Central America & Caribbean
Guatemala in May
The rains begin, usually as late-day storms. Fewer visitors and lower prices; mornings are still good for hiking.
The straight answer
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Guatemala. The rains begin, usually as late-day storms. Fewer visitors and lower prices; mornings are still good for hiking.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 79F (26C), first afternoon storms
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Guatemala
May brings the first rains, usually as late-day storms. Highs are near 79F (26C). Mornings are still good for hiking, and the landscape starts to turn green. Visitors are fewer and prices are lower.
This month suits budget travelers and hikers who start early. Plan lake crossings and hikes for the morning. Families will find it calm and affordable. For drier weather and clear volcano views, choose November to April. Pacaya is an easy volcano hike for school-age kids on a clear morning. Lake boats run best before the afternoon wind.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Guatemala this month.
Green landscapes
The first rains turn the highlands fresh and green.
Lower prices
Hotels in Antigua and around the lake offer better rates.
Morning hikes
Early starts still give good views before clouds build.
What to pack for May
- A light rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
- Hiking shoes
- A warm layer for evenings
Our timing tip
Plan every hike and boat ride for the morning, since storms tend to arrive in the late afternoon.
Book Guatemala for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in GuatemalaOpens a hotel search for Guatemala in May, 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 May. 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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Guatemala?
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Guatemala. The rains begin, usually as late-day storms. Fewer visitors and lower prices; mornings are still good for hiking.
What is the weather like in Guatemala in May?
Warm, highs near 79F (26C), first afternoon storms.
Is Guatemala crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Guatemala; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Guatemala.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
- 01Guatemala in AprilThe month before: Warmest and driest, highs near 80F (27C), hazy late in the monthGood
- 02Guatemala in JuneThe month after: Mild, highs near 76F (24C), regular afternoon rainQuiet value
- 03Guatemala in NovemberThe next best month: Dry season returns, highs near 73F (23C), clear skiesBest
Also at their best in May
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