Guatemala Weather in March
| Avg. temperature: 26°C / 79°F | Sun: 8 hours of sunlight, 4 hours of daylight per day |
| Rain: 5 mm per month | Avg. Humidity: 78% |
Looking to visit Guatemala in March? Thankfully the spring is a great time to visit as it is mostly hot throughout the whole country! Guatemala does not have the typical four seasons, but wet and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from November to April, while the wet season lasts from May to October. March falls in Guatemala’s dry season, making it an ideal month to visit Guatemala!
The high season in Guatemala is from December to January, so by the time March rolls around the crowds have started to thin out, making way for shoulder season prices and crowds!
Due to the amazing weather and decreased precipitation, Guatemala in March is a great time to visit the beaches and lakes to enjoy the heat. Or, head up to the mountains, where you won’t feel the heat as strongly, but the weather will be perfect for a great hike!
Things to do in Guatemala in March
Lake Atitlan
In Guatemala’s southwestern highlands lies the Atitlan Volcano. Lake Atitlan is created from one of Atitlan Volcano’s craters and sits just below the volcano. Surrounded by hills and volcanoes, Lake Atitlan’s views are unmatched. Known as a popular site to visit, due to its beauty and Mayan history, it should not be missed when visiting Guatemala. Lake Atitlan is perfect for visitors going to Guatemala in March, because it is perfect for a swim and you’ll have the most stunning views on clear, bright, sunny days!
Monterrico Beach
Monterrico Beach is located on the Pacific Coast, and it is the closest beach to Antigua. Known for its black beaches, this will be your most unique day at the beach. Soak up the sun, or see if you can spot any of the local wildlife. You’ll find sea turtles and tropical birds living it up on Monterrico Beach! Visiting Guatemala in March is the perfect time for your next unique beach experience!
Tikal
Formerly, one of the most important Mayan cities, Tikal is an ancient wonder. The Tikal ruins are made from limestone and amongst the buildings you’ll find here are royal palaces, temples, administrative buildings, living quarters and plenty of stone monuments and figures. You are even encouraged to explore and climb to the top of the ruins! Since Guatemala in February boasts perfectly sunny days, it is the optimal time to visit Tikal.
Events
Ash Wednesday
As Guatemala is a religious country, most of the country wide celebrations revolve around holidays of the church. Ash Wednesday falls on the 46th day before Easter, so it sometimes falls in March. In Antigua, you will find the largest celebrations and processions in Guatemala, so feel free to join in, or you can avoid parts of the city that are near churches and cathedrals. As the celebration is celebratory, it is a great way to get out and meet locals!
Lent
Lent takes place from Ash Wednesday to Easter, every Sunday the church processions get larger and larger, leading up to the biggest event in the Catholic calendar, Easter. In March, the celebrations of Lent will only affect Sundays, so do not expect any difficulties getting around during your time in Guatemala. It is always a great idea to be mindful of the importance of these holidays for the local people, and to always respect the local ceremonies.
Semana Santa (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday)
The week of Easter is probably one of the biggest times in Guatemala. This Holy Week is filled with festivals, processions, and church services. You can find celebrations happening all around Guatemala, especially in the big cities, such as Antigua. It is always a great idea to be mindful of the importance of these holidays for the local people, and to always respect the local ceremonies. If you really want to avoid religious celebrations, the week of Easter is not the best time.
Booking your Guatemala trip in March
Traveling to Guatemala in March is a great time of year to travel, due to the perfect weather and dry, sunny days. March is also ‘shoulder season,’ when the peak season tends to die down and the crowds start to migrate back to where they came from. You’ll be able to find some good deals on prices, but to ensure you get the accommodation and flight you prefer, we recommend booking in advance.
Best time to visit Guatemala: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec