When to Visit Guatemala

brings dry, clear conditions to Guatemala with highs reaching 24°C (75°F) and lows dipping to 13°C (55°F) - cool enough that evenings call for a layer. Rainfall is minimal at just 3mm, and this is one of the most comfortable months to be here.

feels similar to January, with highs of 25°C (78°F) and lows of 13°C (56°F) and only 5mm of rain expected. The dry air and clear skies make for excellent visibility toward the volcanoes visible from the capital.

begins warming noticeably, with highs reaching 26°C (80°F) and lows of 14°C (58°F), and still very little rain at 5mm. By late March, the dry season is approaching its hottest and driest stretch, and you'll notice the hillsides around Guatemala looking browner and dustier than at other times of year.

sees the first real rain of the year arrive, with 30mm recorded on average and highs of 27°C (82°F) and lows of 16°C (60°F). This is a transitional month - you'll still get plenty of sunny days. But afternoon showers start becoming a reasonable expectation toward the end of the month.

marks the true beginning of the rainy season in Guatemala, with 130mm of rainfall and that familiar pattern of bright mornings giving way to afternoon downpours. Highs stay around 27°C (80°F) and lows around 16°C (62°F), so it's warm and green.

is typically the wettest month, with 272mm of rainfall and highs of 25°C (78°F) and lows of 16°C (62°F). The rains are heavy but usually concentrated in the afternoons and evenings, leaving mornings functional for sightseeing. The city looks its greenest.

sees slightly less rain than June at 203mm, with similar temperatures - highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). There's a brief mid-summer dry spell that sometimes occurs in Central America around this time, occasionally giving Guatemala a few relatively clear days mid-month.

mirrors July closely, with 203mm of rain and highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). It's a comfortable temperature but rainy, and travelers who haven't experienced a Guatemala wet season downpour tend to underestimate how thoroughly it rains.

tends to be the second wettest month, with 236mm of rainfall and highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). This is the heart of hurricane season on the Caribbean coast, and while Guatemala City itself doesn't get hurricanes, associated weather systems can bring prolonged heavy rain.

Rain eases to 132mm as the wet season fades. Daytime peaks at 24°C (76°F). Nights settle at 16°C (60°F). The countryside around Guatemala stays lush, still vivid green. Lighter showers versus the June-September deluge make this an underrated month. Fewer tourists, same emerald hills. Worth it.

The dry season returns in earnest. Just 48mm of rain all month. Highs hover at 24°C (75°F). Lows dip to 14°C (58°F). Evenings cool, skies sharpen. Air clarity improves noticeably. One of the better months to visit Guatemala. Pleasant weather minus peak crowds. Book early.

Comfortably dry with only 8mm of rain. Highs reach 23°C (75°F). Lows fall to 13°C (56°F). This is the coolest month. Holiday lights and fireworks fill the streets. Nights feel chilly by local standards. Locals pile on layers. Visitors from colder places call it mild. Pack fleece.