This post is for you if Guatemala is on your travel bucket list! You should be aware of the ideal times to visit Guatemala before making travel arrangements. The climate, seasonal events, and everything in between is just a few of the many factors to take into account.
Travelers should go to Guatemala in the dry season, which lasts from November to April. However, with temperatures ranging from 72 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the nation has a pleasant climate that makes travel year-round possible.
What is the Best Time of Year to go to Guatemala?
A typical high season, shoulder season, and low season don’t exist in Guatemala. As an alternative, there are two high seasons and two low seasons.
Sunny days are essentially guaranteed because the first high season falls during Guatemala’s dry season. Just in time for the Day of the Dead celebrations, the dry weather begins at the beginning of November as the hurricane season ends. Ahead of Easter, one of Guatemala’s biggest festivals, which is typically celebrated in late March or the first half of April, this first high season usually comes to an end right after Holy Week (Semana Santa).
A mid-August holiday is worth taking into account if you’re planning a trip. After that, you can participate in the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asuncion (more on that later).
Pros & Cons Of Visiting Guatemala In The Dry Season
Pros:
- Less likelihood of rain
- Most activities are open
- Lots of festivals and events happening like Semana Santa and Christmas
Cons:
- The cost of goods, for example, will increase significantly. accommodation costs
- Crowded with tourists
- Peak tourist season (November-May)
Guatemala Weather
Due to its year-round warm temperatures and abundance of sunshine, Guatemala is a popular tourist destination. Altitude plays a major role in determining the climate in Guatemala. The air is almost always fresh and the nights are mild in areas between 1300 and 1600 meters, including Guatemala City, Antigua, Lago de Atitlán, and Cobán. Humidity is also never an issue in these regions, despite the midday sun’s intense heat.
Because some of Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango, and El Quiché are higher than this, they have a cooler, damper climate with noticeably chilly nights from early December to late February. Low-lying Peténsuffers from sticky, steamy conditions for the majority of the year, as do the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, but at least there is typically a welcome sea breeze to provide some relief.
The Wet And Dry Seasons In Guatemala
Rainy Season – May to October
The worst time to visit Guatemala is from May to October. Every afternoon, expect to experience heavy rains after a cloudy start to the day. Rainfall during the night is also common. The rainy season doesn’t end in low-lying Petén until every year’s November.
Travelers may encounter difficulties in many parts of the country due to poor road conditions and persistent rain. Rain frequently impedes transportation. Strong flooding and landslide conditions can also result from high slopes.
Some muddy areas can make hiking dangerous.
The eastern and northern regions of the nation receive the majority of rain during the rainy season. The coastal communities and the Mayan city of Tikal should be avoided at this time. They have uncomfortable humidity and could get a lot of rain.
Dry Season – November to April
Without a doubt, the best time to travel to Guatemala is during the dry season. You have the opportunity to view the country under clear blue skies thanks to the dry weather that comes after several months of sopping tropical rain. Along the way, expect to pass through a lot of colorful flowers and lush, green countryside. You can anticipate a large number of tourists since the best time to travel to Guatemala is in the winter.
What Time Of Year Is Guatemala’s Shoulder Season?
Visit Guatemala in November or April if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying dry weather.
Amazing sunsets are one benefit of visiting in November. In the western Highlands, it’s also kite season. It is simple to purchase a kite by the side of the road, go to a hill, and take part in the fun.
You have the best of both worlds during these months, which is also perfect if you want to climb any volcanoes. There’s a good chance of finding a clear sky, and even though it might rain, it’s not too cold.
When To Visit Guatemala In Winter
The best time to visit Guatemala is in the winter when the country is mostly dry. Due to northern hemisphere travelers taking advantage of the winter break to travel and escape the chilly climate at home, be aware that airfares are high at this time of year. Even though it will be warm during the day, some places may experience below-freezing temperatures at night, so bring your cozy pajamas.
Throughout Guatemala’s winter, there is much to be amazed by. Christmas brings many fiestas, with the Caribbean city of Livingston hosting a sizable carnival from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve.
From December 14 to December 21, experience the Santo Tomas festival in Chichicastenango by traveling to the western highlands. It’s a spectacular event with lots of dancing and drinking, live music, a large procession, and attractions like the Palo Volador, which is best described as a Maya-style bungee jump in which men throw themselves from a 30m pole with a rope tied around their legs (often while intoxicated; it’s as risky as it sounds).
In Guatemala, Christmas Eve from noon, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve from noon, and New Year’s Day are all recognized as public holidays, and almost all businesses are closed on those days. Plan and reserve transportation and lodging in advance if you intend to travel these days.
Guatemala doesn’t have a dry January: the fiestas are in full force. The Rabinal fiesta, which takes place from January 19 to 24 in Cobán and the Verapaces, is well known for its numerous dances, one of which, the Rabinal Achi dance, has even been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When To Visit Guatemala In Summer
While it’s hot and dry in the northern hemisphere during the summer, it’s not like that in Guatemala. Guatemala’s rainy season runs from June through August.
Numerous days are cloudy, particularly in July, which is one of the wettest months of the year in the highland mountains (where Guatemala City is located).
It often follows a pattern during this time of year, with daily downpours occurring in the late afternoon or early evening. As a result, the air becomes cleaner and the mountains become stunningly vibrant and green.
You should still experience some sunshine and clear skies each day even if you travel during these months.
You should check the weather warnings before you travel at this time of year if hiking is your primary objective. Although hiking tours are offered all year long, they must be canceled when extremely heavy rain makes the treks impassable.
Archeological sites and city exploration are still enjoyable at this time of year if you prefer them.
The Worst Months To Visit Guatemala
Since there is a lot of rain during these months, you might spend the majority of your trip stuck inside your home or hotel.
The months of May through October are the least ideal for travel to Guatemala. It is the wettest time of year because you will encounter days of heavy rain.
The thing about the rainy season in Guatemala is that it doesn’t rain all day long. Both in the morning and in the afternoon, there may be some heavy downpours. You will occasionally experience chilly nights even when the sun is out. Unlike the weather in San Cristobal, Mexico where it’s pretty cold during the day and night – it’ll only be at night that you might need a jacket in Guatemala.
During this time, it’s challenging to travel to locations like Lago de Atitlan or hike well-known volcanoes. Considering the types of activities you want to engage in will help you avoid the rain and muddy conditions.
Conclusion
The ideal months to visit Guatemala are between November and April. We adore visiting popular tourist destinations in the off-season. As a result, we experience fair weather (with perhaps a few rainy days), but we also benefit from affordable lodging. When deciding when to visit somewhere, for us, this is the sweet spot!
If you want to find more interesting and beautiful places to vise, welcome to check our best-time-visit guide below!
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