Central America & Caribbean
Guatemala in March
Lenten processions build each weekend in Antigua. If Semana Santa falls in March, book months ahead; otherwise it is an excellent month.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Guatemala. Lenten processions build each weekend in Antigua. If Semana Santa falls in March, book months ahead; otherwise it is an excellent month.
- Weather
- Dry and warm, highs near 78F (26C)
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Guatemala
March is dry and warm, with highs near 78F (26C). Lenten processions build each weekend in Antigua, and if Semana Santa falls in March, the city fills completely. Otherwise, it is an excellent month for everything. Crowds and prices rise toward Easter.
This month suits nearly everyone: families, couples, and hikers. If Semana Santa falls this month, book six months ahead and expect road closures in Antigua. If you want quieter streets, visit on a weekday between processions, or choose February. Acatenango still has good odds of clear views this month.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Guatemala this month.
Lenten processions
Each weekend, processions carry giant floats through Antigua over hand-made carpets.
Semana Santa, if it falls in March
Among the most famous Holy Week celebrations in the Americas, with massive processions all week.
Chichicastenango market
The Thursday and Sunday market is full of textiles and masks. Go early.
What to pack for March
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Comfortable shoes for long walks
- A light jacket for evenings
- A small daypack
Our timing tip
Check the Easter date first; if Semana Santa lands in March, book your Antigua room six months out.
Book Guatemala for March.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in GuatemalaOpens a hotel search for Guatemala in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
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
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Guatemala?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Guatemala. Lenten processions build each weekend in Antigua. If Semana Santa falls in March, book months ahead; otherwise it is an excellent month.
What is the weather like in Guatemala in March?
Dry and warm, highs near 78F (26C).
Is Guatemala crowded in March?
Guatemala is busy in March, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Guatemala in March?
Semana Santa in Antigua (the week before easter, march or april, with lenten processions on the sundays before).
Keep planning Guatemala.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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.