Guatemala Weather, climate and geography
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Guatemala can be visited throughout the year, but the dry season from November to April is generally the best time for travelling around the country. Conditions are usually sunnier, roads are easier to use and walking trails are less muddy. Regional differences are considerable: the highlands are mild, while the Pacific coast, Caribbean lowlands and Petén remain hot and humid.
Dry season (November to April):
December to February usually brings clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures in the highlands, although nights can be cold. This is a good time to visit Antigua, Lake Atitlán, the Maya sites of Petén and the volcanoes. March and April are hotter, particularly in the lowlands and on the Pacific coast.
Rainy season (May to October):
Mornings are often dry and bright, followed by heavy rain during the afternoon or evening. The landscape becomes green and visitor numbers are generally lower. Travel remains possible, but flooding, landslides and poor road conditions may cause delays, especially in rural and mountain areas.
September and October are usually the wettest months and fall within the Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical storms can bring prolonged rain even when they do not pass directly over Guatemala. The Caribbean coast receives rain throughout the year and has a less distinct dry season.
Holy Week is one of Guatemala's most important celebrations, particularly in Antigua, where processions and coloured street carpets attract large crowds. Accommodation and transport can be difficult to find, and prices rise during this period.
Required clothing
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for the Pacific coast, Caribbean lowlands and Petén. Bring a sunhat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and insect repellent. Long sleeves and trousers provide additional protection from mosquitoes.
Temperatures are cooler in Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlán and other highland areas. Pack layers, including a jumper or light jacket for evenings. Warmer clothing is required between November and February, when nights can be cold.
A lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-drying clothing are useful during the rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes are suitable for towns and archaeological sites, while sturdy footwear with good grip is required for volcano climbs and mountain trails.
Volcano summits can be cold and windy at any time of year. Climbers may need thermal layers, a warm jacket, hat and gloves, particularly for overnight or sunrise hikes. Visitors should dress neatly and relatively modestly when entering churches or visiting rural and Indigenous communities.
Geography
Guatemala lies in Central America, with Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast. It has a Pacific coast in the south and a short Caribbean coast in the east.
Mountain ranges and volcanic highlands cross the centre and west of the country. Volcán Tajumulco, near the Mexican border, rises to approximately 4,220m (13,845ft) and is the highest mountain in Central America. Guatemala's location between tectonic plates makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The northern department of Petén consists mainly of low limestone plains covered by tropical forest. A broad coastal plain extends along the Pacific, while the drier Motagua Valley runs towards the Caribbean. The Usumacinta River forms part of the border with Mexico, and the Motagua is Guatemala's longest river. Lake Izabal is the country's largest lake, while Lake Atitlán fills a volcanic basin in the western highlands.
