Things to Do in Guatemala in March

March Weather in Guatemala

26-28°C (79-82°F) High Temp

12-18°C (54-64°F) Low Temp

15-30 mm (0.6-1.2 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect volcano hiking weather - clear morning visibility at 3,700 m (12,140 ft) altitude with cool temperatures ideal for strenuous climbs before afternoon clouds roll in
Dry season's final month means dusty roads are still manageable while temperatures haven't reached April's scorching 35°C+ (95°F+) peaks
Semana Santa preparation period offers authentic cultural experiences without Easter week's overwhelming crowds and 300% price increases
Ideal conditions for Tikal exploration - morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) with excellent wildlife activity before 28°C (82°F) afternoon heat

Considerations

Increasing heat stress by mid-afternoon makes outdoor activities uncomfortable after 2 PM, limiting effective sightseeing hours
Dust from dry season peaks in March, creating hazy mountain views and respiratory irritation, especially problematic around Antigua's volcanic surroundings
Tourist prices begin climbing toward Easter season rates while weather becomes less comfortable than February's cooler temperatures

Best Activities in March

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hikes

March offers the year's best volcano hiking conditions with clear predawn visibility at 3,976 m (13,045 ft) and comfortable camping temperatures around 5°C (41°F). Morning departures at 6 AM beat afternoon heat buildup. Active Fuego volcano provides spectacular nighttime lava shows visible from Acatenango's summit. Dry trails eliminate rainy season's treacherous mud conditions.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 2-3 weeks ahead through established operators in Antigua. Tours typically cost Q400-600 ($52-78). Verify equipment quality - temperatures drop to freezing at summit. Start early morning to avoid afternoon heat exhaustion during 6-hour ascent.

Tikal Sunrise Wildlife Tours

March's dry conditions create optimal wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) with 65% humidity make the 4 AM start comfortable. Howler monkeys are most active before 8 AM, and clear skies provide unobstructed views from Temple IV at 65 m (213 ft) height. Afternoon heat reaching 32°C (90°F) makes later visits uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead with licensed guides who know current wildlife locations. Tours cost Q300-500 ($39-65) including transportation from Flores. Pack headlamp for pre-dawn temple climbing and bring 3 L (0.8 gal) water minimum for full-day exploration.

Lake Atitlán Village Hopping

Perfect boat weather with minimal afternoon wind and clear visibility across the 130 km² (50 sq mi) lake. March's dry season ensures reliable lancha schedules between Santiago, San Pedro, and Panajachel. Traditional Easter preparations visible in Santiago Atitlán's textile workshops. Water temperature reaches comfortable 20°C (68°F) for swimming in shallow bays.

Booking Tip: Public lanchas cost Q25-35 ($3-4.50) between major villages, departing every 30 minutes 6 AM-6 PM. Private boat tours cost Q800-1,200 ($104-156) for full day visiting 4-5 villages. Book accommodations in San Pedro or Panajachel 2 weeks ahead as backpacker season intensifies.

Semuc Champey Natural Pools

March's low water levels create the most vivid turquoise colors in the limestone pools as mineral concentration increases. River levels are manageable for cave tubing at 18°C (64°F) water temperature. The 45-minute jungle hike to El Mirador viewpoint is comfortable in morning's 22°C (72°F) temperatures before afternoon heat makes it grueling.

Booking Tip: Book hostel packages from Lanquín including transportation, typically Q150-200 ($19-26) per day. Cave tubing and pools access costs additional Q50 ($6.50). Arrive by 8 AM to secure parking and avoid tour bus crowds that peak 11 AM-2 PM.

Antigua Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

March's dry conditions perfect for exploring cobblestone streets without rainy season's slippery hazards. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) ideal for walking while afternoon heat of 28°C (82°F) drives visitors into shaded courtyards and museums. Semana Santa altar preparations visible in churches throughout March, offering cultural insights unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs nothing - pick up free maps at tourist office on 5a Avenida Norte. Guided tours cost Q200-300 ($26-39) for 3-hour cultural walks. Visit churches 6-8 AM or 4-6 PM to avoid midday heat. Museum entry typically Q30-50 ($4-6.50).

Chichicastenango Market Cultural Experience

March's pleasant weather makes navigating the massive Thursday and Sunday markets comfortable, with morning temperatures of 14°C (57°F) perfect for haggling. Dry season ensures reliable transportation on winding mountain roads. Traditional Semana Santa crafts and ceremonial items appear in vendor stalls, offering unique purchasing opportunities unavailable year-round.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Antigua cost Q300-400 ($39-52) including transportation and guide. Independent travel via chicken bus costs Q40 ($5.20) total but requires 3-hour each way journey. Arrive by 8 AM when vendors are setting up for best photo opportunities and cooler shopping conditions.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Cuaresma Preparations

March marks intensive Easter preparation period throughout Guatemala. Traditional alfombra (sawdust carpet) creation workshops begin in Antigua churches. Indigenous communities in Chichicastenango conduct special Mayan-Catholic fusion ceremonies blending ancient traditions with Christian practices.

Mid to Late March

Burning of the Devil (Quema del Diablo) Preparations

Communities begin collecting materials for December's Quema del Diablo celebration, but March sees traditional craft workshops in Santiago Atitlán where artisans create devil masks and ceremonial items. Excellent cultural learning opportunity rarely mentioned in guides.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches dangerous 11 levels at Guatemala's 1,500 m+ (4,921 ft+) altitude

Lightweight long pants for volcano hiking - protect against volcanic rock cuts and temperature drops to 5°C (41°F) at summit

Insulated water bottles holding 2-3 L (0.5-0.8 gal) - March heat causes rapid dehydration above 2,000 m (6,562 ft) elevation

Breathable cotton layers for 15°C (27°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Dust masks or bandana - dry season creates problematic dust levels, especially on unpaved roads to Tikal and Semuc Champey

Headlamp with red filter - essential for predawn volcano climbs and cave exploration at Semuc Champey

Waterproof phone case - protection from dust and occasional brief afternoon showers that still occur 3 days monthly

Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic terrain and limestone caves require proper footwear

Light rain jacket - afternoon temperature drops of 8°C (14°F) combined with brief showers create chill

Electrolyte supplements - altitude and heat combination causes rapid salt loss during physical activities

Insider Knowledge

Start all outdoor activities by 6 AM - March heat becomes dangerous for strenuous activity after 2 PM, especially at altitude above 2,500 m (8,202 ft)

Book accommodations with fans or AC by mid-March - many budget places in Flores and Río Dulce become unbearable as temperatures climb toward 32°C (90°F)

Carry exact change in small bills - March tourism uptick means vendors in markets and lanchas rarely have change for Q100+ notes

Join locals for afternoon siestas 1-4 PM - embrace Guatemala's natural rhythm during hottest part of day rather than fighting the heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling volcano hikes for afternoon departure - March afternoon heat makes ascents dangerous and visibility poor due to cloud buildup

Underestimating altitude effects - Guatemala's high elevations combined with March heat and low humidity cause severe dehydration faster than sea-level destinations

Not booking Easter week accommodations early - prices triple and availability disappears even though Easter is in April, booking restrictions start affecting March availability