Best time to visit Venezuela
When is the best time to visit Venezuela?
Arguably one of the most visually stunning countries you can visit in the Americas, Venezuela has it all.
From incredible tropical beaches and snowy Andean peaks to the tallest waterfall on earth, any traveller who is brave and heads here will be greatly rewarded.
In this guide we’ll explore the best time to visit Venezuela, which includes whether this nation is worth visiting as well as how long we recommend spending here.
As well as looking at 5 of the very best things you can do in Venezuela, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
Best time to visit Venezuela
Although it can seem tricky to pick the right months, we’ve found that September and October are the overall best months for a trip through Venezuela.
It’s at the end of the wet season so rains are lower, as well as the best time to visit natural spectacles (such as Angel Falls and Lake Maracaibo).
Is Venezuela worth visiting?
The short answer: Yes! (With solid preparation beforehand.)
The (slightly) longer answer: Whilst the Canaima National Park is known as “the Lost World”, we would go further and say the same applies for the whole nation too.
The culture here is much more raw and “not for tourists eyes” compared to others like Peru, which can feel very refreshing. As we’ll see below, there’s also an incredible range of things to see and do here.
However to be 100% straight, we don’t suggest heading to Venezuela if you’re new to backpacking Latin America. You’re best off heading to countries like Colombia and Brazil first to get the basics handled, as well as improving your ability to sort out issues quickly as they arise (which will be more common in Venezuela).
What is the best month to visit Venezuela?
George spent plenty of time here, and quickly learned from locals that the months of September and October are best for a visit.
Rainfall throughout the country is manageable (it’s at the end of the wet season), so you can head to beaches and explore the jungle without getting overly wet.
It’s the best time to see the famous Relámpago (continuous thunder) over Lake Maracaibo, where changes in the nearby climate of the Andes makes things even more electrifying here. Angel Falls will also be nice and full too, and the extra rain in this region makes getting here by boat much easier.
Temperatures are pretty consistent regardless of when you are heading to Venezuela, although remember it can get quite cold in Mérida.
How long should I Spend in Venezuela?
This really depends on your scope and what you want to achieve heading to Venezuela.
For the highlights (such as Los Roques and Canaima), you can plan between 1-2 weeks. This will be enough to really enjoy both of these unforgettable areas, as well as a couple of days to explore the underrated city of Caracas.
Those who want to backpack Venezuela properly are going to need between 3-6+ weeks. George spent a total of 2 months in Venezuela and felt it was just right, but it really depends how much of the country you plan to see.
With this sort of timeframe you can also take the opportunity to visit areas like Morrocoy, Aragua, Margarita Island and Coro which are all worthwhile places to visit.
Top Things to do in Venezuela
Let’s now explore 5 of the very best things to do in Venezuela.
Hike to Angel Falls
The tallest waterfall on earth easily makes most travel bucket lists, let alone those who just focus on South America! With a peak height of 979 metres it’s a real beast, and once here you’ll need to look a few times to really believe the size of it all.
The Canaima National Park is also great to explore, where you can wander through the jungle, see other cool waterfalls as well as wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else on earth (all with a tour of course).
Once you’ve chosen your expedition and company, you’ll spend many hours on a motorised canoe heading towards Angel Falls. You’ll spend several days exploring the jungle which is a really memorable experience.
Travellers who are planning on heading here are going to need solid gear, such as hiking boots (we recommend these for the guys and these for the ladies), mosquito repellent, a water bottle as well as a poncho.
Ride the Longest Cable-Car on Earth in Mérida
It’s easy to forget that Venezuela also has its portion of Andes mountains rising above all else. And in the southern city of Mérida we can enjoy the very best landscapes by heading with the Teleférico. Known locally as the Mukumbarí, it stretches for as long as 12 km which is among the longest on earth.
You’ll also gain as much as 3000 m of altitude in your ascent to the very top, where the last station of Pico Espejo awaits you. Here you’ll be able to see the snow-capped peak of Pico Bolívar, which is the tallest mountain in the country. There’s also several hiking routes you can take around these mountains landscapes, where you can see many incredible glacial lakes.
Given the pretty large change in altitude you’ll be making on the ride, it’s worth buying Coca Leaves or a tablet from a local pharmacy that helps deal with altitude sickness problems. You can read this guide for more advice.
Head to the Caribbean Paradise of Morrocoy National Park
You’ll find beautiful beaches all over South America, however those in Venezuela are by far the very best we’ve ever seen. Stretching along the Caribbean coastline of the country, there’s many spots worth heading to soak up the sun and swim in the multicoloured waters.
Morrocoy National Park is one of the very best in the mainland, which is located in the northern region of Falcón. It’s made up of several beaches and cayes, with those like Cayo Sombrero and Cayo Muerto amongst the most picturesque.
Here the only thing on the agenda is some great beach-time, enjoying some cold ones and snorkelling! So it’s definitely a great spot for those looking to kick back and relax.
The easiest way to get here is to take a bus to Tucacas or Chichiriviche, where you can then take a boat over to the various islands and cayes.
Explore the highlights of Caracas
Often dubbed the city “of no return”, Caracas is made to look like an absolute hell hole by most media companies (that probably haven’t even stepped a foot in Venezuela too). However George has been, and can say this capital is actually really worth this visit, and even felt safer than those such as Quito and Tegucigalpa.
The best place to base yourself in is Chacao, which is the most affluent and secure neighbourhood there is in the capital. The Plaza Francia is nice to walk around, and you can then head to El Silencio (the historic centre) to see various highlights such as El Panteón, Plaza Bolívar and The Birthplace of Simón Bolívar.
The absolute must-do however in Caracas is heading up to Cerro Ávila with the gondola. Boasting stunning mountain views, it’s also great for hiking and enjoying the cooler climate.
Be sure to read our guide on safety in Caracas to get the lowdown before traveling here.
Visit the Dunes of Coro
The Coro Dunes are a picturesque set of sand dunes that are located on a thin strip of land connecting mainland Venezuela to the peninsula of Punta Fijo.
Aside from being the only real sand dunes in the country, the windy conditions here mean that the dunes are constantly being chopped and changed so it’s never really the same any two days you visit. They’re also by far the least visited of all destinations on this list, meaning if you head early (like George did) then you could have this expansive region all to yourself.
The Coro Dunes are also pretty easy to get to. From Caracas you can take a bus to the town of Coro, and then walk to the mirador and start exploring the off-grid dunes. It’s worth getting to know the town of Coro too which is really safe, and has many beautiful buildings and streets to wander through.
Venezuela FAQ’s
Got travel insurance for Venezuela?
Are you planning to visit Venezuela soon? It can be difficult to find a reputable provider who will cover you in this country. SafetyWing is a solid choice who provide a monthly renewable plan, which includes medical cover and multiple home visits during your trip.
Best time to visit Venezuela
And that’s all for this guide on the best time to visit Venezuela.
The least visited country in Latin America is paradoxically one of the most beautiful too. Whilst we understand concerns about safety (like when heading anywhere new), this country is actually safer to travel than you might think.
In this guide we’ve covered the best time to visit Venezuela, as well as our own personal recommendations for you to get the most out of a trip here. At the end we’ve also answered your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
Be sure to read our Venezuela Itinerary to learn more about traveling this awesome South American nation.
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