Best time to visit Guatemala
The best time to visit Guatemala is all year round. The country does not experience significant temperature fluctuations. However, you should bear in mind the dry and wet seasons.
In brief:
- In the higher-altitude central region of the country, the temperature hovers around 20 degrees all year round;
- Temperatures in the lower-lying areas, such as the coast and the rainforest in the north, hover around 30 degrees all year round;
- The dry season runs from November to April;
- The rainy season begins in May, bringing the occasional heavy downpour.
Temperature
Guatemala has a tropical climate, with significant variations in temperature in some areas due to the influence of the sea and the altitude at which a region is situated. It is coolest in the highlands, with daytime temperatures of around 20 degrees. On the coast, it is warm, with a daily average of around 30 degrees.
Precipitation
Most rainfall occurs from May to October, and the dry season runs from October to May. In terms of travel, the dry season is the peak season in Guatemala. However, you can still enjoy excellent travel in Guatemala during the rainy season. The rain is limited to short, heavy (refreshing) showers, particularly in the afternoon, and the countryside is actually at its most beautiful (green) during this period!
Antigua
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Min. temperature in °C | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
| Maximum temperature in °C | 22 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Number of hours of sunshine per day | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
The climate in Antigua is influenced by its location near the equator and its altitude above sea level. Generally speaking, the climate in Antigua is pleasant, with summery temperatures during the day. Evenings and nights can be cool.
More from Atitlán / Quetzaltenango
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Min. temperature in °C | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Maximum temperature in °C | 21 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Number of hours of sunshine per day | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
The climate around Lake Atitlán is generally pleasant and temperate. It is influenced by the lake’s proximity. During the day, temperatures are often spring-like, whilst nights can be cool.
Petén (Flores, Tikal)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Min. temperature in °C | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 |
| Maximum temperature in °C | 27 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 |
| Number of hours of sunshine per day | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The Petén region has a tropical (rainforest) climate, with temperatures ranging from warm to tropical all year round. The area has distinct dry and wet seasons. Generally speaking, the dry season is the best time to visit this region, as the roads are much more passable than during the wet season. Some parts of the Petén region become inaccessible after heavy downpours. Most of this region consists of rainforest, making it quite humid and very green, even during the dry season.
Izabal (Rio Dulce, Livingston)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Min. temperature in °C | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 20 |
| Maximum temperature in °C | 25 | 27 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 26 |
| Number of hours of sunshine per day | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
The climate in the Izabal region is tropical (rainforest). Temperatures are warm to tropical throughout the year. Izabal is a region bordering the Caribbean Sea, which means the climate is influenced by sea breezes and is humid due to the surrounding waters and river.
The best time to visit Guatemala when travelling with children
Guatemala is highly recommended for a family holiday. The best time to visit coincides with all Dutch school holidays. During the May half-term, Guatemala is less crowded with tourists. You can easily combine a trip to Guatemala with a visit to Belize and/or Honduras. Want to know more about travelling with children?
Time difference between Guatemala and the Netherlands/Belgium
During Dutch winter time, it is 7 hours earlier in Guatemala.
During Dutch summer time, it is 8 hours earlier in Guatemala.
How long is the flight to Guatemala?
There are no direct flights from Amsterdam to Guatemala City. The minimum journey time is approximately 16 hours. Depending on the flight route and layover time, this can be as long as 26 hours.
Fancy a trip of Guatemala?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Guatemala and are you curious about the options? Then do have a look at the tours we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call us on +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.