Things to Do in Guatemala in July

July Weather in Guatemala

25°C (77°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

135mm (5.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Highlands come alive with emerald green landscapes - coffee plants are lush and Antigua's surrounding volcanos are shrouded in mystical clouds that clear for spectacular sunrise views from Volcán Acatenango
Tourist crowds drop by 40% compared to December-March, meaning Lake Atitlán villages like San Juan La Laguna offer authentic weaving demonstrations without the bus tour chaos
Hotel rates fall 25-35% during rainy season - luxury properties in Antigua that charge US$200+ in high season drop to US$130-150, and you can actually get reservations at top restaurants same-day
Afternoon rain pattern (typically 2-4pm) creates perfect touring schedule - explore ruins, markets and outdoor sites in cool mornings, siesta during downpours, then enjoy clear evenings for rooftop dinners

Considerations

Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango volcano hikes frequently cancel due to cloud cover and safety concerns - only about 60% of scheduled climbs proceed in July
Unpaved roads to remote Maya sites like El Mirador become impassable mud pits - 4WD vehicles often can't reach archaeological sites in Petén region
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly and dump 25-40mm (1-1.6 inches) in 30-45 minutes - outdoor market shopping and walking tours get cut short regularly

Best Activities in July

Lake Atitlán Village Cultural Tours

July's rainy season is perfect for Lake Atitlán because morning mists create dramatic photography conditions, and afternoon rains drive you indoors for authentic textile workshops with local Maya women. The lake sits at 1,560m (5,118 ft) elevation so temperatures stay comfortable 18-24°C (64-75°F). Tourist crowds are minimal, meaning genuine interactions in villages like Santiago Atitlán and San Antonio Palopó.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours for early morning (7-10am) before afternoon storms. Village cultural experiences typically cost Q200-400 (US$26-52) and should include traditional lunch. Look for community-based tourism operators that directly benefit local families. Book 3-5 days ahead through your hotel or community tourism offices.

Semuc Champey Natural Pool Tours

July transforms Semuc Champey into a thundering paradise - the Cahabón River runs at peak volume, creating spectacular waterfalls and turquoise pools at their most dramatic. The 300m (984 ft) limestone bridge formations are surrounded by jungle at peak green. Rain keeps temperatures cool for the challenging 45-minute hike to viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 day packages including Lanquín accommodation as day trips from Antigua take 8+ hours each way. Tours cost Q350-500 (US$45-65) including transportation from Lanquín. Road conditions require 4WD - verify your operator has proper vehicles and rain contingency plans. Many tours include Kan'Ba Caves exploration.

Tikal Archaeological Sunrise Tours

Rainy season is actually ideal for Tikal - morning mist creates mystical atmosphere around Temple IV (65m/213 ft high), and afternoon rains provide natural air conditioning in the jungle. Wildlife activity peaks during July as animals seek water sources. Howler monkeys are most vocal at dawn, and you'll spot more birds and coatis than in dry season.

Booking Tip: Sunrise tours start 4:30am and cost Q450-650 (US$58-84) including park entrance and guide. Book certified guides through hotels in Flores - they know safe routes and wildlife spotting locations. Afternoon rains usually start 1-2pm, so plan 6-7 hours maximum in the park. Multi-day packages with El Remate accommodation offer better value.

Antigua Colonial Walking and Coffee Farm Tours

July is prime coffee flowering season - fincas around Antigua showcase white coffee blossoms that smell like jasmine. Morning temperatures 16-20°C (61-68°F) are perfect for walking cobblestone streets before tourist buses arrive. Afternoon rains create dramatic lighting for photographing colonial ruins, and indoor coffee tastings provide perfect rainy-day backup plans.

Booking Tip: Combine morning city walks with afternoon coffee farm visits. Coffee tours cost Q250-400 (US$32-52) and include transportation to fincas 20-30 minutes outside Antigua. Book through established fincas that offer covered tasting areas for rainy weather. Walking tours should start by 8am to avoid afternoon storms.

Chichicastenango Market and Highland Village Tours

Thursday and Sunday markets in Chichicastenango are less crowded in July, allowing genuine interactions with K'iche' Maya vendors. Rain doesn't stop market activity - vendors have covered stalls, and the mountain air at 2,030m (6,660 ft) stays cool and comfortable. July is harvest season for local vegetables and fruits, so market offerings are at their peak variety.

Booking Tip: Market tours from Antigua cost Q300-450 (US$39-58) including transportation and guide. Leave by 7am to arrive before 9am when locals still dominate the market. Afternoon return trips often encounter rain delays, so build extra time into your schedule. Look for guides who speak K'iche' for deeper cultural insights.

Río Dulce Jungle and Hot Spring Boat Tours

July's high water levels make Río Dulce boat tours spectacular - the river flows faster through jungle canyons, and Aguas Calientes hot springs (45°C/113°F) contrast perfectly with cool rain. Tropical birds are most active during rainy season, and manatees move into warmer river sections. The dramatic gorge walls rise 100m (328 ft) and waterfalls cascade directly from jungle canopy.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours cost Q400-550 (US$52-71) from Livingston or Río Dulce town. Book tours with covered boats and rain gear provided. The 3-hour jungle cruise includes stops at hot springs and bird watching. Many operators combine this with Livingston Garifuna culture experiences. Book 2-3 days ahead during rainy season.

July Events & Festivals

July 16

Festival de la Virgen del Carmen

Celebrated primarily in Guatemala City and some highland towns, this religious festival features traditional processions, street food vendors selling seasonal corn-based treats, and folk dancing. The rainy season timing means many celebrations move indoors to colonial churches and covered plazas, creating intimate cultural experiences.

Early to Mid July

Summer Coffee Flowering Season

Not a festival but a natural phenomenon - coffee plants around Antigua and in the Western Highlands produce white flowers that bloom for only 2-3 weeks in July. Many fincas offer special flowering season tours where visitors can see, smell, and photograph the jasmine-scented blossoms that will become next year's coffee harvest.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho that covers your backpack - umbrellas are useless in Guatemala's sudden downpours and mountain winds

Quick-dry hiking pants - denim takes forever to dry in 70% humidity and becomes uncomfortable when wet

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - afternoon thunderstorms can destroy electronics in minutes, especially during boat tours

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - mosquitoes and sand flies are most active during rainy season, particularly around Lake Atitlán and Río Dulce

Light fleece or windbreaker for highland mornings - temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) in Antigua and can feel chilly with mountain winds

Sturdy hiking boots with good tread - volcanic soil becomes slippery mud when wet, especially dangerous on volcano hikes and jungle trails

Headlamp with extra batteries - afternoon storms can cause power outages in smaller towns, and many archaeological sites have limited lighting

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to high altitude, and reflection off wet surfaces intensifies exposure

Probiotics or stomach medication - increased bacteria in water sources during rainy season can affect sensitive stomachs

Cash in small bills (Q20, Q50) - many rural areas lose card processing during storms, and market vendors prefer exact change during rainy weather

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (chicken buses) frequently break down or get stuck during July rains - budget 50% extra travel time and carry snacks for delays, or book private shuttles that cost Q150-200 (US$19-26) more but have 4WD vehicles

Many Guatemalans take afternoon siestas during the 2-4pm rain window - shops and restaurants in smaller towns often close, so plan lunch by 1pm and early dinners starting 5pm when everything reopens

Hotel rooftops in Antigua offer the best volcano views during rainy season - clouds usually clear between 5-7am and 6-8pm, perfect for photography without paying for expensive volcano viewpoint tours

Guatemalan families visit Lake Atitlán more in July because school holidays coincide with rainy season - this means better local food options but book accommodations 7-10 days ahead, especially for weekends

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking expensive volcano summit tours without checking weather forecasts - 60% cancel in July due to visibility and safety concerns, and many operators don't offer full refunds

Packing only cotton clothing that stays wet for hours in 70% humidity - synthetic fabrics dry faster and prevent chafing during long travel days

Planning tight schedules without rain delays - domestic flights often delay, buses get stuck, and boat tours postpone departures, so build 2-3 hour buffers between connections