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