Things to Do in Guatemala in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Guatemala
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Lush landscapes at their absolute peak - August sits right in the middle of the rainy season, which means waterfalls like Semuc Champey are flowing at full force and the cloud forests around Cobán are impossibly green. You'll get photos that look edited but aren't.
- Significantly fewer tourists than December-March - while August isn't exactly empty, you'll actually be able to photograph Antigua's arches without crowds and won't need reservations weeks ahead at most restaurants. Accommodation prices drop 20-35% compared to high season.
- Local festival season is in full swing - August 15th is a major national holiday celebrating Assumption Day, with processions and celebrations especially vibrant in Guatemala City and Jocotenango. You'll see Guatemala as Guatemalans experience it, not the tourist-facing version.
- Ideal temperatures in the highlands - while coastal areas get sticky, places like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Quetzaltenango sit at 18-22°C (64-72°F) most days. That's perfect hiking weather without the bone-chilling mornings you get in December and January.
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is basically guaranteed - not all day, but typically between 2-5pm you'll get 30-90 minutes of proper downpour. This isn't a light drizzle situation. Plan indoor activities or hotel time for mid-afternoon, and don't schedule sunset volcano hikes.
- Some remote roads become legitimately difficult - the unpaved route to Semuc Champey can take 3+ hours instead of the usual 90 minutes when conditions are wet. Tikal and Flores remain accessible, but smaller ruins like El Mirador require serious commitment in August.
- Coastal humidity is no joke - if you're heading to Monterrico or Livingston on the Caribbean coast, expect 85%+ humidity combined with temperatures around 28-30°C (82-86°F). It's the kind of sticky heat where you shower, get dressed, and immediately feel like you need another shower.
Best Activities in August
Lake Atitlán village hopping and kayaking
August is actually ideal for the lake despite being rainy season. Mornings are typically clear until 1-2pm, giving you a solid window for kayaking between villages like San Pedro, San Marcos, and Santiago Atitlán. The lake sits at 1,562 m (5,125 ft) elevation, so temperatures stay comfortable even when it's hot elsewhere. The rain usually holds off until afternoon, and when it does come, you're likely back at your guesthouse anyway. Crowds are noticeably thinner - you can rent kayaks without advance booking and actually find waterfront tables at restaurants.
Antigua walking food tours and cooking classes
The afternoon rain pattern actually works perfectly for food-focused activities. Most guided food walks run 9am-1pm or 4-7pm, neatly avoiding the wettest hours. August brings peak season for local fruits like jocotes and nances that you won't find other times of year. The covered Mercado Central stays dry regardless, and honestly, eating pepián or jocon while rain hammers the colonial courtyard outside is peak Guatemala experience. Cooking classes typically run 3-4 hours in covered kitchens, making them perfect rainy afternoon activities.
Tikal sunrise tours from Flores
August mornings at Tikal are genuinely magical - mist rises from the jungle canopy, howler monkeys are incredibly vocal, and you'll have Temple IV basically to yourself if you arrive for the 5:30am opening. The ruins are 2-3 hours from Flores, and while the road is paved and reliable year-round, starting early means you're back before afternoon storms. The jungle is at its most alive in rainy season - you'll see more wildlife, more birds, and the vegetation is so thick it feels prehistoric. Just accept you'll sweat through your shirt by 9am.
Acatenango volcano overnight camping
This is controversial, but August can actually work for Acatenango if you're flexible and watch weather forecasts closely. The reward is seeing Fuego's eruptions without the crowds - in high season there can be 100+ people at base camp, while August might see 20-30. The challenge is cloud cover potentially blocking views and trails being muddier. You'll want to book with operators who monitor conditions and offer date flexibility. When it works, you get the volcano almost to yourself and dramatic cloud formations. When it doesn't, you're hiking 1,500 m (4,921 ft) in mud for limited views.
Semuc Champey natural pools and cave tubing
August is when Semuc Champey looks like those unbelievable photos you've seen - the limestone pools are full and turquoise, waterfalls are powerful, and the Cahabón River is running strong for cave tubing. Yes, the road from Lanquín is rough when wet, but that's actually keeping some tourists away, which means fewer people in the pools. The water is cool and refreshing, perfect for the humid conditions. Cave tubing through Kan'ba caves is more adventurous in August with higher water levels - you'll actually be swimming portions rather than wading.
Chichicastenango market and highland textile villages
The famous Thursday and Sunday markets at Chichicastenango run rain or shine, and August actually means better prices and more authentic shopping since you're not competing with tour buses from cruise ships. The market is partially covered, and vendors expect afternoon rain - they've got systems in place. Beyond Chichi, visiting weaving cooperatives in villages like San Juan La Laguna or San Antonio Palopó is perfect for rainy season since you're mostly indoors watching artisans work. The landscapes between highland villages are stunning in August - impossibly green with dramatic clouds.
August Events & Festivals
Assumption Day celebrations
August 15th is a major national holiday celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Guatemala City and surrounding towns like Jocotenango host elaborate religious processions with alfombras (sawdust carpets), traditional music, and street celebrations. It's one of the most important dates in Guatemala's Catholic calendar, and you'll see genuine local devotion rather than tourist-oriented festivals. Churches are decorated, families gather, and there's a festive energy in the streets.