Guatemala offers an incredible blend of ancient Mayan ruins, colonial architecture, and stunning natural beauty. From the towering temples of Tikal to the cobblestone streets of Antigua and the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, this Central American gem captivates travelers with its rich culture, colorful markets, and warm hospitality.
Guatemala's climate varies dramatically by altitude rather than latitude. The highlands (Antigua at 1,500m, Quetzaltenango at 2,335m) enjoy spring-like temperatures year-round with a pronounced wet season from May to October. The Pacific lowlands are hot and humid (30-35°C) year-round, while the Caribbean coast (Livingston) receives heavy rainfall almost year-round. Petén jungle is hot and humid with a distinct dry season November to April. The dry season (noviembre a abril) coincides with peak tourist season, offering clear skies and firm hiking trails.
Best time to visit
Best: December to February
Peak Season: December to February
Shoulder Season: November, March to April
Avoid: May to October
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
17C/63F days, 8C/46F nights (Antigua)
Driest and coolest month. Crystal clear skies ideal for volcano views. Cold nights at altitude. Low tourist numbers after Christmas.
February
18C/64F days, 9C/48F nights (Antigua)
Excellent dry season weather continues. Good for all outdoor activities and hiking. Some windy days affecting Lake Atitlán.
March
21C/70F days, 11C/52F nights (Antigua)
Warming temperatures with still-clear skies. Semana Santa preparations begin. One of the most popular months. Wildflowers emerging in highlands.
April
22C/72F days, 13C/55F nights (Antigua)
Peak month for Semana Santa if Easter falls in April. Spectacular religious processions. Warm and clear. Busy and expensive around Easter.
May
22C/72F days, 15C/59F nights (Antigua)
Rains begin in second half. Landscapes turn green. Fewer tourists and lower prices. Still good for early mornings on volcanoes.
June
21C/70F days, 15C/59F nights (Antigua)
Rainy season established. Afternoons wet daily. Mornings usually clear. Rivers filling, great for rafting. Lush green everywhere.
July
21C/70F days, 15C/59F nights (Antigua)
A brief dry period sometimes occurs mid-July (canícula). Good volcano hiking in mornings. Chichicastenango market less crowded.
August
21C/70F days, 15C/59F nights (Antigua)
Steady rainy season. Heavy afternoon downpours. Some trails muddy. The beauty of wet season Guatemala on full display with waterfalls at peak.
September
20C/68F days, 15C/59F nights (Antigua)
Rainiest month. Flood risk in lowlands. Highland roads may wash out. Independence Day celebrations September 15. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
October
20C/68F days, 14C/57F nights (Antigua)
Heavy rains continue into mid-October. Second half sees improvement. Lake Atitlán stormier. Semuc Champey pools at maximum flow.
November
19C/66F days, 11C/52F nights (Antigua)
Dry season begins. Giant Kite Festival on November 1 in Santiago Sacatepéquez. Weather improving rapidly. Good shoulder season value.
December
18C/64F days, 9C/48F nights (Antigua)
Full dry season. Christmas markets and Burning of the Devil December 7. Festive atmosphere in Antigua. Accommodation books out for Christmas week.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Transition from dry to wet season. March-April have Guatemala's most spectacular weather with clear mornings and the famous Semana Santa celebrations. May marks the beginning of rains, with afternoons becoming wetter.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Peak rainy season in highlands and Pacific lowlands. Morning clear, afternoon rains daily. Petén remains accessible with shorter rain periods. Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Lake Atitlán beautiful.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Rainiest months September-October with heaviest precipitation. November marks the beginning of the dry season with improving weather. November 1 features spectacular Day of the Dead Giant Kite Festival.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Guatemala's peak tourist season with dry, sunny weather and comfortable highland temperatures 15-22°C by day. Nights at altitude can drop to 5-10°C especially in January-February. Christmas markets in Antigua are magical.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December to April, especially Christmas, New Year, and Semana Santa (Holy Week); Tikal and Antigua extremely busy
- Shoulder Season
- May and November — pleasant weather with fewer tourists and better hotel rates
- Low Season
- June to October (rainy season) — significantly fewer tourists, 20-30% lower accommodation prices, lush green landscapes
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Guatemala's most spectacular celebration. Antigua hosts elaborate processions with massive floats carried through streets covered in colorful alfombras (sawdust carpets). Book accommodation months in advance. Entire country pauses for religious observances.
Day of the Dead / All Saints Day
Families visit cemeteries to decorate graves with flowers and share food with the departed. Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango host the world-famous Giant Kite Festival, where enormous hand-crafted kites up to 20 m across are flown to communicate with ancestors. Traditional fiambre salad is prepared across the country. Highland Cuchumatanes villages hold famous horse races on this date -- a unique celebration blending Mayan and Catholic traditions.
Burning of the Devil
Families burn rubbish and effigies of devil at 6 PM to cleanse homes before Christmas. Loud explosions of firecrackers throughout Guatemala. Unique tradition marking start of Christmas season. Best experienced in Antigua or Guatemala City neighborhoods.
Santo Tomás Festival (Chichicastenango)
Week-long celebration honoring patron saint with traditional dances, processions, markets, and Mayan ceremonies. Palo Volador (flying pole dance) and deer dance performances. Combines Catholic and Mayan traditions.
Independence Day
Celebrates independence from Spain. School parades with marching bands throughout country. Torch relay from Guatemala to El Salvador. Traditional food including chiles rellenos. National pride on display.
Rabin Ajau (Folklore Festival)
Beauty pageant celebrating indigenous Maya culture with contestants from different indigenous groups wearing traditional dress. Folk dancing, music, and cultural exhibitions. Major event in Alta Verapaz.
International Film Festival Guatemala
Showcases Latin American and international films in Guatemala City and other cities. Screenings, workshops, and Q&As with filmmakers.
Lake Atitlán Marathon
Scenic marathon and half-marathon around Lake Atitlán. Challenging course with altitude and hills but stunning views. Growing international participation.