Things to Do in Guatemala in December

December Weather in Guatemala

24°C (75°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with clear mountain views - December has the clearest skies for volcano climbs like Acatenango and Pacaya, with visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles) on most days
Dry season begins in earnest - only 3 rainy days average means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled, compared to 15+ rainy days in October
Christmas markets and posadas create magical atmosphere - Antigua's central plaza transforms with nativity scenes, while neighborhoods host traditional processions with elaborate alfombras (sawdust carpets)
Ideal temperatures for exploring cities - cool 12°C (54°F) mornings perfect for walking, warming to comfortable 24°C (75°F) afternoons without the oppressive heat of March-May

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to September, and popular sites like Tikal can feel crowded with 2,000+ daily visitors
Cool nights require layering - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at altitude locations like Lake Atitlán, catching many tropical-weather-expecting visitors unprepared
Strong UV exposure at altitude - UV index reaches 11+ at 2,300 m (7,546 ft) elevation in places like Quetzaltenango, causing sunburn in 15 minutes without protection

Best Activities in December

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Treks

December offers the year's best conditions for this challenging 3,963 m (13,002 ft) climb. Clear skies provide unobstructed views of active Volcán de Fuego eruptions, while dry trails reduce mudslide risk. Cool temperatures make the strenuous 6-hour ascent more manageable, and minimal cloud cover means sunrise views are virtually guaranteed.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead as December slots fill quickly. Tours typically cost Q400-600 ($52-78) and include camping gear. Look for operators providing warm sleeping bags rated for 0°C (32°F) temperatures. Check current availability in booking section below.

Tikal Sunrise Tours

The dry season ensures accessible jungle paths and minimal mosquito activity. December's 6:30am sunrise happens during the coolest part of the day, making the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) pre-dawn walk to Temple IV comfortable. Wildlife is more active in cooler temperatures, increasing chances of howler monkey and toucan sightings.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 10-14 days in advance. Entry fees are Q150 ($19) plus tour costs of Q200-350 ($26-45). Operators should provide flashlights and insect repellent. See current tour options in booking widget below.

Lake Atitlán Village Hopping

December's calm weather creates ideal conditions for boat travel between villages. Morning mist clears by 9am, revealing stunning volcano reflections. Cool temperatures make exploring hillside villages like Panajachel and Santiago comfortable, while clear skies offer perfect photography conditions for the lake's famous sunset views.

Booking Tip: Public boats cost Q25-35 ($3-4.50) between villages and run every 30 minutes. Private boat tours range Q600-900 ($78-117) for full-day trips. Book accommodations 3+ weeks ahead as lakeside hotels fill during Christmas period. Current tour options available in booking section.

Antigua Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

Cool morning temperatures make extended walking comfortable, while December's festive decorations enhance the colonial charm. Churches display elaborate nativity scenes, and the famous Christmas market operates in Parque Central. Clear skies provide perfect lighting for photographing baroque facades and volcano backdrops.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided tours cost Q150-250 ($19-32) and provide historical context. Book accommodations 4+ weeks ahead for Christmas week. Many attractions close December 25th. Check current walking tour availability below.

Semuc Champey Natural Pools

December's low rainfall means the turquoise pools are at their most pristine, with minimal sediment clouding the water. Dry weather ensures safe access to the 700 m (2,297 ft) viewpoint hike, while cooler temperatures make the natural pools refreshingly comfortable rather than shockingly cold.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Cobán cost Q200-300 ($26-39) plus Q50 ($6.50) entrance. Book transportation 1 week ahead as roads can still be challenging. Multi-day packages including accommodation range Q800-1200 ($104-156). See current tour options in booking widget.

Chichicastenango Market Cultural Tours

December brings special Christmas handicrafts and decorations to Guatemala's most famous market. Cool morning temperatures make browsing the sprawling market comfortable, while Thursday and Sunday schedules align perfectly with December's travel patterns. Traditional posada celebrations add authentic cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Market operates Thursdays and Sundays only. Transportation from Antigua costs Q120-180 ($16-23) roundtrip. Guided cultural tours range Q300-450 ($39-58). Book early December dates 2+ weeks ahead due to Christmas shopping crowds. Current tour availability in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 16-24

Las Posadas Processions

Traditional nine-day Christmas celebration featuring nightly processions through neighborhoods. Families create elaborate alfombras (sawdust carpets) on streets, while communities reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Most authentic experiences happen in Antigua and smaller towns like Santiago Sacatepéquez.

December 7

Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil)

Unique Guatemalan tradition where communities burn garbage and old items in massive bonfires at 6pm sharp. The ritual symbolically cleanses spaces before Christmas. Best experienced in Guatemala City neighborhoods or Antigua's outskirts, with spectacular fires visible from rooftops.

Mid December

Festival de Invierno Zunil

Traditional highland festival combining Catholic and Maya traditions near Quetzaltenango. Features thermal spring ceremonies, traditional dances, and local food specialties. Less touristy alternative to more commercialized Christmas celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated jacket for high-altitude locations - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at Lake Atitlán and below freezing on volcano peaks

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index reaches 11+ at 2,300+ m (7,546+ ft) elevations, causing burns in under 15 minutes

Layering system with breathable base layers - 16°C (29°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon require adaptable clothing

Waterproof hiking boots - morning dew and occasional showers create slippery volcanic rock conditions on trails

Warm sleeping bag liner - budget accommodations in highlands often lack heating, with indoor temperatures matching 12°C (54°F) outdoor lows

Headlamp with extra batteries - sunrise volcano hikes begin at 4am in complete darkness, and power outages are common in rural areas

Lip balm with SPF - high altitude and low humidity cause rapid chapping, especially during multi-day treks

Compact umbrella - brief afternoon showers still occur 3 days per month and provide only 10-minute warning

Cash in small bills - many vendors during Christmas markets and posadas don't accept large Q100+ ($13+) denominations

Insect repellent with DEET - jungle areas like Tikal still have mosquito activity, though significantly reduced from rainy season levels

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 15th for Christmas week - many family-run guesthouses close December 20-26 for private celebrations, reducing available rooms by 30%+

Start volcano hikes by 6am to avoid afternoon wind - December brings strong Pacific wind currents that create dangerous conditions on exposed ridges after 2pm

Carry exact change in Q1 and Q5 denominations - Christmas market vendors and bus conductors struggle with change-making during peak season volume

Wednesday arrivals offer 40% cheaper accommodation - most international visitors arrive Thursday-Saturday, creating mid-week pricing gaps even in peak season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude cold - tourists pack for tropical weather then freeze at 2,000+ m (6,562+ ft) elevations where temperatures feel like Canadian winters

Not booking volcano tours early enough - Acatenango permits are limited to 50 people per day in peak season, selling out 2+ weeks in advance

Expecting everything open December 24-26 - most attractions, restaurants, and even some hotels close completely, leaving unprepared visitors stranded