Things to Do in Guatemala in January

January Weather in Guatemala

23°C (73°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season means crystal-clear volcano views - January has the clearest skies for seeing Fuego's eruptions from Acatenango, with visibility reaching 50+ km (31 miles) on most days
Perfect hiking weather with cool 12-15°C (54-59°F) morning temperatures that warm to comfortable 20-23°C (68-73°F) by afternoon - ideal for multi-day treks without excessive heat
Tourist crowds are manageable - Semana Santa (Easter week) chaos is still 3 months away, meaning shorter lines at Tikal and better photo opportunities at Antigua's ruins
Migratory bird season peaks in northern Guatemala - Tikal and El Mirador host over 200 species, with resplendent quetzals most active in January's cooler temperatures

Considerations

Highland temperatures drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F) at night above 2,000m (6,562 ft) elevation - many budget accommodations lack heating, making sleep uncomfortable without proper gear
Strong trade winds create choppy conditions on Lake Atitlán - boat transfers between villages can be rough, and swimming is unpleasant for most visitors
Dust season begins as dry conditions intensify - highland roads become dusty, affecting those with respiratory sensitivities, especially on chicken bus routes

Best Activities in January

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hiking

January's dry conditions and clear skies make this the absolute best month for the challenging 2-day hike to see Volcán Fuego's active eruptions. Cool morning temperatures (12°C/54°F) prevent overheating on the steep 6-hour ascent, while minimal rainfall means trails are stable and views are unobstructed. Nighttime lava viewing is spectacular with clear atmospheric conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 1-2 weeks ahead through licensed operators with proper safety equipment. Tours typically cost Q400-600 ($50-75) including meals and camping gear. Look for operators providing 4-season sleeping bags rated to -5°C (23°F) and experienced guides with emergency radio contact.

Tikal Archaeological Park Wildlife Tours

January is peak season for resident and migratory wildlife at Guatemala's most famous Maya site. Cool 6am temperatures (15°C/59°F) make early morning tours comfortable, while animals are most active before afternoon heat. Howler monkeys, toucans, and over 200 bird species are easier to spot with January's clear canopy visibility.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 10-14 days ahead. Multi-day packages typically cost Q800-1,200 ($100-150) including park entrance, guide, and transportation from Flores. Choose operators offering small groups (6-8 people) and bilingual naturalist guides for best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Lake Atitlán Village-Hopping Tours

Despite occasional wind, January's dry weather makes exploring the lake's indigenous villages ideal. Morning boat rides (7-9am) are calmest, offering stunning volcano reflections before afternoon winds pick up. Villages like Santiago Atitlán and San Juan La Laguna showcase traditional weaving and coffee harvesting in full swing during January's dry season.

Booking Tip: Book private boat tours for Q600-900 ($75-110) full day, or use public lanchas for Q15-25 per trip. Early morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon wind chop. Licensed boat operators display safety equipment and life jackets - verify before boarding.

Antigua Cultural Walking Tours

January's moderate temperatures (15-23°C/59-73°F) and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for exploring Antigua's colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The dry season preserves the city's colorful facades without weather damage, while clear skies provide dramatic volcano backdrops for photography.

Booking Tip: Join small group tours typically costing Q200-350 ($25-45) for 3-4 hours. Book through established operators offering historical expertise and access to normally closed church ruins. Afternoon tours (2-5pm) provide best lighting for photography with volcano views.

Coffee Farm Highland Tours

January marks peak coffee harvesting season in Guatemala's highlands. Cool morning temperatures make farm visits comfortable while witnessing actual coffee picking and processing. The dry weather ensures reliable access to remote fincas via mountain roads that become impassable during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Book harvest-season tours 2-3 weeks ahead for Q350-500 ($45-65) including transportation and tastings. Look for working farms offering hands-on picking experiences rather than just walkthrough tours. Mountain roads require 4WD vehicles - confirm transportation type when booking.

Rio Dulce Jungle River Tours

January's low rainfall creates optimal river conditions without flooding or excessive current. Wildlife spotting along the river canyon is excellent as animals congregate near water sources during the dry season. Temperatures remain comfortable (20-25°C/68-77°F) for boat tours without oppressive humidity.

Booking Tip: Book through operators in Livingston or Rio Dulce town, typically Q400-600 ($50-75) for full-day tours including lunch. Choose tours with early morning departures (7-8am) for best bird watching and cooler temperatures. Verify boats have shade coverage and safety equipment.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January, peaking January 15th

Esquipulas Pilgrimage Peak Season

While the main pilgrimage occurs January 15th, the entire month sees increased religious tourism to the Black Christ shrine. Witness thousands of pilgrims walking from across Central America, creating a unique cultural experience with traditional foods, music, and devotional activities throughout the town.

Mid to Late January

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Highland coffee regions like Huehuetenango and Cobán celebrate harvest season with local festivals featuring traditional music, food, and coffee competitions. These community events offer authentic cultural experiences away from tourist-focused celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

4-season sleeping bag rated to -5°C (23°F) if hiking Acatenango - summit temperatures drop below freezing, and rental bags are often inadequate

Layered clothing system: T-shirts for 23°C (73°F) afternoons, fleece for 12°C (54°F) mornings, and insulated jacket for high-altitude hiking

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 at highland elevations with thin air amplifying sun exposure

Dust mask or bandana for chicken bus travel - January's dry conditions create dusty roads, especially on routes to remote archaeological sites

Waterproof hiking boots for volcano treks - volcanic scree and morning dew create slippery conditions even during dry season

Quick-dry pants and long sleeves for morning boat rides - Lake Atitlán winds create wind chill factor making shorts uncomfortable before 10am

Power bank and waterproof phone case - Remote locations have limited charging options, and humidity can damage electronics

Basic Spanish phrasebook - English fluency decreases significantly outside Antigua and major tourist sites

Water purification tablets - Rural areas may have questionable water quality, and buying bottled water becomes expensive on multi-day treks

Small denomination quetzales (Q5, Q10, Q20 bills) - Rural vendors and transportation rarely have change for Q100+ notes

Insider Knowledge

Guatemala City's Transmetro bus system launched new routes in 2024 - use Line 12 for direct airport connections at Q1 versus Q150+ for tourist shuttles, but avoid rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm)

Book Semuc Champey tours through operators in Cobán rather than Antigua - you'll save Q200-300 per person and avoid the 2-hour detour most tourist shuttles make for pickups

January is when locals take their vacations before school starts in February - coastal areas like Monterrico see domestic tourism peaks on weekends, making weekday visits much quieter

The new Q150 tourist tax at Tikal (implemented 2024) isn't included in most tour prices - budget an extra $20 per person beyond advertised rates for archaeological sites

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating highland cold - tourists arrive with only summer clothes expecting tropical weather year-round, then suffer on volcano hikes where temperatures drop 20°C+ (36°F+) from base to summit

Taking afternoon boats on Lake Atitlán - strong winds typically start after 1pm, making rides uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous for smaller boats

Booking Antigua accommodations without heating - January nights drop to 10-12°C (50-54°F), and colonial buildings with thick walls stay cold without proper heating systems