurricane Centre.
• Demonstrations take place from time to time. They may be a response to economic and/or political issues and may occur on significant holidays or even during international events. Check local media for any updates, as demonstrations in the past have turned violent, and they can be quite unpredictable.
• Don’t use taxis hailed randomly on the street. Namely, in Caracas, some taxis are known to rob, overcharge, or in worst-case scenarios, even kidnap respective passengers. If you use taxis, make sure to opt only for radio-dispatched ones.
• Beware of interacting with police officers. Corruption within the police force is a major issue in Venezuela, and criminals often pose as police officers organizing fake police-led checkpoints.
• Most ATMs don’t accept US credit or debit cards. Also, malfunctions are more than common. For instance, many ATMs don’t have any cash at all, and criminals use ATM data to hack and make a plethora of unauthorized withdrawals. If you have to use an ATM, pick one in public and well-lit locations.
• Due to the country’s poor infrastructure, there’s a lack of high-quality Internet speed. Also, power cuts may affect the Internet as well as mobile signals.
• Epidemics such as yellow fever are more than common in Venezuela, so the WHO recommends vaccination against it for all international travelers at least 10 days prior to travel to Venezuela. Also, limit exposure to insects and use insect repellents frequently, as malaria and dengue fever are also a concern.
• Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Drink only bottled water and avoid putting ice in your drinks when sitting in local bars or restaurants.
• Drug trafficking is a big problem in Venezuela, so make sure not to leave your luggage unattended, as authorities screen all travelers when they arrive/leave.
• Taking photos of sensitive installations such as military sites, the presidential palace, airports, or government buildings is prohibited.

Book Your Trip to Venezuela Today!

Being in close proximity to the Equator, this country has a couple of alterations when it comes to its temperatures. That said, it’s precisely these slight temperature fluctuations that ensure travelers have an awesome stay regardless of the season they decide to visit Venezuela.

All in all, although we suggest visiting Venezuela during the dry season, most travelers will find that any time of the year can be a great time to experience this diverse country.

Have fun, and stay safe!