Best Time to Visit Guatemala
Your complete guide to Guatemala's weather, seasons, and when to plan your trip
Quick Answer
November to April is the best time to visit Guatemala. This dry season offers sunny weather, clear skies for volcano views, and ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.
However, each season has advantages. Rainy season (May-October) brings lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices, with rain typically limited to afternoon showers.
Guatemala's Two Seasons
Dry Season
November - April
Temperature Range:
Highlands: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Coast: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Rainy Season
May - October
Temperature Range:
Highlands: 15-23°C (59-73°F)
Coast: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Month-by-Month Guide
January
Peak season with perfect weather. Busy after New Year but crowds thin mid-month. Book ahead.
☀️ Weather: Sunny, dry
🌡️ Temp: 15-25°C
👥 Crowds: High
February
Best month for clear volcano views. Warm days, cool nights. Ideal for Acatenango hike.
☀️ Weather: Sunny, dry
🌡️ Temp: 16-26°C
👥 Crowds: High
March
Still dry season. Easter week (Semana Santa) is extremely busy in Antigua with processions.
☀️ Weather: Sunny, warming
🌡️ Temp: 17-27°C
👥 Crowds: Very High (Easter)
April
Hottest month. End of dry season with occasional showers. Less crowded after Easter.
☀️ Weather: Hot, dry
🌡️ Temp: 18-28°C
👥 Crowds: Medium
May
Start of rainy season. Afternoon showers begin. Landscapes turn green. Lower prices start.
🌧️ Weather: Afternoon rain
🌡️ Temp: 17-26°C
👥 Crowds: Low
June
Rainy season but manageable. Mornings usually clear. Great for budget travelers.
🌧️ Weather: Daily afternoon rain
🌡️ Temp: 16-24°C
👥 Crowds: Low
July
"Canícula" - brief dry spell mid-rainy season. Less rain than June. Summer vacation crowds.
🌤️ Weather: Less rain
🌡️ Temp: 16-24°C
👥 Crowds: Medium
August
Similar to July. Lush landscapes. Good for photography. Waterfalls at full flow.
🌤️ Weather: Moderate rain
🌡️ Temp: 16-24°C
👥 Crowds: Medium
September
Wettest month. Heavy afternoon rains. Some roads may be affected. Lowest prices.
🌧️ Weather: Heavy rain
🌡️ Temp: 16-23°C
👥 Crowds: Very Low
October
Still rainy but improving. End of rainy season approaching. Very few tourists.
🌧️ Weather: Frequent rain
🌡️ Temp: 16-24°C
👥 Crowds: Very Low
November
Dry season begins! Rain stops, skies clear. Landscapes still green. Great value before peak season.
☀️ Weather: Clearing up
🌡️ Temp: 15-25°C
👥 Crowds: Medium
December
Peak season. Christmas markets in Antigua. Book early for holidays. Perfect weather.
☀️ Weather: Sunny, dry
🌡️ Temp: 14-24°C
👥 Crowds: Very High
Festivals & Events
Semana Santa (Easter Week)
March/April (dates vary)
Guatemala's biggest celebration. Antigua hosts elaborate processions with colorful sawdust carpets (alfombras). Book accommodation months in advance. Expect crowds and higher prices.
📍 Best in: Antigua Guatemala
All Saints' Day & Day of the Dead
November 1-2
Families visit cemeteries with flowers and food. In Santiago Sacatepéquez, watch the giant kite festival (barriletes gigantes) where massive kites honor the dead.
📍 Best in: Santiago Sacatepéquez, Sumpango
Independence Day
September 15
Parades, fireworks, and celebrations across Guatemala. Schools and businesses close. Antigua's central park fills with festivities and traditional dances.
📍 Best in: Guatemala City, Antigua
Burning of the Devil
December 7
Unique tradition where people burn devil effigies and old belongings in the streets to cleanse homes before Christmas. Loud and smoky but fascinating cultural experience.
📍 Best in: Antigua, Guatemala City
Weather by Region
Highlands
Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango
Altitude: 1,500-2,500m
Climate: Spring-like year-round
Dry Season: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Rainy Season: 15-23°C (59-73°F)
Notes: Cool nights, bring layers. Rain mostly afternoons.
Jungle Lowlands
Tikal, Flores, Semuc Champey
Altitude: 100-500m
Climate: Hot and humid
Dry Season: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Rainy Season: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Notes: Heavy rain possible year-round. Bring insect repellent.
Caribbean Coast
Livingston, Rio Dulce
Altitude: Sea level
Climate: Tropical, humid
Dry Season: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Rainy Season: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Notes: Can rain any month. Peak rain: October-November.
When Should You Visit?
Best Overall: November - February
Perfect weather, clear skies, and ideal conditions for all activities. Book accommodation early as this is peak season. Expect higher prices but best experience.
Best Value: May - June, September - October
Rainy season means lower prices (30-50% off) and fewer tourists. Rain is predictable (afternoons), so plan activities for mornings. Great for budget travelers.
Avoid Crowds: May, June, September, October
Experience Guatemala with minimal tourists. More authentic interactions with locals. Some tours may have fewer departures, but major attractions remain open.
Best for Photography: January - March
Clearest skies for volcano views and landscapes. Perfect light for photography. Sunrise at Tikal and Acatenango are spectacular with minimal cloud cover.
Best for Nature: June - August
Landscapes are lush and green. Waterfalls at full flow. Wildlife more active. Perfect for nature lovers who don't mind afternoon rain showers.
Ready to Plan Your Guatemala Trip?
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