Best Time to Visit Guatemala - Top Seasons and Best Months for Your Trip
Why It’s Important to Know the Best Time to Visit Guatemala
Inside this article:
Guatemala, just south of Mexico in Central America, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and ancient history. With its towering volcanoes and lush rainforests to the remnants of the Mayan civilization, there's so much to explore. But, just like any adventure, the time you visit the country may make or break your trip. Guatemala experiences distinct seasons that can significantly influence your adventure experience. Planning your trip around the favorable months can ensure you enjoy the nation's top attractions in their best form.
Visiting Guatemala: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
If you align your travel plans with Guatemala's seasonal rhythms, you can ensure a memorable and enriching experience. So, here’s a month-to-month guide to help you decide the best month to visit Guatemala and get maximized experience.
Visiting Guatemala In January
Season: Dry Season
Minimum Temperature: 70°F (21°C)
Maximum Temperature: 85°F (29°C)
Key Points:
Overview: One of Guatemala’s driest months—with warm temperatures and clear skies, January is ideal for exploring ancient ruins, hiking volcanoes, and spotting wildlife.
Weather Highlights: Expect warm, dry weather across the country. The Caribbean coast sees some of the hottest temperatures, while nights in the highlands can get chilly.
Why visit in January?
Clear skies make it the best time to visit Tikal National Park and explore its towering Mayan ruins.
Watch baby sea turtles make their way to the Pacific Ocean!
Hike up Acatenango and capture Fuego’s eruptions lighting up the night sky by camping on its slopes.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
New Year’s Day: Antigua comes alive with fireworks, music, and street performances to welcome the new year.
Pilgrimage of Esquipulas (January 15th): Thousands of devotees visit the Basilica of Esquipulas to honor the Black Christ, a statue believed to have healing powers.
Things to consider:
Since its peak time, book accommodations and tours in advance.
Visit popular sites like Tikal early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
Visiting Guatemala in February
Season: Dry Season
Minimum Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Maximum Temperature: 87°F (31°C)
Key Points:
Overview: February is a fantastic time to explore Guatemala. It’s past the busy holiday rush, but still offers perfect conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and cultural experiences.
Weather Highlights: Dry and mild across the country. It's ideal for outdoor adventures with over eight hours of sunshine daily.
Why visit in February?
Enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the popular season.
Experience the coffee harvest season at Lake Atitlan and see how Guatemala’s top export is made.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Visit Fraijanes for the Coffee Harvest Festival, where streets come alive with parades, processions, and market stalls.
Candelaria Day (February 2nd): A deeply rooted religious tradition honoring the Virgin of Candelaria with national celebrations.
Things to consider:
Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially for coffee farm visits.
Visiting Guatemala in March
Season: Dry Season
Minimum Temperature: 75°F (23°C)
Maximum Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
Key Points:
Overview: March is a sweet spot for visiting Guatemala—pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak months. It’s also a great time to soak in local culture before the Easter rush begins.
Weather Highlights: Warm, dry days with clear skies and no rain. Temperatures are slightly higher than in February but still comfortable for sightseeing.
Why visit in March?
Enjoy cheaper shoulder-season prices.
Reliable transportation with little chance of rain delays.
Visit before Holy Week (Semana Santa) when crowds and prices rise dramatically.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter): The start of Lent is widely observed across Guatemala with religious ceremonies and traditions.
Things to consider:
Be prepared for warmer temperatures, especially when hiking.
Visiting Guatemala in April
Season: Dry Season
Minimum Temperature: 75°F (23°C)
Maximum Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
Key Points:
Overview: April is one of Guatemala's hottest and busiest months, especially along the coast. With clear blue skies and minimal rainfall, it’s a fantastic time for outdoor adventures. Also, Easter tourism brings in large crowds.
Weather Highlights: Expect hot, sunny days and clear skies. Coastal areas can get especially warm, while higher elevations remain more comfortable.
Why visit in April?
Experience Semana Santa (Holy Week), Guatemala’s most spectacular cultural event with colorful parades and religious processions.
A great time for Guatemala’s rich traditions across cities and villages.
Things to consider:
Crowds will be at their peak, especially in Antigua—consider exploring lesser-known towns for a quieter experience.
Prepare for heat and humidity, and if you prefer cooler weather, head to the highlands.
Visiting Guatemala in May
Season: Wet Season
Minimum Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
Maximum Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
Key Points:
Overview: May marks the start of Guatemala's rainy season, with sunny mornings and afternoon showers. It's also a time of solitude and lower prices, perfect if you want to enjoy the country without the crowds.
Weather Highlights: Expect humid mornings with rainy afternoons and occasional storms. The Highlands are still in favorable conditions.
Why visit in May?
The mornings offer the perfect weather.
Enjoy lower prices and quieter sites, especially Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and ancient Mayan ruins, which are crowded during other months.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Día del Trabajo (Worker's Day): International Workers Day is celebrated with parades and processions across the country, a spectacle to capture!
Things to consider:
The afternoon rains are predictable but can affect your travel, so plan your visits for the mornings.
If you're looking for beach time, it’s better to skip it during May.
Visiting Guatemala in June
Season: Wet Season
Minimum Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Maximum Temperature: 91°F (33°C)
Key Points:
Overview: June continues the rainy season and offers more cheerful mornings and quick bursts of rain in the afternoons. But it is still a favorable month to explore Guatemala.
Weather Highlights: Despite being one of the wettest months, the rain in Guatemala comes in heavy bursts that are quick to pass, so you’ll still get to enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures.
Why visit in June?
Cheapest prices of the year making it a budget-friendly time to visit.
A unique experience: tubing through caves in Candelaria Caves is one of the top activities to enjoy in June, when the water levels are high.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Turtle Nesting Season: Visit the Pacific coast to witness sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on the black sand beaches.
Things to consider:
The rain can affect transportation so plan your trip accordingly.
Be sure to pack for rainy weather but also prepare for sunny mornings.
Visiting Guatemala in July
Season: Wet Season
Minimum Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Maximum Temperature: 90°F (32°C)
Key Points:
Overview: July is one of the busiest months in Guatemala with visitors from North America and Europe coming for their summer holidays. It's also an opportunity to explore Guatemala in its peak lushness and rainy season.
Weather Highlights: Expect hot, sunny days in the highlands and central region. Hot and humid on the Caribbean coasts with the occasional afternoon storm.
Why visit in July?
Despite the rain, there are plenty of windows for sightseeing and exploration.
This is the perfect time to capture the vibrant landscapes of Guatemala’s lush forests and natural beauty.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
La Fiesta Nacional Indigena de Guatemala (Coban): This spectacular two-week-long cultural festival celebrates Mayan traditions.
Things to consider:
Be cautious when hiking, as trails can become slippery due to the rain.
Pack clothing suitable for rain and sun, as the weather can quickly change.
Road conditions can be challenging due to the rains, so prepare for delays.
The Caribbean or Pacific coast may experience hurricanes or tropical storms during this time.
Visiting Guatemala in August
Season: Wet Season
Minimum Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
Maximum Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
Key Points:
Overview: August in Guatemala sees a crowd drop as the spring break rush fades. The weather remains similar to July, with a blend of sunny days and afternoon showers. It’s a great time to explore the outdoors and ancient ruins in the mornings and late evenings.
Weather Highlights: Warm days and afternoon showers are good for enjoying the outdoors without the intense midday heat. However, there's a risk of hurricanes along the coast.
Why visit in August?
End of August comes with lower prices and fewer tourists.
Explore the picturesque Flores island on an ancient volcanic caldera known for stunning views.
Taste the season's fresh fruit smoothies.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Dia de la Virgen de la Asunción (Festival of the Virgin of the Assumption) on August 15th: This religious celebration honors the patron saint..
Fiestas Elenas (Santa Cruz Del Quiché): A week-long festival with traditional dancing and food highlighting Guatemalan culture.
Things to consider:
During this time, be aware of hurricane season along the coastal regions and monitor weather conditions before heading to those areas.
Visiting Guatemala in September
Season: Wet Season
Minimum Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Maximum Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Key Points:
Overview: September marks the height of the rainy season in Guatemala, bringing frequent afternoon and evening showers. While the weather may limit exploration opportunities, it’s the perfect time for those seeking lower prices and fewer crowds.
Weather Highlights: Expect warm, humid days with cloudy skies and heavy rainfall. The mornings are usually clear and sunny—a good window for outdoor activities before the rain hits.
Why visit in September?
It’s an ideal time to head to the highlands and enjoy the mountain landscapes.
Catch the turtle nesting season on the Pacific coast.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Día de la Independencia de Guatemala (Guatemalan Independence Day): A grand celebration across the country with parades and fireworks.
Things to consider:
September falls in the middle of hurricane season, especially along the coasts.
Be flexible with your trip itinerary to adjust the rain delays.
Visiting Guatemala in October
Season: Wet Season
Minimum Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
Maximum Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
Key Points:
Overview: October is one of the wettest months in Guatemala, but it also signals the tail end of the rainy season, making it your last chance to experience the lush landscapes of the wet season.
Weather Highlights: Expect sunny mornings that quickly turn into rainy afternoons, with occasional tropical storms, especially on the coasts.
Why visit in October?
Before the high season begins, it's your final opportunity to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds at popular sites.
Solitude in the highlands provides a peaceful escape before the crowds return in the upcoming dry season.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Día de la Revolución (Revolution Day) on October 20th: A day of remembrance to honor the victims of the Civil War with fireworks on streets.
Things to consider:
If you're planning to witness turtle hatching, be mindful of storms and check the weather forecast before heading to the beaches.
Visiting Guatemala in November
Season: Dry Season
Minimum Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Maximum Temperature: 80°F (26°C)
Key Points:
Overview: November marks the arrival of the magical season in Guatemala. The weather is warm and dry with meadows and flowers in full bloom and lush green vistas. It's also a great time to visit before the high-season crowds take over.
Weather Highlights: The humidity decreases and the days are warm and sunny with occasional rains. Expect cool evenings giving a refreshing feel.
Why visit in November?
November offers the best of Guatemala, from rainforests and beaches to historic sites and mountain views—you’ll have a wide variety of activities to explore.
It's the ideal time for hiking and volcano exploration with picture-perfect landscapes.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Festival de Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kite Festival) on November 1st: This 3,000-year-old tradition sees the people of Santiago Sacatepéquez heading to the cemetery on All Saints' Day to fly giant, colorful kites to honor the dead.
Festival de las Flores, Antigua: This is a popular flower festival where places around Calle del Arco and Central Park have beautiful floral decorations.
Sea Turtle Hatchling Release, Monterrico: From September to January, the sea turtle conservation team at Tortugario Monterrico releases over 5,000 baby sea turtles into the ocean daily. You can join them in protecting the turtles!
Things to consider:
Crowds start to pick up, so be prepared for rising prices. It's wise to book accommodations and tours in advance.
Visiting Guatemala in December
Season: Dry Season
Minimum Temperature: 60°F (16°C)
Maximum Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Key Points:
Overview: December ushers in festivities, stable weather, and high crowds in Guatemala. It’s a happy time to visit where you can experience the holiday cheer amidst ideal weather conditions.
Weather Highlights: Best month with warm, dry days and little to no rain. Nights can get chilly in the Highlands.
Why visit in December?
Antigua is the most popular spot to celebrate the holiday season. It’s also a great time to visit Tikal, relax on the beaches and hike on a volcano.
Ideal weather for the whole country.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
Participate in the month-long festive season with events like La Quema del Diablo (The Burning of the Devil) on the 7th, where people burn effigies of the devil, the Fiesta de Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango from the 13th to 21st with Maya cultural performances, Navidad (Christmas Eve) on the 25th, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Join in the fun with parades, music, and lively traditions!
Things to consider:
Book in advance to avoid the price surge due to the high season.
Plan visits to popular spots in the early mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Why should you book your Guatemala adventure with AdventureTripr?
At AdventureTripr, we ensure your Guatemala adventure is perfectly timed for the best weather and experiences. We work closely with trusted local guides and operators who provide real-time updates, helping us plan your trip around the ideal moments to explore ancient Mayan ruins, hike active volcanoes, or relax by Lake Atitlan. Whether you're trekking through the highlands or discovering the rich culture of colonial Antigua, our experienced operators take every precaution to keep you safe during your Guatemala tour and ensure an unforgettable journey, no matter the season.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
Answer: The ideal time to explore Guatemala is from November to April in the dry season. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather with minimal rainfall—perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Question: Are there any months to avoid when visiting Guatemala?
Answer: The rainy season from May to October brings heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities. If you don't mind occasional showers, visiting during this time means fewer tourists and lush vistas.
Question: When is the best time for hiking in Guatemala?
Answer: The prime hiking season is during the dry months of November to April. During this time, trails are more manageable, and the weather is comfortable for trekking.
Question: What are some must-see attractions in Guatemala?
Answer: Don't miss the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, the colonial charm of Antigua, the serene beauty of Lake Atitlan, and the markets of Chichicastenango. For an adventurous trip, hike up Pacaya Volcano. During the turtle harvest season, head to the Pacific Coasts.
Question: What should I pack for a trip to Guatemala in the rainy season?
Answer: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection for warm, sunny weather. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket or poncho for afternoon rain showers. Sturdy shoes are a must, especially for hiking, and be prepared for wet, muddy conditions.
Adventure together
Share the love:
