Best Time to Visit Guatemala 2024 (Visitors Guide)

In this guide, we will explore the best time to visit Guatemala.

Guatemala is an awesome country to visit. Not only is it full of ancient ruins and culture, but it’s also home to many landscapes that vary from tropical jungle to cool mountainous towns and black sandy beaches.

What's in this guide?

Best time to visit Guatemala

In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to visit Guatemala, which includes whether we think this nation is worth visiting as well as how many days we recommend spending here (so you can work out a travel budget that fits you).

As well as looking at 5 of the very best things you can do in Guatemala, we’ll also answer your most burning questions in our FAQ section.

February and March are the two best months to head to Guatemala, since they are well within the dry season, and also warmer than the rest of the year.

Is Guatemala worth visiting?

Without a doubt yes!

This is one of our favorite Central American countries, for many of the reasons we mentioned at the start of this article.

Here you’ll also find it super cheap too – so there’s no need to worry about breaking the bank when traveling around Guatemala.

Whilst it can feel over-touristy at times (in certain towns around Lake Atitlan and the bigger cities), the culture is still authentic and very much raw.

The markets are the best place to see how Guatemala operates on a local level, and there are also some incredible tours that you’ll want to do when here (climbing Acatenango Volcano is one of these).

What is the best month to visit Guatemala

We’ve found that February and March are the overall best. Still, within the dry season (which runs from November until March), clear skies will be perfect for getting outdoors and hiking, as well as for exploring cities without getting drenched.

It also means there’s a reduced chance of road flooding, which is a common occurrence in the rural areas of Guatemala.

Temperatures are also quite warm, which is ideal for visiting the more mountainous regions, such as a backpacking trip to Antigua (other times if the year can become quite cold into the evening).

These months are also perfect for experiencing traditional Guatemalan festivals, such as Semana Santa (if it falls in March for the year) as well as the annual Coffee Harvest festival.

How long should I spend in Guatemala

This is a question we often get asked, and with Guatemala, it depends on your preference and how you like to travel.

Overall we would recommend a minimum of 10 days, where you can get to know the major sites of Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Flores. 2 and a half weeks is ideal, where you can also dive into the local culture more (such as taking trips to the more remote towns for the day).

We always recommend carrying a Spanish book like this one while backpacking but bear in mind that Guatemala is also one of the most popular places in Latin America to have a homestay with locals and learn Spanish.

If you’re up for this (and it is a positive and rewarding experience), then you can easily stay in this Central American country for many months.

Top things to do in Guatemala

Let’s now explore 5 of the very best things to do in Guatemala:

Visit Tikal Ruins

Guatemala is home to many mysterious Mayan ruins, which is a major part of the country’s appeal. One of the very best you can visit is the ruins of Tikal, which were built in the middle of the wild jungle between 250-900 A.D.

Despite being abandoned, they’re still in great condition today, where you can explore the infamous site which used to be the most important of all for this great civilisation.

Here you can witness the Temple IV – which is the overall tallest standing at a height of 213 ft, as well as see various temples and shrines which are slowly being reclaimed by moss and jungle life.

The Tikal Ruins are located close to the island town of Flores, which is situated in the north of Guatemala near the border with Belize.

We highly recommend coming with this organized tour, where you’ll have all transport and entry sorted for you as well as an expert guide teaching you everything you need to know about this incredible Mayan site.

Lounge on Guatemala’s Pacific Beaches

Whilst known for many things, Guatemala isn’t exactly famed for its beaches like other countries such as Costa Rica or Brazil. However, we often forget this Central American nation has a large coastline that’s found along both the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Those after an idyllic beach with blue water can head to Playa Blanca on the west coast of the county, which is just a short boat ride from Livingston.

Thankfully it’s still relatively untouched, meaning you can enjoy many secluded spots with virtually no other tourists around!

Along Guatemala’s Pacific Coast we’ll find many stunning black sand beaches, which have been formed due to volcanic activity.

El Paredón is a must-visit, which has recently turned into a backpacking haven. Here you’ll find awesome hostels here, as well as a great swell for those looking to get their surf on.

Hike Acatenango Volcano

Guatemala is known for its spiraling volcanoes, which often leave travelers’ jaws on the floor when the sun sets and reveals hot red glows in the near distance.

This is especially so in the town of Antigua, where you’ll often see puffs of smoke throughout the day too.

Those looking for the ultimate experience will want to hike up Acatenango Volcano, which is located close to Antigua. Here you’ll work your way up the challenging route, and then set up camp for the night.

Waking up in the early morning you’ll experience something truly unforgettable – with the sun rising above the peaks and clouds which sit beneath you.

If you haven’t been blown away by a landscape before – then you certainly will here! You’ll need to go with an organized tour to summit Acatenango, and we recommend this one which includes all meals as well as sleeping equipment.

Explore the Mayan Towns around Lake Atitlan

This stunning lake is by far one of the most popular places to visit in Guatemala – and for good reason too. Circled by imposing volcanoes, you can head on a boat ride whilst seeing some of the most beautiful lake views you can possibly have in Latin America.

There’s also many unique towns located on its shores to be explored too. San Marcos is the ultimate place to sit back and hang out, where it has a more bohemian vibe and is perfect for a yoga retreat or winding down for some time.

San Juan la Laguna is the best place to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, where you’ll find many awesome bars, hostels and restaurants.

Another worthy town is Santa Catarina Palopo, which usually lies under the radar for most travelers. However, this small town is great for hiking and getting into nature, with many picturesque routes to take.

Visit the Cascades of Semuc Champey

Aside from the town of Flores, the east portion of Guatemala is much less visited compared to the west and central regions. There’s in fact many worthwhile things to see here, and the one that takes the cherry is Semuc Champey.

Situated within the deep jungle, you’ll find this site which is a series of stunning, crystal-clear cascades that have a turquoise hue. It’s the perfect place to go for a cold swim, which will especially be needed after the hike to get here.

They can often get quite busy (especially in the afternoons and also during the weekend), so it’s best to plan a little so you can enjoy the site with few others around.

We highly recommend joining this tour from nearby Lanquin (which is the closest town to Semuc Champey). Here you’ll have all transport included, as well as a guided tour through caves and even a tubing experience down a river too!

Guatemala FAQ’s

Cheapest time to fly to Guatemala?

Any months within the wet season will be cheaper, given they put off most tourists (and also are more awkward to schedule holidays around. This is from April until November.

The overall best month for a visit here would be October, which is not only one for the cheapest for flights and hotels, however it is a shoulder month so is not as chilly and wet as the others.

When is the best time to visit Lake Atitlan?

Those who want to visit this stunning lake are best coming around the dry season (November until April). We personally recommend the months of February and March, as they are quite dry and also have less tourists packed in the towns around the lake. You’ll also find numerous religious events too, which will give a much more authentic experience here.

Is Antigua Guatemala worth visiting?

By far one of the most popular destinations in the region of Central America, Antigua literally has it all. Here you’ll find one the prettiest cities in Latin America, which is full of painted arches, colonial architecture and stunning churches. There’s also a backdrop of volcanoes too (which you can also hike up to). Whilst it’s definitely got more touristy in recent years, it’s still a great place to base yourself for a week whilst enjoying its vibes and also for heading off on day trips from here.

What is Guatemala known for?

Most above all, Guatemala is known for being one of the cheapest countries you can travel in Latin America! For those who love saving (like ourselves), you’ll find accommodation and tours here much cheaper than in Mexico, Costa Rica or Panama. The country is also known for its surreal landscapes which include highlands, volcanoes and black-sand beaches. Guatemala also has a vibrant culture, which is best explored through its markets and by meeting locals when out and about.

Best time to visit Guatemala

And that’s all for this guide on the best time to visit Guatemala.

This Central American nation is always a fan-favourite for those heading to this area of the world, and for good reason too.

Here you’ll find a warm and friendly culture, along with some truly epic landscapes. It’s also a great county for having a local homestay experience or for learning Spanish in a reputable school.

In this guide we’ve covered the best time to visit Guatemala, as well as our own personal recommendations for you to get the most out of a trip here.

At the end we’ve also answered your most burning questions in our FAQ section. See our backpacking Guatemala guide for more travel advice.

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Best time to visit Guatemala