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