Things to Do in Guatemala in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Guatemala
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Lush, verdant landscapes at their absolute peak - the highlands around Antigua and Lake Atitlán are incredibly green after weeks of rain, with waterfalls running full and coffee plantations showing off their glossy leaves. This is when Guatemala looks most like the postcard version of itself
- Smaller crowds at major sites compared to December-March high season means you can actually photograph Tikal's temples without dozens of people in your shot, and you'll find better availability at popular guesthouses in Antigua without the inflated pricing. Expect 30-40% fewer tourists than peak season
- Rainy season pricing is genuinely advantageous - accommodations drop 20-35% from high season rates, and you'll have better negotiating power for private shuttles and multi-day tours. A room that costs US$80 in February might be US$55 in July
- Morning weather is consistently excellent - rain typically holds off until 2pm or later, giving you a solid 7-8 hour window for outdoor activities. Locals plan their entire day around this pattern, and you should too
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is basically guaranteed - not might happen, will happen. Around 2-4pm most days, you'll get 30-90 minutes of serious downpour. This isn't light drizzle; it's the kind of rain that turns cobblestone streets into rivers and makes outdoor activities impossible. Plan accordingly or you'll spend a lot of time huddled under awnings
- Some coastal access gets complicated - certain Pacific coast beaches become less appealing with overcast skies and rougher surf, and the Caribbean side around Livingston can see reduced boat schedules when weather gets particularly aggressive. If beach time is your primary goal, July isn't ideal
- Higher humidity in lowland areas like Tikal and Flores means you'll be sweating through shirts by 10am. The 70% humidity reading doesn't capture how sticky it actually feels when you're climbing pyramid steps in the Petén jungle - more like 85-90% down there
Best Activities in July
Tikal sunrise tours and jungle exploration
July mornings at Tikal are genuinely magical - the jungle is alive with howler monkeys and toucans, and you'll have the temples mostly to yourself before 9am. The rain keeps dust down and makes the forest canopy impossibly green. Start at 4:30am for sunrise from Temple IV, then explore the main plaza before the afternoon rains roll in around 2pm. The reduced crowds mean you can actually hear the wildlife instead of tour group chatter. Temperature is comfortable in the morning at around 22°C (72°F) before climbing to 28°C (82°F) by midday.
Antigua walking tours and colonial architecture exploration
The morning light in Antigua during July is perfect for photography - soft and diffused with occasional dramatic clouds. The city's yellow and pastel facades look particularly vibrant when wet from morning showers. Plan cultural activities for 8am-1pm, then shift to indoor museums, coffee tastings, or cooking classes after 2pm when rain typically starts. The cobblestone streets get slippery when wet, but that's part of the charm. Volcano views are hit-or-miss due to clouds, but when they clear after a storm, the sight is spectacular.
Lake Atitlán village-hopping by boat
July transforms Lake Atitlán into something almost mystical - clouds roll across the water creating dramatic light shows, and the surrounding volcanoes peek through mist. Morning boats from Panajachel to villages like San Pedro, Santiago, and San Marcos run smoothly before wind picks up around 1pm. The lake gets choppy in afternoons, so stick to morning departures. Villages are less crowded than high season, and you'll find better prices for textiles and handicrafts. Water levels are high, making dock access easier.
Highland coffee plantation tours
July sits right in the middle of the coffee growing season when plants are flowering and early cherries are forming. Plantations around Antigua, Cobán, and Huehuetenango offer tours showing the full cultivation process. The rain keeps everything lush, and morning tours from 8-11am avoid the afternoon downpours entirely. You'll learn why Guatemalan coffee commands premium prices while walking through impossibly green hillsides. Temperature at plantation altitude around 1,500 m (4,900 ft) is perfect - 20-24°C (68-75°F) in mornings.
Semuc Champey natural pools and cave exploration
This is actually one of the best months for Semuc Champey despite being rainy season - water levels are high enough to make the turquoise pools stunning but not so high that they overflow and turn brown. The limestone pools cascade down the hillside at their most photogenic. Cave tubing through K'an Ba caves is more adventurous with higher water levels. The 45-minute uphill hike to the viewpoint is slippery but manageable with decent shoes. Go early (arrive by 9am) to avoid crowds and afternoon rain. Located at 380 m (1,250 ft) elevation, it's hot and humid - expect 28-32°C (82-90°F).
Chichicastenango market and highland Maya culture
Thursday and Sunday markets in Chichi are equally vibrant in July, with fewer tourists competing for the best textiles and ceramics. The market sprawls across the town plaza and up the steps of Santo Tomás church where Maya ceremonies happen throughout the day. July means you'll see more local shoppers than tourists, giving you a more authentic experience. The covered market sections keep you dry if rain starts early. Located at 2,070 m (6,790 ft), temperatures are mild - 18-22°C (64-72°F) - making the crowded market more comfortable than in hot season.
July Events & Festivals
Cobán Folkloric Festival (Rabin Ajau)
This week-long celebration in late July honors indigenous Q'eqchi' Maya culture with the National Indigenous Queen pageant, traditional dances, marimba performances, and regional food. It's one of Guatemala's most important cultural events, and Cobán fills with visitors from surrounding highland communities. You'll see traditional trajes (indigenous clothing) that you won't encounter elsewhere, and the festival grounds buzz with activity from morning until late evening. Worth planning your entire trip around if you're interested in authentic Maya culture beyond the tourist veneer.