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The climate of Honduras is tropical, with a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The average annual temperature is 26 °C (79 °F), with little variation between the seasons. The coastal lowlands are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 38 °C (100 °F) in the summer months. The central highlands are cooler, with temperatures averaging 20 °C (68 °F). The western highlands are the coldest region of the country, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night.
The annual rainfall in Honduras varies from 1,000 mm (39 in) in the dry Pacific coastal lowlands to over 2,500 mm (98 in) in the wet Caribbean coastal lowlands. The central highlands receive an average of 1,500 mm (59 in) of rain per year. The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and occasional hurricanes. The dry season is characterized by clear skies and little rain.
The climate of Honduras is influenced by several factors, including its location in the tropics, its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, and the presence of mountains. The trade winds that blow from the Atlantic Ocean bring moisture to the Caribbean coast of Honduras, which results in heavy rainfall. The mountains in the central and western regions of the country block the trade winds, which creates a rain shadow effect. This results in lower rainfall in the central and western regions of Honduras.
The climate of Honduras is also influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO is a natural climate cycle that involves changes in the temperature and circulation of the Pacific Ocean. During El Niño years, the Pacific Ocean is warmer than normal, which can lead to changes in the weather patterns in Honduras. El Niño years are often associated with droughts in Honduras. During La Niña years, the Pacific Ocean is cooler than normal, which can lead to increased rainfall in Honduras. La Niña years are often associated with floods in Honduras.