Guatemala
Guatemala in May
🌦️ Shoulder (showers)Pleasant, a little humid and some showers. Watch for hazy air.
🎒 Pack: compact umbrella or rain jacket · N95 mask for hazy days
Why May scores 7.8What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort8.6
- ✓Comfortable temperatures (27°C highs / 17°C lows)
- ✓Humid (dew point 17.4°C)
- !Wet: ~129 mm rain, ~4 heavy-rain days
- Air quality5.0
- !Unhealthy for sensitive groups (PM2.5 ~41 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards10.0
- ·No notable seasonal hazards
- Safety baseline5.0
- ·High caution
| May | Feb | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 7.8 Very good | 9.1 Excellent |
| Season | 🌦️ Shoulder (showers) | ☀️ Dry season |
| High / low | 27° / 17° | 26° / 14° |
| Rain | 129 mm | 5 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt 17° | dew pt 13° |
| PM2.5 | 41 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 & crowdsMay 2027
No long holidaysNo long public-holiday weekends this month. School holidays aren't counted, so check those if you want to avoid family crowds.
Other public holidays: Labor Day (1 May)
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.
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
Coming up later
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
Giant Kite FestivalEvery year1 November every year
Enormous, intricately made kites are displayed for All Saints' Day to connect with the dead.
Why go: Sumpango is a short trip from Antigua; go early to avoid the worst crowds.
Where: Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez cemeteries
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
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.