Guatemala is a beautiful country located in Central America, known for its rich Maya history, stunning landscapes ranging from Caribbean beaches to volcanic peaks, colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and traditional culture. However, as with visiting any destination, there are certain times that are less ideal for traveling to Guatemala. Here is an overview of the worst times to visit this diverse country and what challenges you may face during those periods.
Rainy Season: May to October
The rainy season in Guatemala lasts from May through October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring between June and September.
Frequent Downpours
During the rainy season, expect near-daily downpours, usually in the afternoon and evening hours but sometimes lasting all day. The rain showers can be intense, causing flooding, road washouts, and other travel disruptions.
Cloudy Skies & Mudslides
Not only does it rain frequently, but the skies also tend to stay overcast during much of the rainy season. Combined with muddy trails and roads, this can put a damper on many outdoor activities. In areas of high terrain, mudslides are also a risk during this period.
Travel Challenges
The tropical storms and hurricanes that pass through Central America at the peak of rainy season can cause widespread flooding, property damage, and blocked transportation routes. Even without a major storm system, travel delays are highly likely if visiting Guatemala during its wettest months.
Holiday Seasons: Christmas, Easter, & Summer
While the festive atmosphere during Christmas, Easter Holy Week, and July-August summer vacations is enticing, visiting Guatemala during these incredibly popular times has some distinct drawbacks.
Crowding at Attractions
Guatemala’s top destinations get very crowded when Central American and international tourists flock to them during holiday periods and regional school breaks. For example, at Easter you’ll be jostling with throngs of visitors if you visit Antigua’s elaborate religious processions.
Difficult Reservations & Higher Prices
Trying to secure hotel rooms, tour reservations, and restaurant seats gets extremely competitive when demand skyrockets. Prices also surge, making travel more expensive compared to the rest of the year. Transportation and lodging options may sell out completely.
Long Lines & Traffic Jams
Preparing for epic lines and lengthy waits is wise if traveling during busy holidays and vacation peaks. Guatemala’s streets and highways also jam up with substantially more vehicles on the road, leading to heavy traffic congestion.
Earthquake Season: July to November
Situated above several fault lines and volcanic chains, Guatemala frequently experiences earthquakes and seismic activity. The period between July and November sees the highest frequency of moderate to strong quakes.
Risk of Building Damage & Injuries
While most quakes cause little destruction, Guatemala has suffered several catastrophic tremors. During this active earthquake season, seismic events can damage infrastructure, cause injuries, or trigger landslides. The risk is accentuated by the prevalence of shoddy building construction across rural towns.
Vulnerable Location of Tourist Sites
Many of Guatemala’s most popular places to visit happen to be situated near fault lines or volcano complexes. This includes Guatemala City, Lake Atitlán, Pacaya Volcano, and colonial Antigua—putting numerous tourist sites and travelers in vulnerable spots during earthquake season.
Frequent Travel Interruptions
Even small quakes can trigger interruptions to travel plans, such as delayed or canceled flights, damaged roads, disrupted tours, and closures of archaeological sites or national parks. Larger tremors can cause more widespread devastation and logistical problems.
Winter Weather in the Highlands
From November through February, chilly conditions coupled with dampness permeate Guatemala’s mountainous interior highlands where places like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Chichicastenango are situated.
Cold Temperatures
Frigid temperatures ranging from near freezing to 50°F (10°C) overtake the elevated central and western highlands. Tourists who fail to pack warm clothing may find themselves shivering while sightseeing. Keep in mind homes and hotels often do not have heating.
Heavy Fog & Wind
Thick fog banks frequently blanket the mountain valleys during winter, obscuring views of volcanoes and vistas. Strong seasonal winds further intensify the blustery cold during this period.
Occasional Snow or Hail
While extremely rare, some of Guatemala’s tallest peaks have received dustings of snow during winter cold spells. Hail storms also occasionally pelt high-altitude destinations. Even a modest amount of icy precipitation can make highland road conditions hazardous.
Health Risks: Dengue & Chikungunya Outbreaks
Guatemala grapples with periodic outbreaks of dengue fever, as well as the painful chikungunya virus transmitted by mosquitos. The risk of contracting these diseases while visiting Guatemala spikes during the country’s rainy season.
Difficult to Avoid Exposure
The populations of infected mosquitos multiply exponentially following heavy seasonal rainfall. Their habitat also spreads to more areas. This makes exposure difficult to prevent despite travelers taking normal protective measures against bites.
Debilitating Symptoms
Both dengue and chikungunya trigger extremely unpleasant flu-like symptoms, with severe joint pain being common. In worst case scenarios, dengue develops into a lethal complication called hemorrhagic fever. These diseases can literally cripple a traveler or holiday.
Disrupted Trip Plans
If a tourist becomes ill with dengue or chikungunya while visiting Guatemala without proper travel insurance, it can ruin their itinerary. Affected travelers may need extended hospitalization or repatriation by air ambulance to their home country for adequate treatment.
In summary, visiting Guatemala is best avoided during the rainy season from May through October due to weather challenges, around major holidays because of crowds, and the earthquake-prone period of July to November. The winter months bring chilly, foggy conditions to the scenic highlands. Outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases also tend to flare up during the summer rainy season. By being aware of Guatemala’s least favorable times for travel and the associated inconveniences, you can well prepare for a trip or plan around these periods.