Guatemala: When to go

The peak tourist season in Guatemala runs from November through April, coinciding with the country’s dry season. Weather-wise, December and January are the best months to visit when everything is still green from the rains, but the sky is clear. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts are by and large hot all year round in the high 80°F to mid-90°F. Expect occasional rain anytime of the year on the tropical Atlantic coast, although storms are possible during hurricane season August-October. In the northern lowland rainforests of the Petén region, including Tikal National Park, humidity is high and temperatures reach 100° F from May-August. The highlands including Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlán (Panajachel) are commonly referred to as the "Land of Eternal Spring" as they are characterized by pleasantly warm days and cool nights. In December and January there may be frost in the early morning at the highest elevations.In reality there are two seasons - the dry season (from mid-August through April) and the wet season (from May to mid-August).
 

Throughout the dry season, and especially around the Christmas and Easter holidays, hotels can be booked solid well in advance, so be sure to have a reservation, especially in the more popular tourist spots. Easter and Holy Week are also major holidays in Guatemala and in Antigua specifically. Hotels in Antigua are booked solid as much as a year in advance. If crowds cramp your style, we advise you book your holiday in Guatemala during shoulder periods - near the end or beginning of the rainy season, when the weather is still pretty good. Some of the country's rugged roads become downright impassable without four-wheel-drive during the rainy season.