Things to Do in Guatemala in October

October Weather in Guatemala

26°C (79°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect highland weather - morning temperatures of 15-17°C (59-63°F) make Antigua walks comfortable, afternoons warm to ideal 24-26°C (75-79°F)
Rainy season finale means lush landscapes and waterfalls at peak flow, but rain typically ends by early October with only 12 rainy days versus September's 18
Tourist crowds 40% lower than December-March peak season, meaning shorter lines at Tikal and better photo opportunities without crowds at Semuc Champey
October 31st Día de los Santos celebrations across Guatemala - witness authentic Mayan ceremonies at Santiago Sacatepéquez giant kite festival and Day of the Dead preparations

Considerations

Afternoon rainfall still occurs 40% of days, typically 2-4pm lasting 45-90 minutes - can disrupt outdoor activities like volcano hikes if not timed properly
Some remote roads to places like El Mirador archaeological site may still have muddy sections from wet season, requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 30-45 minutes to journey times
Higher humidity (75%) in lowland areas like Petén makes jungle hiking more demanding - you'll need 3-4 liters of water daily versus 2 liters in dry season

Best Activities in October

Tikal Archaeological Tours

October is ideal for Tikal - fewer crowds mean better wildlife spotting as howler monkeys and toucans are more active, plus morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make the 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable. The jungle canopy is at its most lush after rainy season, creating perfect conditions for photography. Afternoon rains usually start after 3pm, so morning tours avoid weather disruptions.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 7-10 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost Q350-450 ($45-58 USD) including park entrance. Morning tours (5am start) are essential in October to avoid afternoon rains and see most wildlife. Reference booking widget for current certified tour options.

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hikes

October offers the best volcano hiking conditions - clear morning visibility before afternoon clouds roll in, and nighttime temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) are manageable with proper gear. Post-rainy season means fewer dust clouds and clearer views of active Fuego volcano eruptions. The challenging 6-8 hour ascent to 3,976m (13,045 ft) is most comfortable in October's moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book 14+ days ahead as October is peak volcano season. Overnight tours cost Q650-850 ($84-110 USD) including equipment and meals. Departure times are typically 8am to reach summit by sunset. Weather windows are best mid-month. See current tour options in booking section below.

Semuc Champey Natural Pools

October showcases Semuc Champey at its most spectacular - waterfalls are at maximum flow from recent rains but weather is stable enough for swimming. The famous turquoise pools maintain perfect temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F) year-round, and October's clear afternoons provide ideal lighting for photography from the mirador viewpoint at 700m (2,297 ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours from Antigua typically cost Q1,200-1,600 ($155-207 USD) including transportation, accommodation and activities. Book 10-14 days ahead as October is popular for the pools. Tours include tubing, cave exploration, and hiking. Check current availability in booking section.

Lake Atitlán Village Tours

October's post-rainy season clarity offers stunning volcano reflections across the lake, with morning temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F) perfect for boat travel between villages. The three volcanoes (Atitlán, Tolimán, San Pedro) are clearly visible most mornings. Local markets in Santiago Atitlán and Chichicastenango are in full swing with post-harvest festivities and Day of the Dead preparations.

Booking Tip: Multi-village boat tours cost Q200-350 ($26-45 USD) per day. Book local guides in Panajachel or San Pedro for authentic experiences. October is ideal for 2-3 day village-hopping itineraries. Private boat charters available Q800-1,200 daily. See booking options below for current tours.

Antigua Colonial Walking Tours

October's pleasant afternoon temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make exploring Antigua's cobblestone streets comfortable throughout the day. The city's 30+ colonial churches and ruins are less crowded, and October light provides excellent photography conditions for the colorful facades. Post-rainy season means cleaner streets and vibrant bougainvillea in full bloom.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is ideal in October weather, or join group tours costing Q80-150 ($10-19 USD) for 2-3 hours. Morning tours 9-11am offer best light and temperatures. Many include coffee plantation visits. Reference booking section for current cultural tours and coffee experiences.

Chichicastenango Market Tours

October market visits are exceptional - cooler highland temperatures make browsing comfortable, and vendors display post-harvest goods including fresh coffee, cacao, and textiles. The famous Thursday and Sunday markets occur during ideal weather, with morning temperatures of 14-16°C (57-61°F) and Day of the Dead preparations adding cultural authenticity.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Antigua or Lake Atitlán cost Q300-450 ($39-58 USD) including transportation and guide. Thursday markets are less crowded than Sunday. Arrive by 9am for best selection and temperatures. Multi-day highland tours available combining markets with villages. Check current tour schedules in booking section.

October Events & Festivals

October 31st

Día de los Santos Giant Kite Festival

October 31st in Santiago Sacatepéquez features massive handmade kites up to 12m (39 ft) diameter flown to communicate with deceased ancestors. This authentic Mayan tradition draws locals, not tourists, making it a genuine cultural experience. The colorful geometric kites against October's clear blue skies create incredible photography opportunities.

Throughout October

Day of the Dead Market Preparations

Throughout October, markets across Guatemala begin elaborate Day of the Dead preparations. Witness flower vendors creating marigold arrangements, families preparing special foods, and artisans crafting ceremonial items. Chichicastenango and Santiago Atitlán markets are particularly active with traditional preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket - October afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes and occur 40% of days, but mornings are typically clear

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in highlands, afternoons reach 26°C (79°F), evenings cool to 18°C (64°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 10 at altitude, and post-rainy season air is clearer, intensifying sun exposure

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes are most active in October's humid conditions, especially near lakes and jungle areas

Waterproof hiking boots - trails can be muddy from recent rains, especially on volcano hikes above 2,000m (6,562 ft)

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 75% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry if caught in afternoon rain

Warm sleeping gear for volcano camping - nighttime temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at Acatenango's 3,976m (13,045 ft) summit

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - afternoon humidity and rain can damage electronics

Electrolyte supplements - increased sweating in 75% humidity requires more salt replacement than dry season travel

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Antigua's colonial cobblestones become slippery when wet from October rains

Insider Knowledge

Local fincas (coffee farms) harvest season runs September-December, making October perfect for authentic coffee tours where you can participate in picking and processing - many farms offer overnight stays for Q200-400 ($26-52 USD)

October mornings have the clearest volcano views - locals know to wake at 5:30am for photos, as clouds typically roll in by 10-11am and afternoon rains start around 2pm

Guatemalan families begin Day of the Dead cemetery preparations throughout October - respectfully visit Guatemala City's Cementerio General or rural highland cemeteries to witness authentic family traditions

October is ideal for learning Spanish - tourist numbers drop 40% so schools in Antigua and Xela offer better teacher availability and lower prices (Q1,200-1,800/$155-233 per week including homestay)

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - October afternoon rains are predictable, so schedule volcano hikes, archaeological sites, and outdoor photography for morning hours

Underestimating altitude effects in October's thinner post-rainy air - acclimatize 24-48 hours in Antigua (1,544m/5,066 ft) before attempting Acatenango volcano (3,976m/13,045 ft)

Packing only summer clothes - October nights in highlands drop to 15-17°C (59-63°F), and volcano camping requires winter gear for 5°C (41°F) temperatures