The month in detail
What to expect in January
January is peak dry season in Guatemala. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (10% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if March (9.0/10) remains theoretically better.
January ranks 4 out of 12 months in Guatemala. Compared to December: +2°F daytime, +1.3h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
11°
Daylight
11.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 30
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Guatemala is March (9.0/10), 0.4 pt higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Guatemala
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Guatemala
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Guatemala
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyQuetzal guatémaltèque (Q)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthApril · 82°F
❄️Coolest monthNovember · 72°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 51%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
Antigua GuatemalaGuatemala
GranadaNicaragua
Phnom PenhCambodia
BangkokThailand
CoronPhilippines
Location
Where is Guatemala ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
GuatemalaTropical climate with a 9.0 → 7.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
14.63°N · 90.51°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Guatemala?
March is the best month with 81°F highs, 57°F lows, 7.9h of sunshine and 8.0% rainy days. The months of March & April offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Guatemala get in March?
Guatemala averages 7.9 sunshine hours per day in March. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.6/10.
What is the rainiest month in Guatemala?
June is the most unfavourable month with June has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Guatemala in March?
In March, overnight lows reach 57°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Guatemala good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Guatemala scores 8.1/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains March with a score of 8.6/10.
When should you avoid Guatemala?
June is the most difficult month to visit Guatemala, with June has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Guatemala in January?
The average UV index reaches 8 in January in Guatemala (high), with about 11.2h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.