Cruising the Amazon – South America’s largest river and the second longest in the world – remains a bucket-list experience. And rightly so: the Amazon is home to extraordinary wildlife, including pink river dolphins, caiman and anacondas, as well as roughly 1.5 million Indigenous people.
But if it’s your first time planning an Amazon River cruise, you’ll probably be wondering: when should I go? Keep reading to find out.
At a glance
- The Amazon River experiences two seasons: the wet (low water) season and the dry (high water) season
- There are pros and cons to cruising in both seasons
- The lower water levels in the rivers and lakes during the dry season open up more trails and areas for hiking and exploring the jungle on foot
- As its name suggests, the wet season sees rainier days and thereby higher water levels, which allow for better exploration of the rainforest via ship
- Ultimately, there is no right or wrong time for an Amazon River cruise. Whether you choose to cruise during the drier months or the wetter months will depend on your personal preference
Dry season
The dry season runs from July to December, but the term ‘dry’ is somewhat of a misnomer, as even during this time, the region still receives heavy rainfall.
Nonetheless, the dry season – which affords lower river levels – is generally considered to be the optimum time to view wildlife from your ship (as animals are often drawn to the riverbank to drink).
During the dry season, the terrain is also less slippery and muddy – meaning you'll be able to hike deeper into the jungle to see more wildlife and meet the indigenous tribes, in addition to taking part in fishing excursions. Make no mistake: it's easier to catch a piranha when the fish are swimming in a smaller volume of water, as they’re less challenging to locate.
The July to December dry season also tends to be the warmest time of year in the Amazon – ideal for those who fancy a dose of Vitamin D with their river cruise.
Another plus is that mosquitoes, as a rule of thumb, tend to dislike dry conditions. While it would be a gross exaggeration to say that the Amazon is mosquito-free during the low water season, there are certainly fewer of these small but formidable creatures to contend with, making July to December a more favourable time for those who consider themselves mosquito magnets to set sail.
Wet season
The Amazon’s second distinct season is the wet (aka higher water) one, which takes place from January to June.
True to its name, the wet season sees rainier days. However, it’s important to stress that your trip won’t be negatively affected, as the rainstorms only last, on average, about an hour a day.
The rising water levels can also make this season perfect for water-based activities: kayaking and canoeing are both on offer and a fantastic way to get deeper into the flooded forests (known locally as igapó) and connect with nature.
Contrary to popular perception, the wet season is also a great time for wildlife watching. That’s because when the water levels rise and the rainforest becomes flooded, many animals seek refuge by climbing trees and moving to elevated areas – thereby making them easier for cruise-goers to spot.
And of course, during the rainy season, the landscape transforms into a painter's palette of greens and gold – a dream come true for budding photographers seeking the perfect shot.
An added benefit of embarking on an Amazon River cruise in the wet season is that prices (and crowds) are lower than the dry – read high – season. The exception is January and February, which coincide with the Brazilian and Peruvian summers.
Temperatures have dropped ever so slightly, too, and hover in the twenties rather than the oppressive thirties – although let’s not mince words: the Amazon isn’t for people who can’t cope with hot weather.
The downside to cruising the Amazon between January and June is that the wet season welcomes more mozzies (the rainforest’s main nuisance).
To this end, if you are prone to being bitten, the dry season may be preferable. That being said, the reality is that mosquitoes are present all year round in the Amazon and are part and parcel of a river cruise in the region.
Book your Amazon River cruise
In conclusion, both the dry and wet seasons in the Amazon have charm – but also challenges – and offer an unforgettable experience.
Once you have weighed up the options and decided when to go, you’ll need to choose who to cruise with.
Do you opt for an adults-only line like Viking? Are you going solo? Or perhaps you’ve decided to cruise the Amazon in the utmost comfort – it is, after all, a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The key is to do your homework and find out which style of Amazon ship suits your personality.
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