Things to Do in Guatemala in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Guatemala
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season conditions with minimal rainfall - you'll typically see only 3 rainy days all month, mostly brief afternoon showers that clear quickly. This makes November ideal for hiking volcanoes and exploring ruins without the mud and cloud cover that plague other months.
- Día de los Muertos celebrations spill into early November with cemetery visits in Santiago Sacatepéquez featuring giant kite festivals. The cultural authenticity is unmatched - locals actually participate in these traditions rather than performing for tourists, and you'll see families camping overnight at gravesites with food offerings.
- Comfortable highland temperatures without the tourist crush of December-January. Antigua and Lake Atitlán average 22°C (72°F) during the day but drop to 12°C (54°F) at night, perfect for morning volcano hikes before the afternoon warmth sets in. You'll avoid the spring break crowds while still getting excellent weather.
- Agricultural harvest season means markets overflow with fresh produce at rock-bottom prices. November brings peak avocado season, fresh coffee harvests in the highlands, and you'll find street vendors selling roasted corn and sweet potatoes that are actually in season rather than imported. Local restaurants shift menus to feature these ingredients.
Considerations
- Mornings can be surprisingly cold in the highlands - that 12°C (54°F) at dawn feels colder than the number suggests because most accommodations lack heating. Budget guesthouses in Antigua and Quetzaltenango often have thin blankets, and you'll want layers for early morning shuttle rides or sunrise hikes.
- Early November overlaps with Día de los Muertos, which means higher accommodation prices in Antigua and around Lake Atitlán during the first week. Expect rates to jump 30-40% from November 1-3, and many places require 3-night minimums. Book these specific dates 8-10 weeks ahead or plan to arrive after November 5.
- Strong winds pick up around Lake Atitlán mid-month, particularly affecting boat transport between villages. The xocomil winds typically start around 1pm and can make afternoon boat rides choppy and occasionally cancel service. This limits your flexibility for spontaneous village-hopping after lunch.
Best Activities in November
Volcano Hiking - Acatenango and Pacaya
November offers the clearest visibility windows for volcano hiking all year. Acatenango's overnight hikes give you unobstructed views of erupting Fuego volcano roughly 70% of nights, compared to maybe 30% during rainy season. The dry trails mean you're not slipping through mud at 3,900 m (12,800 ft) elevation, and sunrise views extend across the entire volcanic chain. Pacaya makes an easier day hike at 2,552 m (8,373 ft) with still-warm lava fields where guides roast marshmallows. Start both hikes by 6am to avoid afternoon clouds that roll in even during dry season.
Lake Atitlán Village Exploration
The dry season makes November perfect for exploring the dozen villages around Lake Atitlán by boat and foot. Water levels are stable, boat transport runs reliably in mornings, and hiking trails between villages like San Marcos to Tzununá stay dry and passable. Each village has distinct character - San Juan La Laguna for textile cooperatives, Santiago Atitlán for Maximón worship traditions, San Pedro for the backpacker scene. Plan village visits for morning hours before the xocomil winds start around 1pm, which can make boat rides uncomfortable and occasionally halt service.
Antigua Colonial Walking and Market Tours
November's dry weather makes Antigua's cobblestone streets actually pleasant to navigate on foot - no dodging puddles or mud. The city's compact 10 by 10 block colonial center contains 30-plus church ruins, active markets, and rooftop viewpoints of surrounding volcanoes. Morning light hits the Santa Catalina Arch perfectly around 7-8am before tour groups arrive. The Mercado Central operates daily with peak activity Thursday and Saturday when highland vendors bring fresh produce. November harvest season means exceptional variety of local fruits, vegetables, and the year's new coffee crop.
Semuc Champey Natural Pools
The limestone pools at Semuc Champey reach their most striking turquoise color in November as rainfall decreases and water clarity improves. The natural bridge formation with tiered pools sits in humid jungle, but November's drier conditions mean the access trail is less treacherous than during rainy months. The viewpoint hike climbs 700 m (2,300 ft) in about 45 minutes through steep, slippery sections that remain challenging even when dry. Water temperature stays around 20°C (68°F) year-round. November means you'll share the site with fewer tourists than December-January peak season.
Tikal Mayan Ruins Exploration
November offers ideal conditions for exploring Tikal - the dry season means clear skies for climbing temples and spotting wildlife, while slightly cooler temperatures make the jungle heat more manageable. Sunrise tours starting at 4:30am give you the atmospheric experience of howler monkeys calling as light hits Temple IV at 65 m (213 ft) height. The vast site covers 16 square km (6 square miles) with major temple complexes connected by jungle trails. Plan 6-8 hours to see the main structures. November wildlife sightings include spider monkeys, toucans, and occasionally jaguars on remote trails.
Chichicastenango Market Experience
The Thursday and Sunday markets in Chichicastenango represent Guatemala's largest and most authentic indigenous market, operating since pre-colonial times. November timing means you'll see harvest season produce alongside traditional textiles, ceramics, and wooden masks. The market sprawls across the town center with hundreds of vendors, while K'iche' Maya ceremonies happen simultaneously on the Santo Tomás church steps - locals burning copal incense and making offerings. Arrive by 8am before tour bus crowds from Antigua and Panajachel descend around 10am. The atmosphere shifts completely between morning authenticity and midday tourist focus.
November Events & Festivals
Día de los Muertos and Giant Kite Festival
November 1 brings Guatemala's Día de los Muertos celebrations, distinct from Mexican versions. Families spend the night of October 31 at cemeteries with food, flowers, and marimba music. Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango host giant kite festivals on November 1 where communities fly elaborate kites up to 15 m (49 ft) in diameter to communicate with the dead. The kites feature intricate tissue paper designs taking months to construct. Arrive by 9am as kites fly from 10am-3pm. The cemetery at Santiago Sacatepéquez becomes packed with families painting tombs in bright colors and sharing fiambre, a traditional cold salad served only this day.
Coffee Harvest Season Tours
November marks peak coffee harvest across Guatemala's highland regions. Many fincas around Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Cobán offer harvest-season tours where you'll see picking, processing, and roasting of the new crop. The experience differs from standard coffee tours because workers are actively harvesting rather than demonstrating for tourists. Some fincas hire temporary pickers and you can actually try hand-picking ripe cherries. Tours typically include tastings of the fresh harvest. The quality and enthusiasm level of these November tours exceeds the rest of the year when farms are just maintaining plants.