Good Time to Visit

Weather

Guatemala's climate is affected by altitude. It is hot, humid and tropical on the lowlands and the Caribbean coast with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) which can rise to 37°C (99°F).

The rainy season runs from May to September, with rain mainly falling in the afternoons and evenings. Annual rainfall in Guatemala City reaches about 132 cm, with approximately 25 cm a month falling during the rainy season. Exposed slopes receive greater rainfall. In general, although temperatures fall sharply at night, the nights are free of rain all year round.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing, along with a jacket or light woollens for the evenings. Waterproofs will be needed from May to September.

Festivals

Fiestas are a major part of Guatemalan life, with celebrations often connected with local saints' days. They are frenetic and joyous affairs, with processions, beauty contests and salsa music. Often participants will don costumes and perform traditional dances. It's all capped off with drink, dance and fireworks. The Easter processions in Antigua, the Day of the Dead Kite festival in Santiago Sacatepequez in November and the Day of the Dead festival in Todos Santos in December are among the most captivating events.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Guatemala: