People in traditional dress Guatemala

Locals in traditional dress, Lake Atitlan

Best Time To Visit Guatemala

Month-by-month guide of when to visit

Best time to visit Guatemala

A month by month guide of when to visit Guatemala

Guatemala enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for visiting, offering daytime temperatures between 23°C and 32°C. In the Southern Highlands, including Antigua and Lake Atitlán, expect sunny and warm days, but cooler nights. In the northern Lowlands, such as Tikal, temperatures remain consistently hot, though humidity rises from May onwards.

During the rainy season, brief showers are common, particularly in popular tourist regions, but humidity levels increase. The wettest months are September and October, when heavy rains can cause disruptions. If you’re combining Guatemala with Belize, be aware that Belize also experiences increased rainfall during this period.

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Tikal Tree Top View min

January – April

January through April comprise a large part of Guatemala's dry season, bringing clear blue skies and warm sunshine. It is an ideal time to explore the Highlands, including the charming town of Antigua and the stunning Lake Atitlán. Despite the pleasant daytime temperatures, evenings in these elevated areas can be chilly due to the altitude, so it is wise to bring layers!

Further north, the region around Tikal features a tropical jungle climate with occasional showers, but these are unlikely to disrupt your sightseeing plans. Popular travel times include Semana Santa (Holy Week), especially in Antigua, where vibrant religious processions take over the streets, adorned with intricate carpets of flowers and coloured sawdust. Guatemala's hotels are often small and full of character, so it's wise to book in advance during this festive period or anytime in the dry season.

Weaving Textiles Guatamala

May - October

Guatemala's rainy season begins in May, bringing warmer temperatures and afternoon showers that typically last just a few hours. Mornings are usually sunny, and while rainfall increases, it’s still a pleasant time to visit, especially with fewer tourists and lower prices. Evenings in the Southern Highlands, including Antigua and Lake Atitlán, are warmer compared to the dry season, making it a comfortable time for exploration without the crowds.

In the northern Lowlands around Tikal, temperatures remain consistent, but humidity rises during this season. Roads can become difficult to navigate during heavy rainfall, particularly in September and October, when travel conditions are most challenging. Crossing into Belize may also be tricky, plus the coastal beach areas experience increased rain during this time.

For those visiting in August, the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción is celebrated on the 15th, with small towns hosting vibrant processions and fairs. Additionally, Guatemala's Independence Day on 15th September brings countrywide celebrations, offering a lively cultural experience.

Festival Barriletesss in Sumpango Guatemala Kite

November - December

November marks the tail end of the rainy season and ushers in cooler evenings, especially in the Highlands. A unique cultural experience during this time is All Souls’ Day on 2nd November. While Guatemala’s Day of the Dead festivities are more understated than in Mexico, families still visit cemeteries. In Santiago Sacatepéquez, you can witness a spectacular kite-flying festival in honour of the dead.

As December approaches, the dry season is in full swing and Guatemala begins its holiday season. Popular travel times include Christmas and New Year when many visitors combine their Guatemala trip with a beach stay in Belize. The Highlands, especially Antigua, become even more enchanting with festive decorations and celebrations. It’s a busy season, so booking in advance is essential to secure accommodations in these charming, characterful hotels.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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