Central America & Caribbean

Guatemala in January

Dry, clear, and quieter after the holidays. Bring layers for Antigua nights and the chilly Atitlan mornings.

GoodDry and sunny in the highlands, highs near 73F (23C), cold nights near 50F (10C)

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

The straight answer

January is a good month to visit Guatemala. Dry, clear, and quieter after the holidays. Bring layers for Antigua nights and the chilly Atitlan mornings.

Weather: Dry and sunny in the highlands, highs near 73F (23C), cold nights near 50F (10C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What January is like in Guatemala

January is dry, clear, and quieter after the holidays. In the highlands, days are sunny with highs near 73F (23C), but nights get cold, near 50F (10C). Antigua evenings and Lake Atitlan mornings call for a warm layer. Volcano views are usually good, and the roads are dry. Crowds and prices are moderate.

This month suits hikers, couples, and families who want reliable dry weather without the Easter crowds. It is a strong month for Antigua, the lake, and Tikal. If you want the clearest volcano views for Acatenango, February is even better. Pack for warm afternoons and chilly nights.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Guatemala this month.

Clear highland days

Sunny skies make it easy to climb Cerro de la Cruz for the classic view of Volcan de Agua over Antigua.

Lake Atitlan by morning boat

Hop between villages on calm morning water before the afternoon Xocomil wind makes crossings rough.

Tikal in dry weather

Dry trails and cooler mornings make the jungle ruins more comfortable than in the rainy months.

What to pack for January

A warm fleece or down jacket for cold nights
Sunscreen and a hat for strong highland sun
Sturdy walking shoes for cobblestones
Layers you can peel off by midday

Our timing tip

Take the lake boats before 11am, when the water is calm, and plan land activities for the windy afternoons.

Book Guatemala for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Guatemala
Opens a hotel search for Guatemala in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Guatemala
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Guatemala for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

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.

Tickets and tours →

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Guatemala?

January is a good month to visit Guatemala. Dry, clear, and quieter after the holidays. Bring layers for Antigua nights and the chilly Atitlan mornings.

What is the weather like in Guatemala in January?

Dry and sunny in the highlands, highs near 73F (23C), cold nights near 50F (10C).

Is Guatemala crowded in January?

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