With its lush jungle landscapes, majestic volcanoes, and ancient Maya ruins that tell stories of a bygone era, Guatemala is a country that surprises even the most seasoned travellers.
Whenever you choose to visit Guatemala, you’re guaranteed unforgettable holiday memories – but is there a time of year that’s better than the rest?
In this blog post, you’ll find our guide to Guatemala’s weather with recommendations on what to expect in each season.
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season between November and April, when there’s typically less rain and more pleasant temperatures.
That said, travelling in the rainy season between May and October has its perks too. During this time, you’ll not only enjoy warmer temperatures and lusher landscapes – you’ll also encounter fewer visitors.
In short: Guatemala is a destination that serves up fantastic experiences all year round. And while the dry season is generally considered the best time to go, the weather varies greatly depending on where in Guatemala you are. You can read more about the country’s unique climate below.
Guatemala’s climate
Guatemala is beautifully situated in the heart of Latin America. Despite its relatively modest size, the country offers striking geographical contrasts. Variations in altitude and its proximity to the coast mean the climate can change dramatically depending on where you are in Guatemala.
In the highlands, where towns such as Antigua and Panajachel are waiting to be explored, conditions are temperate all year round. The higher you climb into the mountains, the milder the weather becomes. It’s this pleasant climate that has earned Guatemala the nickname “the land of eternal spring”.
In the lowlands and along the coasts, the climate is quite different. Here you can look forward to warm, tropical conditions with high temperatures and a high humidity all year round.
Guatemala’s seasons
The weather in Guatemala doesn’t follow the classic seasons we know back home. Instead, it alternates between the dry and rainy seasons, which usually fall within the following months:
Dry season: November to April
Rainy season: May to October
As Guatemala is characterised by great geographical diversity, the length and intensity of the seasons can vary from region to region.
Guatemala’s dry season (November to April)
The dry season, which runs from November to April, is the most popular time to visit Guatemala.
Visit Guatemala at this time of year and you can look forward to sunny days, blue skies, and warm, pleasant temperatures that are perfect for exploring the country.
For example, travel in early November to witness Día de Todos los Santos, Guatemala’s counterpart to Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a time to remember loved ones who have passed away, and in some places, it is celebrated with kite flying. Or visit in the run-up to Easter in April, when Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings festive processions, lively parades, and markets packed with delicious street food.
The dry season also brings ideal conditions for exploring Guatemala’s enchanting nature, as paths and landscapes are less muddy, making it easier to get around — including in Tikal National Park, where ancient Maya ruins tower like mysterious giants amid the dense jungle.
Pros and cons of travelling in the dry season
+ Sunny days and pleasant temperatures
+ The chance to experience cultural highlights such as Día de Todos los Santos and Semana Santa
+ Dry paths and landscapes, making it easier to explore places like Tikal National Park
– Guatemala’s high season, which means more visitors at the most popular attractions
Guatemala’s rainy season (May to October)
In Guatemala, the rainy season runs from May to October.
While this time of year brings warmer temperatures and more rain, it doesn’t mean you’ll be exploring Guatemala only in waterproofs. The downpours can be heavy, but they’re usually brief and most often roll in during the afternoon.
This period is also officially hurricane season in Guatemala (mid-May to late November), but the likelihood of hurricanes affecting your tour is very small.
The rainy weather actually has its perks. The showers don’t just make the landscapes burst into bloom and look their lushest; they also thin out visitor numbers, giving you more elbow room when you visit Guatemala’s attractions. If you’re here in September, you can experience the country’s Independence Day on September 15th, celebrated with grand parades and colourful fireworks.
The rainy season also typically brings cheaper tours to Guatemala (with the exception of July and August, when many people take their summer holidays).
Pros and cons of travelling in the wet season
+ Warm weather and lush landscapes
+ Fewer people and cheaper tours
+ Chance to experience Guatemala’s Independence Day
– Short-lived, yet sometimes heavy downpours, plus an official hurricane season that rarely affects your tour
Not sure when to travel?
With its enchanting landscapes, fascinating Maya history, and welcoming people, a tour to Guatemala is always a magical adventure, no matter what time of year you travel.
With TourCompass, you’ll travel on carefully planned package tours, with flights, accommodation, transport, and selected experiences arranged in advance, so you can focus on enjoying the tour.
If you’d like help choosing the ideal time to travel to suit your plans, you’re always welcome to get in touch with our experienced travel specialists, who are here for you before, during, and after your tour.
Embark on an adventurous tour where you’ll discover Guatemala’s colonial charm in Antigua, cruise across the stunning Lake Atitlán, explore the majestic Mayan ruins of Tikal, and soak up the tranquillity of the Bacalar lagoon – before rounding off your holiday with blissful days on the Caribbean beaches of Playa del Carmen.
Embark on an adventurous tour where you’ll discover Guatemala’s colonial charm in Antigua, cruise across the stunning Lake Atitlán, explore the majestic Mayan ruins of Tikal, and soak up the tranquillity of the Bacalar lagoon – before rounding off your holiday with blissful days on the Caribbean beaches of Playa del Carmen.
