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