Things to Do in Guatemala in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Guatemala
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Rainy season means lush, vibrant landscapes - the highlands around Antigua and Lake Atitlán are at their greenest, with waterfalls running at full capacity and cloud forests absolutely thriving. Photography is spectacular with dramatic cloud formations.
- Genuine low season pricing - you'll find hotel rates 30-40% lower than December-April peak, and you can actually negotiate at mid-range properties. Flights from North America drop significantly after Labor Day weekend.
- Fewer tourists at major sites - Tikal sees roughly half the visitors compared to high season, meaning you can experience sunrise at Temple IV without fighting for position. Antigua's streets feel authentically local rather than overwhelmed by tour groups.
- September marks the tail end of rainy season, so you're getting the benefits (green landscapes, lower prices) with slightly less rain than July-August. Most days you'll get morning sunshine before afternoon showers roll in around 2-3pm.
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - while showers typically hit afternoons and last 30-90 minutes, September can occasionally throw multi-day systems or morning storms that disrupt plans. Dirt roads to remote sites like Semuc Champey can become impassable after heavy rain.
- Some coastal areas and Petén region get uncomfortably humid - we're talking 85-90% humidity that makes the 28°C (82°F) feel closer to 35°C (95°F). The Pacific coast particularly feels swampy, and mosquitoes are at their peak.
- Limited visibility for volcano viewing - Acatenango and Fuego are often shrouded in clouds, especially afternoons. If volcano trekking is your primary goal, you might be disappointed. That said, early mornings (6-9am) tend to offer clearer windows.
Best Activities in September
Tikal Sunrise Tours
September is actually ideal for Tikal despite the rain - mornings are typically clear and dry, with mist rising through the jungle creating atmospheric conditions you won't get in dry season. The howler monkeys are incredibly active this time of year. Crowds are minimal, so you can experience Temple IV at sunrise with maybe 15-20 people instead of 100+. The rain keeps dust down and wildlife is easier to spot near water sources. Book sunrise tours that start around 4:30am - you'll be back at your hotel by 10am before afternoon showers.
Lake Atitlán Village Hopping
The lake is stunning in September - water levels are high, surrounding volcanoes are draped in green, and the afternoon storms create dramatic light shows across the water. Villages like San Marcos, San Pedro, and Santiago are quieter, so you can actually interact with locals without the tourist circus. Kayaking and paddleboarding work best 7am-1pm before weather shifts. The coffee harvest begins late September in surrounding hills, and some fincas offer early-season tours showing the process.
Antigua Colonial Walking and Coffee Finca Tours
Antigua is perfect in September because the rain actually enhances the colonial architecture - wet cobblestones gleam, courtyards smell like rain on old stone, and fewer tourists mean you can photograph Arco de Santa Catalina without crowds. Morning walking tours (8-11am) stay dry about 80% of the time. Late September is when coffee harvest begins on surrounding fincas, and several offer tours showing the picking process. The cloud cover means comfortable temperatures for walking - no brutal midday sun.
Semuc Champey Natural Pools
This is controversial, but September can be spectacular at Semuc Champey IF you time it right and accept some risk. The turquoise pools are fuller and more dramatic than dry season, waterfalls are powerful, and you might have the place nearly to yourself. However, the 10 km (6.2 miles) dirt road from Lanquín can become difficult after heavy rain - check conditions before committing. Go midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) when fewer travelers attempt it. The hike to the viewpoint (45 minutes up, 700m/2,297ft elevation gain) is muddy but manageable with proper boots.
Chichicastenango Market Experience
The famous Thursday and Sunday markets are less crowded in September, meaning you can actually negotiate prices and interact with vendors without being rushed. The surrounding highlands are brilliantly green, and the morning mist over the town creates atmospheric conditions. The market runs roughly 6am-2pm, with best selection 8-11am. September coincides with late corn harvest, so you'll see more traditional foods and textiles featuring harvest themes. The church ceremonies with traditional Maya rituals happen regardless of weather.
Acatenango Volcano Overnight Treks
This is high-risk, high-reward in September. When weather cooperates, you get dramatic cloud formations, fewer trekkers (maybe 20-30 people camping instead of 100+), and the chance to see Fuego erupting against storm clouds. However, summit visibility is maybe 40% reliable - clouds often roll in afternoon and evening. The trek is more challenging when muddy - the final 500m (1,640ft) push to 3,976m (13,045ft) summit becomes genuinely difficult. Only attempt this if you're flexible and won't be devastated by limited views.
September Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
September 15th is Guatemala's Independence Day, and the entire country goes festive. Antigua hosts the most spectacular celebrations with torch relay runs on the 14th evening (starting around 6pm), parades on the 15th featuring school bands and traditional dancers, and fireworks over the colonial center. Every town has its own parade - even small villages put on shows. Streets get decorated in blue and white flags starting early September. Worth noting that many businesses close September 14-16.