When to Visit Guatemala
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
What to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Dry season (Dec-Apr)
Rainy season (May-Oct)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
Peak dry-season month with endless sunshine and cool mountain nights. It's the busiest tourist stretch, so book early for Antigua and Tikal.
February
Still bone-dry and ideal for volcano treks; jacarandas start blooming around the city. Hotels stay pricey but you'll get postcard weather.
March
Temperature edges up a notch; afternoons can hit 28°C. First thunderclouds appear late month, though real rain waits until May.
April
Hottest month before the rains; locals escape to cooler Antigua. Expect brief late-month showers and spectacular lightning shows over the valley.
May
Wet season kicks off with afternoon deluges that vanish by sunset. The countryside turns emerald overnight, and prices dip at hotels.
June
Steady rain most afternoons; mornings stay clear enough for sightseeing. Humidity feels thick, but temperatures remain mild thanks to altitude.
July
Mid-season 'canícula' brings a week or two of lighter rain - locals call it 'little summer'. Good time for last-minute hotel deals.
August
Rains intensify again; streets in lower zones can flood briefly. Mornings are often gorgeous, so start early for photos and bird-watching.
September
Wettest month - umbrellas become daily accessories. On the plus side, waterfalls are thundering and tourist numbers hit their yearly low.
October
Rain starts to taper; you'll still get downpours, but clearer skies return by month's end. Great for photographers who love moody clouds.
November
Transition back to dry season; green landscapes under cobalt skies. One of the best months overall - comfortable temps and few crowds.
December
Fresh, sunny days and festival atmosphere with posadas and fireworks. Book early - both international visitors and Guatemalan families travel now.