Things to Do in Guatemala in February

February Weather in Guatemala

24°C (75°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season with only 2mm (0.08 inches) rain all month - ideal for volcano hikes and outdoor markets without weather interruptions
Crystal clear mountain views for photography - February has the clearest skies of the year with 95% visibility at Volcán Acatenango and Lake Atitlán
Comfortable hiking temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) at altitude - perfect for multi-day treks without extreme heat or cold
Peak almond blossom season creates stunning pink landscapes across the highlands, especially around Antigua and Chichicastenango

Considerations

High tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular sites like Tikal and Semuc Champey fill up by 10am
Extreme temperature swings from 10°C (50°F) at dawn to 24°C (75°F) afternoon require layered packing and frequent clothing changes
Intense UV exposure at 1,500m+ (4,920ft+) elevation causes sunburn in 15 minutes - locals avoid midday sun entirely

Best Activities in February

Volcán Acatenango Overnight Hikes

February offers the clearest views of active Volcán Fuego eruptions with 90% visibility success rate. Cool 15°C (59°F) overnight temperatures make camping comfortable without the rainy season mud. Book guided overnight treks that depart at 10am and return next day at 2pm.

Booking Tip: Reserve 14-21 days ahead through licensed operators in Antigua. Tours cost Q350-450 ($45-58). Look for operators providing proper camping gear rated for 0°C (32°F) temperatures. See current certified operators in booking section below.

Lake Atitlán Village Hopping Tours

February's dry weather makes the 2-hour boat circuits between San Pedro, Santiago, and San Marcos reliable with calm morning waters. Mayan markets are at their most colorful with dry-season produce displays. Traditional weaving demonstrations happen outdoors in perfect 20°C (68°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book full-day lake tours 7-10 days ahead costing Q200-300 ($26-39) including boat transport and village guides. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon winds. Current lake tour options available in booking widget below.

Tikal Sunrise Archaeological Tours

February's 6:30am sunrise from Temple IV offers guaranteed clear views across the canopy with 28°C (82°F) perfect wildlife viewing temperatures. Howler monkeys are most active in cool morning air. Dry trails allow access to remote temples closed during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book overnight packages in Flores 10-14 days ahead costing Q450-650 ($58-84) including park entry and guide. Choose operators with 5am departure times for optimal positioning. Check current Tikal tour availability in booking section.

Semuc Champey Natural Pool Adventures

February's low rainfall creates the most spectacular turquoise pools with perfect 24°C (75°F) water temperature for swimming. The 45-minute jungle hike to overlook viewpoint is comfortable in dry conditions. Cave tubing through K'an Ba caves has optimal water levels.

Booking Tip: Book 2-day packages from Antigua or Guatemala City 14-21 days ahead costing Q400-600 ($52-78). Tours include transport, accommodation, and meals. Look for operators with proper safety equipment for cave activities. Current Semuc Champey tours in booking widget.

Chichicastenango Market Cultural Experiences

February's dry weather makes Thursday and Sunday market days perfect for exploring Guatemala's largest indigenous market. Cool 16°C (61°F) morning temperatures ideal for walking the steep cobblestone streets. Traditional ceremonies at Santo Tomás Church happen outdoors in perfect conditions.

Booking Tip: Book day tours from Antigua or Lake Atitlán 5-7 days ahead costing Q180-250 ($23-32). Choose tours departing at 7am to arrive before 9am crowds. Market runs 6am-6pm Thursdays and Sundays. See current Chichicastenango options below.

Antigua Colonial Walking and Coffee Farm Tours

February's dry season coincides with peak coffee harvest allowing visits to working fincas around Antigua. Perfect 22°C (72°F) afternoon temperatures for walking colonial ruins and cobblestone streets. Clear mountain backdrops provide ideal photography conditions for Instagram-worthy shots.

Booking Tip: Book half-day coffee farm tours 7-10 days ahead costing Q120-180 ($16-23) including transportation and tastings. Combine with self-guided city walks using local maps from tourist office. Current Antigua tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Festival de la Albarrada

Antigua's traditional almond blossom festival celebrates February's pink flowering trees lining the colonial streets. Local families create flower carpets and traditional music performances happen in Central Park. Food vendors sell seasonal almond-based sweets and drinks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: T-shirts for 24°C (75°F) afternoons, fleece for 10°C (50°F) mornings - temperature swings of 14°C (25°F) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 9 at 1,500m (4,920ft) altitude causes burns in 15 minutes

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for volcano hikes on loose volcanic rock at 3,700m (12,139ft) elevation

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) for volcano overnight trips - mountain temperatures drop significantly after sunset

Quick-dry pants and long sleeves for conservative dress in Mayan communities and protection from intense morning sun

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - dusty conditions on volcano hikes and market visits

Reusable water bottle with purification tablets - stay hydrated in dry conditions and reduce plastic waste

Small daypack for 6-8 hour hiking excursions with snacks, first aid, and extra layers

Cash in small denominations (Q5, Q10, Q20 notes) - many markets and local operators don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Book volcano hikes for weekdays - weekends see 300% more crowds and limited camping spots at Acatenango base camp

Start activities at 7am local time - by 11am popular sites reach capacity and afternoon heat becomes uncomfortable for hiking

February is peak almond harvest season - try fresh almendras (green almonds) sold by street vendors for Q2-3 ($0.26-0.39) each, a local delicacy unavailable other months

Negotiate market prices in the morning before 9am when vendors are more flexible - afternoon haggling becomes difficult as day heats up and vendors get tired

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects at 1,500-3,700m (4,920-12,139ft) - even fit travelers experience fatigue and should plan extra acclimatization time

Booking last-minute volcano tours during February peak season - most reputable operators fill up 2-3 weeks ahead, forcing tourists into unsafe budget options

Wearing only summer clothes - mornings require jackets and pants, while afternoons need shorts and t-shirts, caught tourists shiver at sunrise viewpoints