Category: When to visit

Guatemala weather in May

Avg. temperature: 22.9°C / 73.2°F	Sun: 5.2 hrs per day (sunshine) / 12.6 hrs per day (daylight)
Rain: 128.9 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 66.7%

Guatemala in May is a great month to visit!

It’s just the start of the rainy season, but don’t let that put you off. The first half of the month is the best time to visit weather-wise, as the wetness doesn’t come into full swing until the latter weeks.

Guatemala weather in May is quite pleasant. The temperatures are warm but not too hot, the days long with daylight and the heights of humidity haven’t yet hit as the rain is only just making its way into the atmosphere ahead of what will become the wettest part of the year.

Mornings are the best time to enjoy the warmth of the outdoors, as the rain clouds roll in typically around mid-afternoon. There will even be some tropical storms which light up the sky – they’re really quite impressive, especially over the volcanic and mountainous regions!

Aside from the weather, as May is part of the low tourist season this means fewer crowds, so you’ll have more of Guatemala to yourself.

Where to go in Guatemala in May

Rain rain, go away

The Pacific Coast is the wettest part of the country so you might want to avoid it during your Guatemala holiday in May. Don’t get us wrong – there’s something quite enjoyable about warm mornings on the beach before watching the storms roll over the sea in the afternoon, but don’t expect a typical beach holiday as that’s not what you’ll get here.

Lake Atitlan is pleasant year-round

You shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Lake Atitlan, one of Guatemala’s largest freshwater lakes set in a volcanic crater against an epic mountainous background. There are several towns surrounding the lake but the most popular is Panajachel.

It has bars and restaurants, shops and groceries and plenty of accommodation options to suit all travellers on all budgets. There are rental options on kayaks and boats, paddleboards and more, and for the more adventurous you can even paraglide over the lake.

If you’re hunting for heat head to Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce lays on low-land meaning it will be hot, hot, hot during the month of May. With the heat comes humidity, but if you’re searching for high temperatures this is the place to be. The Dulce River flows into Lake Izabel and is surrounded by gorgeous views and glistening green water.

Some of the region’s best hiking can be found here and there are trails for all levels of physical fitness.

Island life in Flores

Flores is a pretty town located on an island on Lake Peten Itza, surrounded by crystal blue waters and resembling Venice somewhat. It is connected to the mainland by a short causeway and the island itself is dotted with lovely pastel painted buildings.

It’s small, quaint and takes only around 20 minutes to explore by foot, but the views are out of this world. Like Rio Dulce, Flores is also on low land so the temperatures are higher than it’s high altitude neighbours.

What to pack for a Guatemala trip in May

We’ve mentioned the rain, so make sure to pack accordingly. It’s going to be warm so pack light, but make sure you have your waterproofs (or at least a poncho) in your backpack. An umbrella is also highly recommended just in case you get caught in the outdoors as a downpour begins!

Booking your Guatemala trip in May

Because May is part of the low tourist season, there are far fewer crowds throughout the country which means hotels and resorts are competing for business. This is great news for you as the prices are extremely competitive!

You can expect to get a bargain if you shop around and plan your trip in advance. Particularly in areas such as Antigua and Lake Atitlan which are usually filled with tourists in the busy season, hotels will be feeling the pinch of low season and looking to get their rooms fully booked.

Best time to visit Guatemala: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Guatemala weather in September

Avg. temperature: 21°C / 79.8°F	Sun: 5.3 hrs per day (sunshine) / 12.2 hrs per day (daylight)
Rain: 236.6 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 84.5%

Thinking about visiting Guatemala in September? It’s best that we warn you it’s going to be quite wet – one of the wettest months of the year, in fact! At the height of the rainy season, temperatures are very pleasant but rain clouds fill the sky most afternoons.

What does this mean? First of all, only just over 5 hours of sunshine per day, and secondly, high humidity.

But don’t worry! It’s not all bad. Guatemala is a country with an unbelievable natural landscape. It is mountainous, volcanic, filled with wild jungle and rainforests and, quite simply, breathtaking. Such landscapes thrive in the rain, so in September expect the forests to be greener than green and for the birds to sing louder than ever.

As long as you pack accordingly, don’t let the weather deter you from booking your trip to Guatemala in September!

Where to go in Guatemala in September

We’ve mentioned the rain, but you should also know that September is the midst of the hurricane season in Guatemala, too. Don’t panic – they’re not too frequent, and as long as you keep an eye on the weather forecast they’re easy enough to avoid.

What this does mean, though, is that you’ll want to spend at least the majority of your time away from the coast, in particular the Caribbean, which tend to be the hardest hit. In fact, the best place to be in September (weather-wise) is the Highlands!

We know that sounds strange, given it’s the middle of the rainy season, but believe it or not the Highlands see less rain than other regions and the weather can actually be quite pleasant. Here are some places you should visit during your September vacation in Guatemala.

Head high-altitude to Quetzaltenango

Located in a mountain valley at more than 2,000 metres above sea level, Quetzaltenango is one of the least rainy places in Guatemala in September! 

It’s a nice sized city – not too big, not too small – and as it is set against a mountainous backdrop it’s a particularly beautiful place to visit. Right near the foot of the Santa Maria volcano, given it’s scenic location you might be surprised to know that Quetzaltenango is Guatemala’s second largest city.

If you’re not wanting a typical city break, though, there are plenty of hot springs, valleys, mountains, and rivers with all sorts of outdoor activities available to feed your adventurous side.

Enjoy the great outdoors near Rio Dulce

The Rio Dulce is located inland and during September the region experiences lush, sunny mornings followed by a cool, afternoon breeze before light showers roll in. The river flows into Lake Izabal and the views are beautiful as the green waters glisten in the sunlight.

There’s plenty of hiking in the region and the cooler temperatures that September brings make some of the more strenuous trails all the more doable. You can rent boats and kayaks to truly enjoy the joys of the water, and it’s also a great place for bird-watching. 

Watch baby sea turtles take their first steps into the Pacific Ocean

Monterrico is a bustling beach on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, and while you won’t want to spend much time sunbathing in September, it does have a little more to offer during the country’s rainiest month.

Each year between June and December, hundreds of sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Hatching season falls between September and January, so you’ll have the chance to see the Tortugario Monterrico hatchery release the baby turtles into the sea – a truly mesmerising experience.

Celebrate Independence Day with the locals

Guatemala was under Spanish rule for almost 300 years before declaring independence on 15 September, 1821. Each year the local people come together for nationwide celebrations to mark Guatemala’s Independence Day, and you shouldn’t miss the festivities if you happen to be visiting in September!

As one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, Guatemalans come together on this special day to be a part of the parades that roam through the streets of cities big and small. Food vendors line the streets and dish out delicious street food as the people party the day (and the night) away, old and young joining together to enjoy the lively entertainment offered by bands, singers, musicians and performers. It’s a fantastic time to be in Guatemala!

Booking your Guatemala trip in September

Here’s some good news for you – because September is considered the low tourist season, it’s one of the best times to bag a bargain on travel and accommodation. Fewer crowds means that resorts and hotels are competing for business. As always, we recommend that you book your stay in advance, but you can expect to see prices significantly lower than during dry season (or ‘high’ season). 

Best time to visit Guatemala: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Guatemala weather in January

Avg. temperature: 23°C / 73.4°F	Sun: 8 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.4 hrs per day (daylight)
Rain: 6 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 78%

Thinking about visiting Guatemala in January? If you’re looking for a guaranteed sunny vacation, look no further!

The average temperature in Guatemala in January is a pleasant 23°C / 73.4°F and it is also the country’s sunniest month. The days are long and a whole 8 hours of sunshine grace the skies every day! With little to no rain, the blue skies are uninterrupted by clouds and this makes the temperature feel even warmer.

Weather conditions are ideal for trekking in the mountains and, as the wet season has not long ended, the landscape still thrives from the rain and is vivid and luscious and green. 

For beach lovers seeking a more relaxing getaway, head to the Caribbean coast for your white sand fix or the Pacific coast for your chance to see some wonderful wildlife.

Whatever your preference, Guatemala has something for everyone in January!

Things to do in Guatemala in January

Laze around the Lake in Caribbean Izabal

Guatemala’s Caribbean coast may only be small, but it is mighty and rich in beauty. Lake Izabal is one of the highlights of the region and is also the country’s largest lake. Surrounded by lush green vegetation and with crystal blue waters, it is the ultimate destination for relaxation if you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation.

Visit the turtles of Monterrico

Monterrico is a bustling beach on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, popular in particular amongst the surfing community as the choppy waters lend themselves to an ideal environment for seasoned pros. If you’re not a surfer, we’d recommend heading here anyway if only to see the spectacle that is the black sand beaches. That’s right! No white sand here; in Monterrico, like much of the western coast, the sand of volcanic origin is jet black.

After lazing on the beach and frolicking in the rough waves, there’s another reason many people head to Monterrico in January; sea turtles.

Each year between June and December, hundreds of sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Hatching season falls between September and January, so you’ll have the chance to see the Tortugario Monterrico hatchery release the baby turtles into the sea – a truly mesmerising experience.

Have a wild time at Parque Auto Safari Chapín

This drive-through safari park is a wonderful animal park featuring lions, jaguars, hippopotamus and giraffes to name but a few of the wildlife species housed here. There’s a walk-through section, too, where you can view deer, monkeys and the sweetest pygmy goats from Cameroon. This is a must-see for wildlife lovers!

Head to the Highlands for stunning natural landscapes and ancient Mayan ruins

Panajachel is one of Guatemala’s most visited lakeside towns, and with good reason, too. This beautiful town offers stunning views of Lake Atitlan (the reason most people visit) and the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

Volcanic Lake Atitlan is one of the world’s most beautiful, and Guatemala’s third largest freshwater lake at 18km wide and 10km long. It is a wonderful place to simply relax and take in all that nature has to offer, but there’s also plenty to do for adrenaline junkies; paragliding, kayaking and hiking, to name just a few!

The Atitlán Nature Reserve sits on the shores of the lake and is another great place for outdoor activities including ziplining, trekking the hanging bridges and hiking to the many breathtaking waterfalls.

Also nestled in the highlands is Tikal National Park, spanning an area of 575km of jungle, containing thousands of ancient ruins. This historical Mayan city is home to over 3,000 buildings and just the central part of the city covers 16 square kilometers; it’s vast, and well worth visiting. The striking, towering temples of Tikal are the most iconic structures in the city, and the jungle canopy surrounding the buildings makes the place feel somewhat mysterious and magical. In addition to the ancient architecture, you might also have the chance to spot monkeys swinging from the trees!

For avid hikers, head to the San Pedro Volcano. You’ll recognise the volcano as the awesome backdrop you ogled at during your time at Lake Atitlan, but get up close and personal for some of the most magnificent hiking trails and unbelievable views in all of Guatemala. First of all, don’t panic – the volcano has been dormant for millions of years, so you shouldn’t worry about it breathing fire during your visit. It is a protected area and a declared Ecological Park, and the hike itself is challenging. Be sure to check it out in more detail before you make the decision to go there – it’s not for the faint hearted!

January is the ideal time to visit the highlands as there is little rain and temperatures are pleasant. This makes for perfect hiking conditions and great photo opportunities as the skies are clear and the sun is shining.

Booking your Guatemala trip in January

As always, you should prepare for your holiday in advance in order to seek out the best deals. In particular, as January is the height of the dry season – and therefore the height of the tourist season – accommodation can become fully booked up to several months in advance. Shop around and be sure to beat the crowds by planning well in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Best time to visit Guatemala: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Christmas in Guatemala

Avg. temperature: 23°C / 73.4°F	Sun: 7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11.3 hrs per day (daylight)
Rain: 7mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 80%

With average temperatures of 23°C / 73.4°F in December, Guatemala makes for a great escape from the harsh winters of the Northern hemisphere. Plus, in the heart of the dry season – which runs from November to May – and only 4 rainy days throughout the month, you can bank on blue skies that are unlikely to be dampened.

A Guatemala Christmas

The pleasant climate makes Guatemala a great place to spend Christmas for those not looking for a winter wonderland. Not to mention the many (and lengthy) festive celebrations and traditions that are observed throughout the country over the month, beginning on 7th December and concluding on the 25th.

If you’re planning a Christmas vacation in Guatemala, there’ll be plenty of activities to get involved with and you will be sure to have a fantastically festive time!

What does Guatemala do for Christmas?

Typical of many Latin American countries, Guatemala at Christmas is filled with plenty of traditional celebrations and cultural rituals that span the course of several weeks. For those used to celebrating Christmas over two or three days, it is a break from the norm and an enjoyable one at that.

Let’s take a look at some of the key events celebrated in Guatemala for Christmas.

The Burning of the Devil

Wait… This doesn’t sound very Christmassy?!

At 6:00 PM on the 7th of December, the festivities commence with this very unusual custom in which a homemade model of the devil is burnt on a bonfire. Guatemalan houses (well, gardens) invite friends and family to surround the bonfire and countdown to 6pm sharp when it is lit, and the devil begins to burn.

But, why? The history of the ritual can be traced back to colonial times, but it has evolved over the years to ultimately signify the Virgin overcoming evil; that evil being burnt the day before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

In addition to the devil, people take items from their house that are not essential, or no longer of use to them, and throw them on the bonfire to watch them burn. It is a cleansing ritual to rid evil from Guatemalan households and to purify them in preparation of the following day’s celebrations.

In some of the bigger cities this tradition is celebrated festival-style and on a larger scale than the household-level of some of the smaller towns and villages. Expect to see costumes and dancing and plenty of performances in trule Latin-American style.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

That’s more like it. Celebrated on the 8th of December, this marks a holy day for Catholics and is observed throughout most of Latin America. It is a significant part of the Christmas tradition in Guatemala, where The Virgin Mary’s conception (that’s right – not Jesus’) is celebrated with church services or mass, fireworks, parades and plenty of delicious local foods prepared with love by locals.

Nativity scenes

Typical in many Christmas cultures, nativity scenes are also tradition in Guatemala and families will build whole sets depicting Joseph and the Virgin Mary and Jesus in biblical settings. You’ll find nativity scenes in churches and private households as they are built in the immediate aftermath of the burning of the Devil, though planning can begin as early as August!

The scenes can often be considered works of art, with huge amounts of creativity and care going into the production and design of these fantastic “Nacimientos”, as they are known locally. Expect bold, bright colours, dyed sawdust in eye-popping shades and plenty of elaborate models and figures made by local craftspeople.

Contests are held throughout the country for the best nativity scene, and the competition is evident in the flamboyant and spectacular displays.

Pasadas

Beginning on the 16th of December and continuing for nine nights until Christmas Eve are the “Pasadas”. Groups of people called pilgrims walk the streets carrying figures and images of Mary and Joseph, and recreate their arrival to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay. The reenactment through the Pasada processions sees the pilgrims ask homeowners along the way for a place to stay, where they are told time after time “no” before proceeding to the next.

Finally, they are told “yes” by a designated house each night, and are invited inside to give thanks and say prayers before parties filled with food and games and fireworks. This continues until Christmas eve, with each Pasada being held in a different home. These events represent community and love amongst family and friends, and give a true sense of togetherness at this globally celebrated time of year.

Christmas Eve in Guatemala

Christmas dinner is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve. Local delicacies such as tamales and flavourful Guatemalan punch are served as large groups of families and friends come together on this important day. Games are played and plenty of fun is had – drinking, dancing and other general merriment – before midnight comes and the skies light up.

Go out with a bang

Fireworks at midnight ring in Christmas Day, marking the moment the Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem before prayers of thanks are said to God, for the great gift of humanity. The streets of Guatemala are quiet in the morning as most people went to bed so late, and the day is typically spent relaxing and eating leftovers – what a perfect day!

Visiting Guatemala at Christmas

If you’re thinking about heading to Guatemala for Christmas, as it’s the height of the dry season and boasts some of the country’s best weather, this also means it is the start of the high tourist season.

While this can mean higher prices on accommodation and travel, it mostly just means you should be prepared and plan your trip well in advance. That way, you still have a chance to bag some great deals! If you leave your bookings too late, as resorts and hotels begin to fill up you’ll be subject to higher price points as the rooms are so in-demand.

Make sure to shop around and look for the best deals, with many resorts in particular offering “early bird” promotions and packages for those getting ahead of the crowds.

Best time to visit Guatemala: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec