Earthquakes in Nicaragua — May 2026
5 earthquakes were recorded in Nicaragua during May 2026, an average of 0.2 per day.
5 reached magnitude 4 or above and 0 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 35 km.
The month's largest event in Nicaragua was a magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Jiquilillo, Nicaragua on 30 May 2026 at 11:06 UTC. A magnitude 4.8 earthquake radiates roughly 239 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is well above the Nicaragua monthly average of 3 events over the period we cover — an unusually active month.
100% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 0% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). Almost everything here is crustal. That is characteristic of transform faulting or continental deformation rather than subduction — and it means shaking at the surface is strong for the magnitudes involved.
By band, the catalogue holds 5 in the magnitude 4 range.
Activity peaked on 31 May, when 2 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M4.8 near Jiquilillo, Nicaragua on 30 May at 10 km; M4.7 near Masachapa, Nicaragua on 31 May at 35 km; M4.6 near Jiquilillo, Nicaragua on 31 May at 10 km.
That is 59% above the 3 events Nicaragua averages per month across the 20 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Nicaragua, May 2026
5 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 | Jiquilillo, Nicaragua | 10.0 | Nicaragua | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Masachapa, Nicaragua | 35.0 | Nicaragua | View details View | |
| 4.6 | Jiquilillo, Nicaragua | 10.0 | Nicaragua | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Masachapa, Nicaragua | 67.9 | Nicaragua | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Masachapa, Nicaragua | 50.4 | Nicaragua | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Nicaragua in May 2026?
5 earthquakes were recorded in Nicaragua during May 2026, of which 5 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Nicaragua in May 2026?
A magnitude 4.8 event near Jiquilillo, Nicaragua on 30 May 2026.
Other months in Nicaragua
Magnitudes for May 2026 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.