Guatemala has two distinct seasons: dry (November to April) and rainy (May to October). The dry season is the classic tourist window — skies are clear, roads are passable, and highland nights are cool and crisp. It also coincides with the most dramatic festivals, including Semana Santa in Antigua and Todos Santos in November.
The rainy season brings afternoon downpours, typically two to four hours of rain starting around 14:00, then clearing. Mornings are often sunny. The landscape turns intensely green, waterfalls are at their best, and accommodation prices drop along with the crowds. The main drawback is that dirt roads in the Petén and western highlands can become impassable, and visibility at Tikal is sometimes poor. Budget travel in the rainy season is excellent value.
The highlands (Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango) sit between 1,500 and 2,300 metres and have a comfortable climate year-round — daytime temperatures around 20–25°C, cool evenings, and no extreme heat. There is no bad season here.
The Petén jungle (Tikal, Flores) is hot and humid regardless of season, with temperatures around 30–35°C. The dry season from February to May sees the highest temperatures and least rain, making jungle hiking easier. The rainy months bring humidity but also more active wildlife. Avoid visiting Tikal in the peak dry-season crowds of December to February if you can — arrive before 07:00 to beat the tour buses.
The Pacific and Caribbean coasts are hot all year (28–32°C). The Pacific's sea turtle nesting season runs July to November, with Monterrico being the best viewing spot.
Semana Santa (Holy Week, March or April) draws enormous crowds to Antigua, with spectacular processions and alfombras (sawdust carpets) in the streets. Book accommodation weeks in advance and expect prices to double.
November is arguably the best overall month: the rains have eased, the countryside is still green, and the Todos Santos horse races (November 1) in Huehuetenango are one of the most vivid local festivals in Central America.