Things to Do in Guatemala in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Guatemala
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail-end means you get clear visibility for volcano hikes and Tikal exploration - mornings are especially crisp with 16°C (61°F) temperatures perfect for climbing Acatenango or Pacaya without overheating
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) happens in April 2026 (April 13-20) - Antigua transforms into the most spectacular cultural display in Central America with alfombras (sawdust carpets) covering entire streets, processions at 3am, and a atmosphere you won't find anywhere else
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Easter week - you'll find accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to February-March, and you can actually negotiate at midrange hotels, especially in Antigua and Panajachel
- Lake Atitlán water levels are at their peak from rainy season runoff, making boat trips smoother and swimming spots more accessible - the lake looks its most dramatic against clear skies before May rains start
Considerations
- Semana Santa week (April 13-20, 2026) means Antigua becomes absolutely mobbed - hotel prices triple, restaurants have 45-minute waits, and you'll be navigating through shoulder-to-shoulder crowds if you're there mid-month
- Transition weather can be unpredictable - you might get surprise afternoon downpours even though it's technically dry season, and those 10 rainy days tend to cluster in late April as the wet season approaches
- Heat builds significantly by afternoon in lowland areas like Tikal and Río Dulce - by 2pm you're looking at 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity, which makes jungle exploration pretty uncomfortable without serious planning
Best Activities in April
Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hikes
April offers the clearest visibility of the year for watching Fuego's eruptions from Acatenango's summit at 3,976 m (13,045 ft). The dry conditions mean less mud on the 5-6 hour ascent, and those cool 16°C (61°F) morning starts make the climb manageable. You'll want to start at dawn to avoid the afternoon heat building up. Late April can get slightly hazier as wet season approaches, so first three weeks are optimal.
Tikal Sunrise Tours
The dry season means accessible trails and minimal mosquitoes compared to rainy months. Starting at 4am lets you reach Temple IV for sunrise before the heat becomes oppressive - by 10am it's already 30°C (86°F) in the jungle canopy. April is actually one of the best months for wildlife spotting since animals are more active in the remaining water sources. That said, if you're there late April, afternoon storms can roll in around 3pm.
Lake Atitlán Village-Hopping by Boat
April water levels are ideal and the lake is calmer than rainy season months - you can actually see the volcanic cones clearly reflected in the water on morning crossings. The 26°C (79°F) daytime temps make walking between San Pedro, Santiago, and San Marcos comfortable. Locals are gearing up for rainy season planting, so you'll see more authentic daily life than in peak tourist months. Morning boats (7-10am) offer the smoothest rides before afternoon winds pick up.
Antigua Walking Tours During Semana Santa
If you're visiting April 13-20, 2026, the alfombra (carpet) tradition is genuinely unmissable - local families spend 12+ hours creating intricate sawdust and flower designs on streets, only to have processions walk over them hours later. The 3am and 6am processions are when you see the most devoted participants and least tourists. The mild 16-26°C (61-79°F) temperatures mean you can walk for hours without overheating, unlike the summer months.
Semuc Champey Natural Pools Swimming
April is the sweet spot before heavy rains make the access road truly miserable - it's still rough, but passable without 4x4 drama. Water levels in the turquoise pools are perfect for swimming, fed by the Cahabón River which hasn't swollen yet. The 26°C (79°F) air temp and cooler water create ideal conditions. That said, if you're going late April, check locally about road conditions as early rains can start. The 8 km (5 mile) access road takes 45-60 minutes from Lanquín.
Chichicastenango Thursday and Sunday Markets
April means you're catching the market during the agricultural transition - locals are buying supplies for planting season, so you see more working tools and seeds alongside tourist textiles. The 2,071 m (6,795 ft) altitude keeps temperatures comfortable at 16-22°C (61-72°F) even when the market is packed. Arrive by 8am before tour buses from Antigua flood in around 10am. The market runs 6am-3pm but winds down after 1pm.
April Events & Festivals
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua
April 13-20, 2026 - This is the single most important cultural event in Guatemala. Entire streets get covered in alfombras (elaborate sawdust carpets with religious imagery) that families create overnight, only to be destroyed by processions hours later. The 3am Maundy Thursday procession and Good Friday morning procession are the most dramatic. You'll see cucuruchos (purple-robed participants) carrying massive floats through streets barely wide enough to fit them. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead - seriously, hotels sell out by February.
Burning of Judas (Quema del Judas)
Easter Sunday (April 20, 2026) - After the solemnity of Holy Week, locals burn effigies of Judas in town squares across Guatemala. In Antigua, this happens in Parque Central around 11am. It's chaotic, loud, and involves fireworks that would be illegal in most countries. Kids run around with smaller effigies while adults drink and celebrate the end of Lent. Arrive 30 minutes early for decent viewing spots.