Things to Do in Guatemala in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Guatemala
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Lush emerald landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls reach maximum flow and coffee plantations are vibrant green
- Significantly fewer tourists (40-50% less than dry season) meaning shorter lines at major sites like Tikal and Semuc Champey
- Hotel rates drop 25-40% compared to December-April peak season, with best deals in Antigua and Lake Atitlán
- Perfect temperature for highland destinations - Quetzaltenango and Chichicastenango are pleasantly cool at 18-22°C (64-72°F) during the day
Considerations
- Daily afternoon thunderstorms lasting 1-3 hours can disrupt outdoor activities and transportation between 2-5 PM
- Many remote hiking trails become muddy and potentially dangerous - some volcano hikes may be cancelled for safety
- High humidity (80%) combined with intense UV (index 11) creates challenging conditions for extended outdoor activities
Best Activities in June
Antigua Colonial Walking Tours and Indoor Cultural Activities
June's frequent afternoon rains make Antigua's covered colonial courtyards, museums, and indoor cultural sites ideal. Morning temperatures of 16-20°C (61-68°F) are perfect for exploring cobblestone streets before the 2 PM rains arrive. The city's jade museums, chocolate workshops, and colonial churches provide excellent rainy-day alternatives.
Tikal National Park Archaeological Tours
June's lush canopy provides excellent wildlife viewing - howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars are more active in cooler, humid conditions. Morning mist creates dramatic photos of temples emerging from jungle. Fewer crowds mean you can climb Temple IV (65m/213ft) without waiting. Rain usually holds off until afternoon.
Lake Atitlán Village Boat Tours
June's dramatic cloud formations over the volcanic lake create stunning photography conditions. Cooler temperatures make walking through Santiago Atitlán and San Juan La Laguna more comfortable. Traditional weaving demonstrations move indoors during rain, offering authentic cultural experiences.
Semuc Champey Natural Pools
June brings Semuc Champey's limestone pools to their most spectacular - the Cahabón River runs at full power underneath while upper pools remain swimmable. Surrounding jungle is incredibly lush. The 45-minute hike (1 km/0.6 miles) to viewpoint is slippery but manageable with proper footwear.
Quetzaltenango (Xela) Language Schools and Highland Markets
June's cool temperatures (15-22°C/59-72°F) make Guatemala's second city perfect for Spanish immersion programs. The famous Saturday market operates under covered areas, and surrounding highland villages offer authentic weaving experiences. Mountain views are dramatic between cloud breaks.
Chichicastenango Market and Highland Culture Tours
June's cooler highland weather (16-24°C/61-75°F) makes exploring Guatemala's most famous indigenous market comfortable. Thursday and Sunday markets operate rain or shine under covered stalls. Surrounding villages practice traditional ceremonies that are more frequent during rainy season for agricultural blessings.
June Events & Festivals
Corpus Christi Celebrations
Religious processions throughout Guatemala featuring elaborate alfombras (sawdust carpets). Most spectacular in Antigua and Guatemala City with covered cathedral ceremonies perfect for rainy weather viewing.
Rabin Ajau (National Indigenous Queen Contest)
Guatemala's most important indigenous cultural celebration held in Cobán, featuring traditional dress competitions, marimba music, and cultural exhibitions mostly held in covered venues due to June rains.