Best Time to Visit Guatemala (Weather, Events, & More)
Planning your next adventure and wondering about the best time to visit Guatemala? This Central American gem, known for its rich Mayan heritage, stunning volcanoes, and vibrant culture, offers a unique experience that varies throughout the year. Whether you're looking to explore ancient ruins, hike through lush landscapes, or enjoy local festivals, timing your visit can enhance your experience. Let’s dive into when you should pack your bags for Guatemala to make the most of your trip!
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala (Weather, Events, & More)
- Best Overall Time to Visit Guatemala
- Monthly Overview of Guatemala
- Detailed Monthly Analysis
- Guatemala in January
- Guatemala in February
- Guatemala in March
- Guatemala in April
- Guatemala in May
- Guatemala in June
- Guatemala in July
- Guatemala in August
- Guatemala in September
- Guatemala in October
- Guatemala in November
- Guatemala in December
- Special Events in Guatemala to Look Out For
- Pro Tips for Traveling to Guatemala
- Guatemala Travel FAQ
Best Overall Time to Visit Guatemala
If you're pondering the best time to visit Guatemala, aim for the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, you'll enjoy clear skies and more manageable temperatures, perfect for exploring the country's stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant festivals. This period avoids the heavy rains that can disrupt travel and outdoor activities, making it ideal for everything from hiking volcanoes to wandering colonial streets.
Visiting Guatemala during the low season, from May to October, has its pros and cons. On the upside, you'll benefit from fewer tourists and lower prices on accommodations and tours. The lush landscapes following the rains are incredibly photogenic too. However, the cons include the possibility of daily downpours which can limit your sightseeing and travel plans. Roads can be trickier to navigate, and some attractions might be less accessible due to the weather conditions.
Monthly Overview of Guatemala
Month | Season | Avg. Days of Rainfall | Avg. Temperature (°F/°C) | Hotel Costs |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Dry | 2 | 75/24 | High |
February | Dry | 2 | 77/25 | High |
March | Dry | 3 | 80/27 | High |
April | Dry | 5 | 83/28 | Medium |
May | Wet | 18 | 83/28 | Low |
June | Wet | 22 | 80/27 | Low |
July | Wet | 21 | 77/25 | Medium |
August | Wet | 20 | 77/25 | Medium |
September | Wet | 25 | 75/24 | Low |
October | Wet | 23 | 75/24 | Low |
November | Dry | 8 | 75/24 | Medium |
December | Dry | 3 | 75/24 | High |
Detailed Monthly Analysis
Here’s what to expect in Guatemala in each month of the year:
Guatemala in January
Visiting Guatemala in January is a delight, as it's smack in the middle of the dry season. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the country's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 2 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Exploring ancient Mayan ruins, hiking in the highlands, attending the Fiesta de Santo Tomás
Guatemala in February
Visiting Guatemala in February is a delight, as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring ancient ruins and vibrant markets without the worry of rain. Plus, the clear skies provide stunning views of the country's volcanoes.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 2 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Visiting Mayan ruins, hiking volcanoes, exploring local markets, attending the Fiesta de Santa Catarina in Antigua
Guatemala in March
Visiting Guatemala in March is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of the dry season. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 3 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Visiting ancient Mayan ruins, hiking in the highlands, exploring local markets during the Lent and Easter celebrations
Guatemala in April
Visiting Guatemala in April is a delightful experience as it falls during the dry season, offering clear, sunny days perfect for exploring. The weather is comfortably warm, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts to enjoy the myriad of activities available.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 5 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Semana Santa celebrations, visiting Mayan ruins, hiking volcanoes
Guatemala in May
Visiting Guatemala in May offers a vibrant mix of spring energy and the onset of the rainy season. The landscapes are bursting with life, making it a visually stunning time to explore. While you might encounter some rain, it typically falls in the late afternoon or evening, allowing plenty of time for morning adventures.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 15 days
- Season: Transition from dry to wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Visiting coffee plantations, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, attending the colorful Festival de las Flores
Guatemala in June
Visiting Guatemala in June means embracing the wet season. You'll find the country lush and vibrant, with frequent showers that usually occur in the afternoon. This pattern often leaves your mornings free for adventures and evenings just right for relaxing after a day of exploring.
- Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
- Days of Rainfall: 22 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Coffee plantation tours, visiting Mayan ruins during clearer mornings, enjoying local festivals like the Dia de San Pedro.
Guatemala in July
Visiting Guatemala in July means embracing the wet season. You'll find the landscapes lush and vibrant, but be prepared for frequent rain showers, especially in the afternoons. This is a great time for those who don't mind a bit of rain and are eager to see the countryside at its most verdant.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 15 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Attending the colorful Guelaguetza festival, exploring coffee plantations, visiting indoor markets
Guatemala in August
Visiting Guatemala in August means you're stepping into the heart of the rainy season. The landscapes are vibrant and lush, painting a beautiful backdrop for your travels. While you should be ready for frequent showers, they typically occur in the afternoon, allowing the mornings to remain clear for your adventures.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 22 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Attending local festivals, exploring coffee plantations, visiting rainforests
Guatemala in September
Visiting Guatemala in September is a vibrant experience, marked by the heart of the rainy season. The landscapes are at their most lush and verdant, offering breathtaking views. While rain is frequent, typically occurring in the afternoon, the mornings and evenings are often clear and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the cooler parts of the day.
- Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
- Days of Rainfall: 22 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Attending the Independence Day celebrations, exploring coffee plantations, visiting local markets
Guatemala in October
Visiting Guatemala in October is a vibrant experience, despite being deep in the rainy season. The landscapes are at their most lush and beautiful, with frequent rain showers that typically occur in the afternoon. This pattern allows for pleasant mornings and evenings, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the rich culture and history of the region.
- Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
- Days of Rainfall: 25 days
- Season: Wet season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Attending the colorful Día de la Raza celebrations, exploring indoor markets, visiting coffee plantations during harvest
Guatemala in November
Visiting Guatemala in November is a delightful experience as you catch the tail end of the rainy season transitioning into the drier months. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, perfect for exploring the rich landscapes and cultural festivities. November also hosts the vibrant celebration of All Saints' Day, featuring unique traditions like the giant kite festival in Sumpango.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 13 days
- Season: Transition from wet to dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Giant kite festival in Sumpango, visiting coffee plantations, exploring ancient Mayan ruins
Guatemala in December
Visiting Guatemala in December is a delightful experience as it coincides with the dry season, offering clear, sunny days perfect for exploring. The weather is cooler, especially in the highlands, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. December also brings vibrant cultural festivities, including Christmas celebrations and the unique Burning of the Devil tradition on December 7th, where locals burn effigies to cleanse away evil spirits.
- Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Days of Rainfall: 2 days
- Season: Dry season
- Cost: Moderate
- Activities: Exploring ancient Mayan ruins, attending the Burning of the Devil and Christmas festivities, hiking in the highlands
Special Events in Guatemala to Look Out For
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Date: Week leading up to Easter Sunday
- Description: Celebrated across Guatemala, this event is particularly famous in Antigua. It includes colorful street carpets, religious processions, and elaborate floats depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.
Fiesta de Santo Tomás
- Date: December 13th to 21st
- Description: Held in Chichicastenango, this festival blends Mayan and Christian traditions. Expect to see traditional dances, a pole flying ceremony, and processions.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- Date: November 1st and 2nd
- Description: Families gather to remember the deceased by visiting cemeteries, creating altars, and flying giant colorful kites to connect with the spirits of the departed.
Independence Day
- Date: September 15th
- Description: Guatemala celebrates its independence from Spain with parades, music, and fireworks. Schools and communities across the country participate in marches and cultural acts.
Feria de la Asunción
- Date: August 15th
- Description: Held in Guatemala City, this festival honors the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption. Activities include parades, concerts, and a beauty pageant.
Rabin Ajau National Folkloric Festival
- Date: Late July
- Description: Taking place in Cobán, this event includes a beauty pageant where contestants wear traditional indigenous clothing and showcase cultural traditions, alongside marimba music performances and parades.
La Quema del Diablo (The Burning of the Devil)
- Date: December 7th
- Description: Guatemalans cleanse their homes of evil spirits by gathering garbage and unwanted household items, creating bonfires, and burning effigies of the devil at 6 PM, marking the start of the Christmas season.
Pro Tips for Traveling to Guatemala
- Cash Over Card: Always have cash on hand, as many smaller vendors and rural areas don't accept credit cards.
- Tipping Customs: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; consider leaving a 10% tip at restaurants if the service was good.
- Drink Safely: Stick to bottled or purified water, as tap water is not safe to drink.
- Public Transportation Tips: Utilize chicken buses for an authentic and affordable travel experience, but keep an eye on your belongings.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Dress conservatively and learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to show respect to the local culture.
- Must-Try Foods: Don’t leave without trying Pepian or Kak'ik, traditional Mayan stews that are sure to delight your taste buds.
- Market Etiquette: When shopping in markets, bargaining is expected, but always remain polite and respectful.
- Respect Religious Sites: Be discreet and respectful when visiting churches and other religious sites, often integral to local communities.
- Photography Permissions: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in indigenous communities.
- Environmental Considerations: Be mindful of your environmental impact, especially in natural reserves and lakes.
Guatemala Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Guatemala?
Most travelers from the US, Canada, and the EU do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for stays of up to 90 days. However, it's a good idea to check the latest visa requirements from the Guatemalan embassy or consulate before your trip, as these can change.
What currency is used in Guatemala?
The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the official currency. US dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry some local currency for everyday purchases and to use ATMs for the best exchange rates.
What should I pack for a trip to Guatemala?
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, as well as a rain jacket if you're visiting during the rainy season (May to October). Include a good pair of walking shoes for exploring, and don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. For higher altitudes, like in Antigua or the highlands, bring warmer layers as it can get chilly.
Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Guatemala?
While Spanish is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English. Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience, especially when interacting with locals outside of tourist spots.
Is Guatemala safe for tourists?
Like many destinations, Guatemala has areas that are safer than others. It's important to stay vigilant, use common sense, and keep valuables secure. Avoid less touristy areas at night and always use reputable transportation options.
Is Guatemala accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Accessibility can be challenging in Guatemala, especially in older buildings and smaller towns with uneven sidewalks and limited wheelchair ramps. More established hotels and tourist facilities in larger cities like Guatemala City and Antigua are more likely to have better accessibility features.
What type of electrical outlet is used in Guatemala?
Guatemala uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets, the same as the US and Canada. The standard voltage is 120V. If you're coming from a country with a different standard, you might need a voltage converter or plug adapter.
What are some must-visit places in Guatemala?
Don't miss the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, the stunning Lake Atitlán surrounded by volcanoes, and the historic city of Antigua with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. For a unique experience, visit the vibrant Chichicastenango Market.
What local food should I try in Guatemala?
Definitely try some traditional dishes like Pepian, a spicy meat stew, or Kak'ik, a traditional turkey soup. Don't miss tasting the local coffee, which is among the best in the world.
How do I get around in Guatemala?
Buses are the most common form of public transport and connect most towns and cities. For more comfort and flexibility, consider renting a car or using taxis and rideshare apps like Uber, available in larger cities.