Guatemala boasts some of the most diverse landscapes on earth. You will find lush rainforests, volcanoes, and tropical beaches. These areas are home to ancient Mayan villages, as well as relics of bygone eras. The vibrant culture and traditions of the locals are just a few more. It is an amazing holiday destination that attracts thousands every year.
Guatemala has been one of my favourite winter escapes. You will need to choose the right time to visit Guatemala. This is the best way to avoid dangerous weather conditions. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your vacation to Guatemala. What is the best time to visit Guatemala in the year?
Aerial view lake atitlan Guatemala drone shot
Guatemala is located fifteen degrees north of the equator in Central America. You can expect mild temperatures all year. The climate in Guatemala is tropical. Temperatures range from between 70- to 90-degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
The climate can be as varied as the landscapes. They range from tropical rain forests to temperate highlands to hot and humid beaches. March and April are the hottest months.
Guatemala can be divided into two seasons: the dry and wet. Although the Atlantic coast is more predictable than other areas of the country, rainfall here is unpredictable.
Here, rain falls throughout each year. In July and August, the Atlantic coast experiences less rain. If you are planning to travel to Guatemala in July and August, the Atlantic coast is a great choice.
Expect dry conditions between November-April, making this the best time of year to visit Guatemala. There is plenty of rainfall in the rest of the year (May to October). Even when it’s not raining, humidity can be too much.
Climatic Regions
Mist above the jungle while the sun is rising in the background. Morning in Northern Guatemala, atop a pyramid.
Guatemala has three climatic areas all of which depend on altitude.
Tierra Caliente
The Tierra Caliente is Guatemala’s low-lying area reaching up to 3,280 feet above sea level. Extreme humidity is a problem in this tropical region. It rains every day, and daytime temperatures can peak at around 104deg Fahrenheit. Even at night, you can expect temperatures of around 60deg Fahrenheit.
Terra Templada
The Tierra Templada is an area containing volcanic mountains. It reaches altitudes of between 3,280 and 5,905 feet above sea level. The Tierra Templada enjoys a more temperate climate.
Expect warm weather during dry seasons. Many tourists are attracted to these pleasant weather conditions. Many tourists visit this region to take in the beautiful scenery and to hike.
Tierra Fria
The parts of the country that rise beyond 5,905 meters are referred to as the Tierra Fria. These areas can get quite cold due to their high altitude. Some areas are frost-free. You should bring a jacket if you plan to travel up into higher terrain.
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The Wet and Dry Seasons in Guatemala
Aerial view of the beautiful, turquoise natural pools of Semuc Champey
Rainy Season – May to October
May to October is not the best time to visit Guatemala. Cloud cover can be expected from midday, followed by heavy rains in the afternoon. It is not unusual for overnight rains to occur. Low-lying Peten has a rainy season that lasts until November every year.
There are many places in the country where roads are not ideal. Heavy rain can cause problems for travelers. The rains can often cause disruptions to transport. Heavy flooding and landslide can be caused by high slopes.
Muddy conditions can make hiking in certain areas very dangerous.
During the rainy seasons, the majority of rain falls on the northern and eastern parts of the country. During this time, you should avoid coastal areas and Tikal (the Mayan city) These areas are hot and humid, and can see heavy rains.
The weather is generally pleasant in these areas, such as the Western and Central Highlands, Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Lake Atitlan. The Atlantic coast will see less rainfall in July and August
. However, highlands areas are still warm and dry during the day. The temperatures drop as the sun sets, and can reach freezing point. Be prepared for cooler evening temperatures. Plan a winter trip to the north if you are planning on visiting the beaches.
Dry Season – November to April
Atitlan Lake with pier at sunrise, Panajachel, Guatemala
The dry season is, without question, the best time to visit Guatemala. After months of tropical rains, the dry season allows you to view Guatemala under clear skies. You will find lush green scenery and many colorful flowers on your journey. You can expect to see many tourists in Guatemala during winter.
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Best Time to Visit Guatemala City
Guatemala city view from mountain top mirador.
Guatemala City has a tropical Savannah climate. It is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching their highest in April and its coolest in November. It remains warm all year. Temperatures vary from 51deg to 84deg Fahrenheit.
The best time to visit Guatemala City, is between mid-April and late November. It is more dry than the heat and humidity. June is the wettest month. Although July is dry, it can be very hot and humid in July.
If you are planning to visit, it might be worth looking into a mid-August vacation. You can also participate in the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asuncion, which takes place in mid-August. (more details later).
Best Time to Visit Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Beautiful bay of Lake Atitlan with view to Volcano San Pedro in highlands of Guatemala
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Also known as Lago de Atitlan, this majestic lake is located more than 4,900 feet above sea level. It measures seven miles in length and three by three inches wide. Three volcanoes surround the lake, offering stunning views and many hiking opportunities. Tourists flock to this area for the coffee plantations and beautiful Mayan villages. It is located in a volcanic crater. This area is rich in biodiversity.
Like other parts of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan’s dry season is between May and November. Rain can make roads in this area of the world muddy and unstable. Landslides can be a real threat. Because it is hurricane season, August and September are particularly harsh.
You can expect mild temperatures that average 78deg Fahrenheit. Be prepared if you climb higher elevations. Temperatures can drop by as much as 20deg especially at night. Due to the volcanic landscapes of this region, climbing and hiking are very popular. In the villages, there are many shops and street markets. You will also find many restaurants and galleries.
You can also visit the coffee plantations up on the mountain slopes to learn about how coffee is grown. You can also fish or kayak in the lake. It’s easy to hop on a water taxi to reach a village by the lake.
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The Best Time to Visit Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala Historic Old Colonial Town
The best time to visit Antigua, Guatemala, will depend on your priorities and interests. It is important to know when peak tourist season occurs, how the weather will be and when festivals will take place.
The dry season between November-April is the most popular time to visit Antigua. Although temperatures are not very variable in this area, it is the coolest season.
Some may argue that Antigua’s peak tourist season is not the best. These times are when hotels and accommodation can be crowded. It is tempting to escape winter chill in the northern hemisphere by taking a planned trip to Antigua during this time of the year. Here, you can expect daily average temperatures to max out at 83.3deg Fahrenheit.
You can expect to find the lowest rates at hotels from May through November. This is Guatemala’s rainy season. Yet, thanks to its elevation of almost 5,000 feet above sea level Antigua doesn’t have as much rainfall as the rest of the country.
I believe that the best time to visit Antigua Guatemala in the summer is between May and June. It is still pleasant and there are more accommodations at affordable rates.
Heavy rain falls during the wet season, which is from mid-June through mid-November. Although there is still plenty of sun, it can also be humid.
The Best Time to Visit the Pacific Coast of Guatemala
Sunset at Beach with Black Sand in Monterrico, Guatemala. Monterrico, located in the Santa Rosa department, is on the Pacific coast.
The Pacific coast doesn’t draw many tourists and the seaside resorts aren’t great. You can still enjoy quiet time at the beach if you plan well. It is best to visit the area between April and November, as it is with most of the country.
The area has many interesting attractions. You can also visit mangrove forests and see nesting leatherback turtles. Visit Tortugario Monterrico if you are in the area between September-January to see the release of hatchling turtles. You can book a night tour for June to see the turtles making their way to the coast in order to nest. Mangrove forests and wetlands offer shelter for a variety of aquatic birds. The Pacific coast is known as Iztapa, the capital of sailfishing in the world. A day’s fishing could net you 20 sailfish. Yellowtail tuna, wahoo and dorado are also possible. This area also has some great surfing.
Also, on the Pacific side of the island, you can visit Takelik Abaj, a Mayan village. It is known as “Standing Stones” It offers visitors insights into the Mayan culture of 400BC. Takelik Abaj has the largest concentration of Olmec statues outside of the Gulf of Mexico. Other treasures include the Mayan royal tomb, and Mayan hieroglyphs. The more than 275 zoomorphs, monuments, and sculptures dating back to between 800 BC and 200 AD.
Stifling humidity and year-round temperatures of around 85deg Fahrenheit can get tiring. The seaside breezes provide some relief.
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Guatemalan Festivals
Guatemala is a Catholic country and most of the celebrations center around church holidays. These festivals combine Mayan culture with Christian celebrations. To fully appreciate the culture and traditions of Guatemala, it is worth the effort to attend some of these celebrations.
Semana Santa – Easter Weekend
Guatemalans celebrate Holy Week or Semana Santa in the week running up to the Easter weekend. Guatemalans were introduced to the tradition of Semana Santa by the Spanish. Antigua Guatemala is home to the most extravagant Holy Week celebration in the world.
Every year, thousands of people visit Antigua, Guatemala for the Semana Santa activities. This is the biggest Easter celebration in the entire world. You’ll find spectacular pageants with amazing floats here. Alfombra, complexly designed carpets made of sawdust and flowers, decorate the streets.
Processions mark Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection. Celebrants are known to carry colorful sculptures that date back to Spanish Colonial times. Incense is rich in aromas that fill the air with complex scents.
Churches can be open long hours up to a month in advance of holy week. Every weekend of Lent, procesions are held. This celebration is worth adding to your calendar.
Rabin Ajau, Guatemala – End of July
Celebrated annually in the city of Coban, Rabin Ajau translates into “daughter of the king”. This Mayan celebration of women is held on the last Saturday of July. Locals celebrate the festival with traditional dance, fireworks and processions.
The beauty pageant is more than just personal appearances. It also considers the languages that contestants can speak. It also takes into account their knowledge of traditional traditions and leadership skills. Contestants are required to wear traditional attire.
Mayan New Year – Every 260 Days
The Mayan New Year takes place every 260 days. You will need to know when the next Mayan New Year celebration is taking place. Ancestral celebrations include singing, dancing, feasts, and more.
Festive activities take place at sunrise and sunset. The most elaborate are held at Lake Atitlan. Five days before the new Year, festivities and preparations begin. It begins with the elimination of all negative energy from the previous year.
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Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asuncion – 15th August
The facade of the La Merced Church in Antigua, Guatemala.
Celebrated on 15th August, the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asuncion commemorates the ascension of Christ’s mother, Mary into Heaven. This day is very important in Guatemala City. The “Virgin of Assumption” is the patron saint of the city. Festivals, celebrations and rituals are the order for the day. And then there’s the fair that continues for two weeks around the 15th of August. You can sample delicious Guatemalan foods like soups, stews, and desserts at the fair.
Families enjoy games and a fair. All are welcome to social, cultural, and sporting events.
Independence Day – 15th September
Guatemalans celebrate Independence Day on the 15th of September with marches and brass bands. You can enjoy marimba bands, traditional dances, and firework displays on this important day.
Dia de Los Muertos – 1st November
Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November throughout Latin America. People remember their loved ones who have died during this time. The people believe that all the deceased souls return to their families during this period.
The festival has many traditions. There are many traditions included, including visits to the cemetery, kite flying and communicating with the deceased. Families enjoy traditional food at this time.
The biggest part of the celebration are the huge kite festivals that take place in nearby villages. Many families spend all year building their kites some of which span 40 feet or more. They fly over cemeteries and create grand displays.
You’ll find some of the best kites displays in the village of Sumpango, 30 miles from Guatemala City. It’s a popular spot for local vendors selling all sorts of delicious treats and arts and craft.
As night draws in, cemeteries turn on the music and light up. The living and the dead enjoy a feast together at these cemeteries.
National Day of the Garifuna or Garifuna Settlement Day – 26th November
The National Day of Garifuna takes place in Livingston on the 26th of November each year. Garifunas from Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras are attracted to the festival. The festivities take place over three days. It is an Afro-Caribbean celebration of culture and traditions. This festival celebrates traditional music, dance, and food.
Fiesta de Santo Tomas in Chichicastenango – mid-December
Traditional festival and colors in Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Held in mid-December in Chichicastenango, the Fiesta de Santo Tomas begins and ends with a march. Locals know the march as it involves drums and flutes through Chichi.
Celebrants are accompanied by marimba and flute players, while carrying Catholic icons. The onlookers are entertained by dancers in costumes and masks. The display ends with brave dancers falling slowly from a long pole that is only supported by a rope. The festival ends with fireworks.
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Best Time to Visit by Season – Weather by Season
View of Pacaya volcano on a sunny day from Guatemala city
November to February | Winter
Semuc Champey means in Mayan language where the water hides under the stones a place from a movie
You can expect warm dry days right through the winter. You can see the bright blue sky contrasted with the vibrant green vegetation that emerges from the long, rainy season. It is a wonderful time to visit Tikal and hike the Central and Western highlands. Northern areas are less predictable than other regions. You may still get some rain in November and December. Accommodation and airfares are more expensive during this time of the year, as Europeans and Americans seek to escape the winter cold.
You can expect daytime temperatures of between 75deg and 80deg Fahrenheit during the winter months. Nighttime temperatures are a lot cooler and will average between 63deg and 66deg Fahrenheit. Temperatures drop further up in the mountains, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Expect temperatures of between 70deg and 80deg along the Caribbean coast in the winter. The weather is equally good on the Pacific coast. The black sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean offer a different experience.
March to May | Spring
The Peten Itza Lake in Guatemala from a colorful terrace in the morning
With temperatures in the region of 90deg to 95deg Fahrenheit, spring is the hottest season in Guatemala especially along the coastline and in Peten. It’s best to visit Guatemala’s Central and Western Highlands in spring. Here the temperatures are a more bearable 70deg to 80deg.
This is not the best time to climb because of mist. Rains can start at the end of April, making hiking difficult.
June to August – Summer
Iglesia De La Merced Antigua Guatemala
Summer is not the best time of year to visit Guatemala. Hot humid mornings and afternoon rains can make it uncomfortable. The weather is hot and humid in the Coastal and Low-Land areas, such as Peten, so it’s a good time of year to visit Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
September to October – Fall
A beautiful sunrise sailing on the Rio Dulce, Guatemala’s beautiful river famous for its nature and biodiversity.
Though this is the wettest season of the year in Guatemala, it is also the quietest and the least expensive time to visit. From the middle of October, afternoon rains are almost daily. In some places, such as Tikal and the Amazon, rains will last until mid-November.
Fall is also hurricane season. Hurricanes are most severe on the Caribbean coast. They can also occur on the Pacific coast so be alert at all times.
The Best Time to Visit Guatemala
It is obvious that the dry season is the best time to visit Guatemala. When planning your holiday, it is important to consider what you want to do. You should also consider the cost of accommodation and airfares, as well as festive dates.
