When to Go

The dry season ( verano ; November to April) is the most pleasant time, weather-wise, to be in Guatemala. Along with summer holidays, however, it’s also the busiest. The wet season ( invierno ; from May to October and until November/December in the north and the east) may restrict some activities and make some roads difficult. It can be worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, particularly as you’ll be more likely to pick up accommodation bargains.

The height of the foreign tourist season is from Christmas to Easter. Things become acute around Christmas, New Year and Easter, and in many places you need to book ahead for rooms or transportation. A secondary high season lasts from June to August when throngs of North Americans and Europeans descend on Guatemala. If you’re planning to be in the area around Easter, try to make it for Semana Santa (Holy Week), the highlight of the country’s festival calendar.