Things to Do in Guatemala in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Guatemala
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season landscapes are spectacular - the highlands around Antigua and Lake Atitlán transform into lush, vibrant terrain that photographers dream about. The volcanic slopes are covered in coffee plants at peak growth, and waterfalls like El Chorro near Santa Cruz La Laguna are actually flowing with volume worth seeing
- Significantly fewer tourists than December-April peak season means you'll actually get those Instagram shots at Arco de Santa Catalina without 40 people in the frame. Hotels in Antigua and Flores drop rates by 25-40% compared to high season, and you can book decent places 7-10 days out instead of months ahead
- Rain patterns are predictable and workable - showers typically hit between 2pm-5pm, lasting 30-45 minutes before clearing. Mornings are usually brilliant for hiking volcanoes or exploring ruins, and locals have the rhythm down so tour operators schedule accordingly
- Tikal and other Petén ruins are genuinely better in June - the jungle canopy provides natural shade during humid days, wildlife is more active with water sources full, and the dramatic storm clouds rolling over Temple IV create atmospheric conditions you won't get in dry season's harsh midday light
Considerations
- The rainy season is real and you need to plan around it - afternoon downpours can turn Antigua's cobblestone streets into small rivers, and unpaved roads in rural areas become muddy challenges. If you're planning multi-day treks or remote village visits, you'll need flexibility in your schedule
- Some Pacific coast beaches get rougher surf and overcast skies - places like Monterrico have choppier waters that aren't ideal for casual swimming, and the black sand beaches lose some appeal when it's grey and humid. The Caribbean side near Livingston fares better but still sees periodic heavy rain
- Humidity sits around 70% which feels thick, especially in lowland areas like Flores and Río Dulce. If you're not accustomed to tropical moisture, the combination of warmth and dampness can be draining, and clothes take forever to dry if you're hand-washing in hostels
Best Activities in June
Antigua volcano sunrise hikes
June mornings are typically clear until 10am-noon, making dawn ascents of Acatenango or Pacaya ideal timing. You'll catch sunrise views over the volcanic chain before clouds roll in, and temperatures at 3,700 m (12,139 ft) elevation are comfortable rather than the cold of dry season. The green season also means better visibility after rain clears the air - you can actually see Fuego's eruptions from Acatenango's summit more clearly. Trails are muddier but manageable with proper boots.
Lake Atitlán village-hopping by boat
The lake's water levels are optimal in June after months of rainfall, and morning boat rides between villages like San Pedro, San Marcos, and Santiago Atitlán are smooth before afternoon wind picks up. The surrounding volcanoes are brilliantly green, and you'll find fewer tourists clogging the docks and cafes. Afternoon rain showers give you perfect excuses to duck into local textile cooperatives or coffee shops. Water temperatures around 20°C (68°F) make swimming pleasant if you're into cold-water dips.
Tikal archaeological exploration
June humidity in Petén keeps the jungle canopy lush and wildlife active - you'll hear howler monkeys from kilometers away and spot toucans, spider monkeys, and coatis more easily than in dry season when animals disperse. The rain also means fewer tour groups, so you can experience Temple IV or the Great Plaza without constant crowds. Morning visits (6am-11am) avoid both peak heat and afternoon storms. The dramatic clouds building over temples create phenomenal photography conditions that flat dry-season skies can't match.
Semuc Champey natural pools swimming
This is actually one of the better months for Semuc Champey despite being rainy season - the turquoise pools are fed by the Cahabón River, and June water levels are high enough to be impressive but not dangerously flooded like September-October. The surrounding cloud forest is vibrant green, and the 45-minute uphill hike to the viewpoint (about 700 m / 2,297 ft total elevation gain) is cooler in humid conditions than scorching April-May heat. Rain usually holds off until mid-afternoon, giving you morning swim time.
Chichicastenango market cultural visits
The Thursday and Sunday markets operate rain or shine, and June sees fewer tour buses than high season while maintaining full local participation. You'll find authentic highland Maya commerce - textiles, ceramics, produce, medicinal plants - without the overwhelming tourist-vendor ratio of peak months. The Santo Tomás Church ceremonies with traditional cofradías (religious brotherhoods) happen regardless of weather, and the surrounding mountain scenery is dramatically green. Morning visits (7am-11am) catch the market at full energy before afternoon rain.
Río Dulce jungle boat journeys
The river connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean is at its most navigable in June with healthy water levels, and the riverside jungle and mangroves are thick with bird life - herons, kingfishers, and occasionally manatees in quiet sections. Boat trips between Río Dulce town and Livingston pass through the dramatic canyon gorge, hot springs at Finca El Paraíso, and Ak'Tenamit community projects. Rain showers add to the jungle atmosphere rather than ruining it, and you'll see far fewer sailboats and tourists than dry season brings.
June Events & Festivals
Corpus Christi celebrations in Patzún
This moveable Catholic feast (typically late May or early June, falling on the Thursday 60 days after Easter) sees elaborate street carpets made from colored sawdust, flowers, and pine needles in towns throughout the highlands. Patzún, about 20 km (12.4 miles) from Antigua, creates some of the most intricate alfombras that get walked over during religious processions. The combination of indigenous Maya and Catholic traditions makes this genuinely distinctive - you'll see traditional traje (indigenous clothing) mixed with Spanish colonial religious imagery.
Día del Ejército (Army Day)
June 30th is Guatemala's Army Day with military parades primarily in Guatemala City. While not a tourist-focused event, it's a significant national holiday that affects business closures and transportation schedules if you're traveling that day. Banks and government offices close, and some tour operators adjust schedules. Worth knowing about for planning purposes rather than as something to specifically attend.