Guatemala
Guatemala in December
☀️ Dry seasonPleasant and mostly dry.
🎒 Pack: sunglasses & hat
Why December scores 9.0What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort9.7
- ✓Comfortable temperatures (24°C highs / 14°C lows)
- ✓Slightly humid (dew point 14.6°C)
- ✓Mostly dry (~7 mm rain)
- Air quality8.1
- ✓Moderate (PM2.5 ~18 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards10.0
- ·No notable seasonal hazards
- Safety baseline5.0
- ·High caution
| Dec | Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.0 Excellent | 9.1 Excellent |
| Season | ☀️ Dry season | ☀️ Dry season |
| High / low | 24° / 14° | 26° / 14° |
| Rain | 7 mm | 5 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt 15° | dew pt 13° |
| PM2.5 | 18 µg/m³ | 17 µg/m³ |
Typical-month data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) 2015–2024 (modelled, not a forecast). Temperatures: Guatemala City weather-station normals. Rainfall: Guatemala City weather-station normals (national met service).
Holidays & crowdsDecember 2026
Long weekendThere's at least one long weekend. Domestic travel picks up and popular spots get busier over those days.
- Christmas Day 25–27 Dec · 3 days off in a row
National holidays only; regional holidays and school breaks aren't included. Source: holidays (open-source public-holiday calendar).
Explore GuatemalaEvents, sights, food & souvenirs
Check event dates locallyA Central American country of volcanoes, Maya ruins and highland villages, known for colonial Antigua, Lake Atitlán and vibrant indigenous textiles.
Quema del DiabloEvery year7 December every year
People burn devil effigies and rubbish in the evening to cleanse the home before Christmas.
Why go: Expect smoke and fireworks in the evening.
Where: Nationwide, including Antigua and Guatemala City
Coming up later
Semana Santa in AntiguaDate variesThe week before Easter - date moves each year
Huge processions pass over elaborate carpets of coloured sawdust and flowers laid in the streets.
Why go: Antigua is extremely busy; book accommodation months ahead.
Where: Antigua Guatemala
Rainy seasonDate variesUsually May to October
Afternoon downpours are common, with sunnier mornings.
Why go: Some rural roads can be affected by landslides.
Where: Nationwide
Independence DayEvery year15 September every year, with torch runs on 14 September
Runners carry torches between towns the night before, followed by parades and school bands.
Why go: Expect road disruption from torch relays and parades.
Where: Nationwide
Antigua Guatemala
A colonial city of cobbled streets, ruined churches and pastel houses surrounded by volcanoes.
Lake Atitlán
A deep volcanic lake ringed by volcanoes and Maya villages such as San Juan, San Pedro and Santiago Atitlán.
💡 Boats between villages are calmest in the morning; afternoon winds can make crossings rough.
Tikal
A huge Maya city in the Petén rainforest with towering temples and abundant wildlife.
💡 Arrive early for cooler temperatures and more animal activity.
Chichicastenango market
A large twice-weekly highland market for textiles, crafts and produce, next to the Santo Tomás church.
Volcán Acatenango
An overnight hike to view the frequently erupting Volcán de Fuego next door.
💡 It is a strenuous, high-altitude climb; go with a reputable guide and warm gear.
Semuc Champey
A series of turquoise limestone pools over a natural bridge in the Alta Verapaz forest.
Pepián
A rich meat stew thickened with roasted seeds, chillies and tomatoes, often called the national dish.
Kak'ik
A spicy Maya turkey soup coloured red with chillies and achiote, from the Cobán region.
Chuchitos and tamales
Corn dough parcels with meat and sauce, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves.
Rellenitos
Mashed plantain filled with sweetened black beans and fried.
Guatemalan coffee
Highland coffee from regions such as Antigua and Huehuetenango.
Maya textiles
Handwoven huipiles, scarves and fabrics whose patterns identify each village.
💡 Chichicastenango market and artisan cooperatives
Jade
Jewellery and carvings in Guatemalan jadeite.
💡 Workshops in Antigua
Coffee
Beans from Guatemala's highland growing regions.