When to Travel to Guatemala: Your Guide to Seasons and Weather
Guatemala is often celebrated as the Land of Eternal Spring, but this charming moniker doesn’t guarantee spring-like conditions everywhere, year-round. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly with changes in altitude, and the country experiences two distinct seasons that profoundly influence the travel experience in this vibrant corner of Central America. Understanding When To Travel To Guatemala is key to planning your ideal trip.
The year in Guatemala can be broadly categorized into the rainy season and the dry season, though some might find it more fitting to label them the “muddy” and “dusty” seasons. The prime time for tourism aligns with the most favorable weather for outdoor pursuits. Consequently, the rains can significantly alter how you experience the sights and natural wonders Guatemala has to offer. This doesn’t imply any particular time is bad for a visit, but your expectations may need adjusting, especially if activities like climbing volcanoes or trekking through the rainforest are on your agenda. To assist you in navigating these considerations, here are our recommendations for the best times to visit Guatemala, helping you decide the best time of year to travel to guatemala.
Ancient Temple I in the main plaza at Tikal, Guatemala, in the dry season.
November to March: Ideal for Festivals and Outdoor Exploration
Unlike a conventional three-tiered system, Guatemala features two distinct high seasons separated by two low seasons. The first high season coincides with Guatemala’s dry period, spanning from November to March. During these months, sunny days are reliably frequent, offering perfect conditions for outdoor activities. This period represents the peak tourism season, marked by the highest prices.
This duration is arguably when is the best time to travel to guatemala if your focus is on trekking, wildlife encounters in the national parks, visits to Mayan archaeological sites, and exploring Guatemala’s beaches. You’ll find plenty of fellow travelers if you choose to hike up volcanoes like Acatenango near Antigua or those surrounding Lake Atitlán during this time.
The onset of the dry weather conveniently follows the hurricane season, arriving just in time for the Day of the Dead commemorations on November 1st and 2nd. Villages such as Santiago and Sumpango near Antigua are famous for constructing colossal kites as part of their November 1st festivities.
This bustling period typically concludes shortly after Semana Santa, the Holy Week leading up to Easter. This stands as another of Guatemala’s most significant festivals, characterized by religious processions and the elaborate decoration of streets with alfombras – intricate patterns created using colored sawdust and flowers.
Colorful sawdust alfombras fill the streets of Antigua, Guatemala, during Semana Santa celebrations.
Semana Santa and Easter are paramount religious observances for Guatemalans and constitute their primary annual vacation period. During Holy Week, many flock to the coast and Lake Atitlán, leading to considerable crowds and escalated prices in these popular destinations.
Antigua, the historic former capital, becomes particularly congested during Holy Week, as crowds gather to witness its renowned and vibrant religious processions. Travelers should anticipate higher costs and secure accommodations well in advance. Conversely, Guatemala City tends to be less hectic than usual during this specific week.
Many tourist spots see an influx of visitors as city residents take time off for Christmas and New Year, coinciding with the season’s lively festivals. The unique Burning of the Devil ritual occurs across Guatemala on December 7th at 6 pm, where locals burn objects on bonfires to expel negative spirits and the devil before the Christmas season commences.
Locals gather on the steps of the basilica during the Festival of Saint Thomas in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
The town of Chichicastenango comes alive during the Festival of Saint Thomas towards the end of December. This celebration honoring their patron saint draws visitors from the entire region, filling the streets with music, dancing, and singing.
If you plan your visit between November and March, be mindful that nighttime temperatures in the highlands can drop sharply, potentially nearing freezing in Quetzaltenango. While a heavy winter coat isn’t necessary unless you intend to trek or camp, a warm jacket and socks are essential for comfort.
Besides dusty and windy conditions, you might encounter significant smoke in the air during this time. Farmers burn off old vegetation in their fields to prepare for the subsequent planting season. If you suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions, remember to pack your medication and consider using a face mask.
February marks the peak of the coffee harvest, making it an excellent time for a coffee tour in one of the country’s eight coffee-growing regions, including areas around Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Cobán.
Overlooking the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, a popular spot to cool off in Guatemala.
June to August: Hot, Damp, but Great for Wildlife and Language Study
The second high season aligns with summer vacations in North America and Europe. It’s slightly less busy than the first high season but still sees significant crowds. The weather is variable—generally warm and damp, yet suitable for certain activities depending on the region.
June is decidedly wet, though mornings are typically hot and sunny, with rain arriving in the late afternoon or evening. This period marks the start of the turtle nesting season on the Pacific Coast, positioning June as one of the best months to find volunteer opportunities in conservation projects. Additionally, local fiestas enliven the areas around Lake Atitlán.
For a few weeks in July and August, a short dry spell known as the canícula occurs, though its exact timing varies annually. It gets very hot during this time, with no relief from afternoon showers. However, the clear skies make it an excellent period for hiking to scenic lookouts and volcano summits, visiting Mayan ruins like Tikal in the Petén jungle, and enjoying a float down the river at Semuc Champey.
If you’re keen on experiencing living Mayan culture, Cobán hosts the National Folklore Festival of Rabin Ajaw in July. This event celebrates the history, culture, and influence of Maya women, both past and present.
A tuk-tuk passes under the iconic Arch of Santa Catalina in historic Antigua, Guatemala.
Many students utilize this second high season, particularly during summer breaks, to study Spanish at Guatemala’s numerous language schools, with Antigua being a popular hub. Attending during this time means you’ll have ample opportunity to interact and learn from a larger community of fellow students, avoiding the feeling of being the sole foreigner.
The summer months are also the best period to indulge in the abundant tropical fruits that ripen from June onwards. Strawberries, mangoes, papayas, and bananas are widely available. June and July are also peak season for pitaya (dragonfruit), whose vivid magenta flesh is perfect for smoothies. If you’re looking for inexpensive exotic places to travel, exploring Guatemala during this vibrant, fruity season offers a rich experience.
A traveler walks on a jungle boardwalk, experiencing the green landscape during Guatemala's quiet season.
April to May and September to October: Best for Slow Travel
Guatemala’s two low seasons occur at the fringes of the rainy season – from just after Holy Week until the end of May, and again from September through October. During these times, crowds thin considerably, and you might even find yourself with an entire hostel dorm to yourself.
However, the weather can be quite unpredictable. You might experience sunny days punctuated by afternoon or evening showers, or you could encounter days of continuous drizzle, particularly in May and September. Essential gear includes a raincoat, quick-drying clothing, and a waterproof cover for your backpack. Bug repellent is also crucial, as the rain increases mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika.
Accommodations tend to be more affordable, and finding places to stay is significantly easier during the low seasons. You might even secure a cost-effective house-sitting opportunity as “snowbirds” head north for the summer. While the rain transforms the landscape into a vibrantly green panorama and encourages flowers to bloom, it also creates substantial mud, which can dampen enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
Villagers load goods onto a colorful Guatemalan 'chicken bus' during the rainy season.
The rainy season weather can slow down transportation in Guatemala considerably. This is not the ideal time for a fast-paced trip with a rigid itinerary. Roads can be washed away or blocked by rockfalls, public transport becomes less reliable, and journeys that would typically take a couple of hours might stretch into the better part of a day.
Power outages become more frequent due to heavy downpours, as do internet disruptions. You may find yourself staying put in one location longer than anticipated. However, if you maintain a flexible schedule, this period is perfect for relaxing and embracing a slower pace of life.
The rain typically begins to subside by October, with showers mostly confined to the afternoons. This allows you to enjoy outdoor pursuits in the sunny mornings, relax under shelter during the afternoon rain, and then explore the nightlife once everything feels fresh and clean. While you might consider needing a best lightweight men’s jacket for travel for cooler evenings in the highlands, a waterproof and quick-drying option is most practical during the wet season.
Conclusion
Choosing When To Travel To Guatemala depends heavily on your priorities. The dry season (November-March) offers the best weather for outdoor adventures and coincides with major cultural festivals, but also brings the highest prices and crowds. The second high season (June-August) is hotter and wetter but good for specific activities like turtle watching and language study, including a brief dry spell. The low seasons (April-May and September-October) are quieter and cheaper, though rainier, requiring preparedness for variable conditions and potential travel delays. Regardless of the timing, Guatemala offers a rich and memorable travel experience.
