Central America & Caribbean
Guatemala in August
Similar to July. The Virgen de la Asuncion festival brings celebrations to Guatemala City around August 15.
The straight answer
August is a quiet, good-value month to visit Guatemala. Similar to July. The Virgen de la Asuncion festival brings celebrations to Guatemala City around August 15.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 76F (24C), afternoon showers
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What August is like in Guatemala
August is similar to July, with highs near 76F (24C) and afternoon showers. The Virgen de la Asuncion festival brings celebrations to Guatemala City around August 15. Antigua stays busy with summer visitors.
This month suits families and students on summer break. For drier weather, choose November to April. Mornings are usually the best time for hikes and lake crossings, and the afternoon wind on Atitlan makes boats rough later in the day. Families will find Antigua lively with summer language students, and chocolate workshops and macadamia farms make good rainy-afternoon plans.
Make the most of August
What is especially good about Guatemala this month.
Virgen de la Asuncion
Celebrations in Guatemala City around August 15.
Green highlands
The countryside is lush and bright.
Morning lake boats
Calm water before the afternoon wind.
What to pack for August
- A rain jacket
- Waterproof shoes
- Layers
- An umbrella
Our timing tip
Plan outdoor activities for mornings, before the afternoon rain.
Book Guatemala for August.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for August
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in GuatemalaOpens a hotel search for Guatemala in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in GuatemalaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in GuatemalaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Guatemala for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Walk the ruins of La Merced, San Francisco, and the cathedral, then climb Cerro de la Cruz for the classic view of Volcan de Agua.
Lake Atitlan
Hop between lake villages by public boat in the morning, when the water is calm; the afternoon wind, called the Xocomil, makes crossings rough.
Tikal National Park
Stay overnight nearby to enter early for sunrise and the cooler hours. Temple IV's top gives the famous view over the canopy.
Acatenango volcano overnight
A tough hike to a camp facing Fuego. Dry season from November through April gives the best odds of clear views.
Chichicastenango market
Held on Thursdays and Sundays, with textiles, masks, and a Maya-Catholic church on the steps of Santo Tomas. Go early.
Semuc Champey
Turquoise limestone pools in the Alta Verapaz jungle. The road is long and rough, and the pools can turn murky after heavy rain.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Antigua during a Lenten weekend in February or early March instead of Semana Santa itself: you see real processions with far fewer people.
- At Tikal, stay at a lodge inside or near the park so you can enter at opening and leave before the midday tour buses from Flores.
- Cross Lake Atitlan and hike in the mornings; the afternoon wind and clouds reduce visibility and comfort.
- November and early December are the best combination of dry weather, green landscapes, and moderate crowds.
Know before you go
- During Semana Santa, many businesses close for Thursday and Friday, and road closures in Antigua make getting around slow.
- Rainy season landslides, especially in September and October, can close mountain roads to Semuc Champey and the western highlands.
- Acatenango and Fuego volcano hikes can be suspended during periods of high volcanic activity; check with licensed guides.
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day close many shops and restaurants, while the preceding weeks are festive and busy.
Guatemala in August, quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Guatemala?
August is a quiet, good-value month to visit Guatemala. Similar to July. The Virgen de la Asuncion festival brings celebrations to Guatemala City around August 15.
What is the weather like in Guatemala in August?
Mild, highs near 76F (24C), afternoon showers.
Is Guatemala crowded in August?
Crowds in Guatemala are moderate in August; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Guatemala.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
- 01Guatemala in JulyThe month before: Mild, highs near 76F (24C), a short midsummer dry spellQuiet value
- 02Guatemala in SeptemberThe month after: Wettest month, highs near 74F (23C), heavy stormsThink twice
- 03Guatemala in NovemberThe next best month: Dry season returns, highs near 73F (23C), clear skiesBest
Also at their best in August
Best in Aug
Iceland
Europe
Mild, highs near 56F (13C), nights returning late month
Best in Aug
Swiss Alps
Switzerland
Warm, highs near 72F (22C), thunderstorm season
Best in Aug
East Africa Safari
Kenya & Tanzania
Dry, highs near 75F (24C)
Best in Aug
Alaska
United States
Mild, highs near 63F (17C), rainier on the coast
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.