Central America & Caribbean

Guatemala in February

One of the best months for Acatenango and clear views over Lake Atitlan. Lent begins and weekend processions start in Antigua.

BestDry, highs near 75F (24C), clear volcano views

Volcan de Agua above Antigua, Guatemala — GuatemalaPhoto: Hermann Luyken, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Guatemala. One of the best months for Acatenango and clear views over Lake Atitlan. Lent begins and weekend processions start in Antigua.

Weather: Dry, highs near 75F (24C), clear volcano views
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Guatemala

February is one of the best months in Guatemala. It is dry, with highs near 75F (24C), and the volcano views are clear. Conditions are ideal for the Acatenango overnight hike and for views across Lake Atitlan. Lent begins, and weekend processions start in Antigua. Crowds and prices are moderate.

This month suits hikers, photographers, and culture lovers. Families will enjoy the early Lenten processions in Antigua without the full Holy Week crush. Nights are still cold, so pack layers. If you want the biggest processions, come during Semana Santa, but book months ahead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Guatemala this month.

Acatenango overnight

Clear dry-season skies give the best odds of watching Fuego erupt from the camp. It is a tough hike, so train first.

First Lenten processions

Weekend processions start in Antigua, with floats carried over carpets of dyed sawdust and flowers.

Lake Atitlan views

Crisp mornings give sharp views of the volcanoes around the lake.

What to pack for February

A warm jacket, hat, and gloves for Acatenango
Hiking boots
Layers for cold nights
Sunscreen

Our timing tip

Book a licensed Acatenango guide ahead, and check whether volcanic activity has paused hikes before you go.

Book Guatemala for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Guatemala
Opens a hotel search for Guatemala in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
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Vacation rentals in Guatemala
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Guatemala
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Guatemala for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Semana Santa in Antigua

The week before Easter, March or April, with Lenten processions on the Sundays before

Massive processions carry floats over carpets of dyed sawdust and flowers. Among the most famous Holy Week celebrations in the Americas; book six months ahead.

Things to do in Guatemala

Full guide

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.

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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.

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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.

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Acatenango volcano overnight

A tough hike to a camp facing Fuego. Dry season from November through April gives the best odds of clear views.

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Chichicastenango market

Held on Thursdays and Sundays, with textiles, masks, and a Maya-Catholic church on the steps of Santo Tomas. Go early.

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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.

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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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Guatemala?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Guatemala. One of the best months for Acatenango and clear views over Lake Atitlan. Lent begins and weekend processions start in Antigua.

What is the weather like in Guatemala in February?

Dry, highs near 75F (24C), clear volcano views.

Is Guatemala crowded in February?

Crowds in Guatemala are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Guatemala in February?

Semana Santa in Antigua (the week before easter, march or april, with lenten processions on the sundays before).