Best Time To Visit in Guatemala: Are you from Central America? Looking for a place for a holiday? This segment will tell you about one of the best places in Central America and when will be the best time to visit there.
Yes, Guatemala is a place in Central America which is also known as the Land Of Eternal Spring. Though, upon taking a closer consideration to different web based traveling guides and forums one discovers a more complicated truth.
Although it is true that there are great differences in temperature depending on the altitude, the country is mainly characterized by two seasons that appear to have a lot of impact on the traveling experience to the extent that one source humorously describes it as the muddy and dusty seasons.
November to March: Festivals, Outdoors, and Peak Prices
It may seem that this country is called Guatemala meaning the Land of the Eternal Spring which supposedly means that the country has a moderately mild climate but after carefully browsing the various online travel sources, a different picture emerges.
Altitude can result in dramatic changes in temperatures and the country has two very different seasons which have a major influence in the traveling experience of this lively Central American country.
This can be divided into two in large broad terms as; the rainy season and the dry season, although there are joking online declarations terming this as the muddy and the dusty season.
Everyone knows that the high seasons coincide with the fairest weather to spend outside and of course rain may serve as a factor in the delight of the Guatemalan attractions and nature.
There seems to be an agreement that there is no such bad time to travel but the advice online is always saying that one has to carefully change his or her expectations especially when one may wish to perform things like climb volcanoes and trek through rainforests among others.
The following would be a synthesizing of general advice that seems common according to different online avenues about the best times to visit Guatemala in case that helps you in planning.
June to August: Heat, Humidity, and Specific Charms
The second high season in Guatemala occurs in June, July, August as the country is experiencing the summer breaks of Americans and Europeans. Although not as hectic as the dry season, online reports indicate that visitors will nevertheless experience some substantial crowd.
Weather at the time of the year is generally considered variable as it is warm and wet, but yet acceptable to carry out numerous activities in some regions. June can be described as predominantly wet, however mornings are hot and sunny, and rains usually come in later afternoons or at nights.
This month is the start of turtle nesting period on the Pacific Coast and thus a good period to get volunteer positions on conservation efforts. Also, festivals in the area said to be done around Lake Atitlan are in the month of June.
During a couple of weeks in July and August, there is also a small and dry period called the caniculta which is said to happen, but at different moments of the year. This is termed as extremely hot with no afternoon showers to cool down.
Nevertheless, due to clear skies, being the perfect season is commonly suggested as a perfect period to walk trips to viewpoints and crater tops; to go to the Mayan ruins of Tikal in the jungle of Peten; and to span the river in Semuc Champey.
To come closer to experiencing living Mayan culture, the town of Coban plays host to the National Folklore Festival of Rabin Ajaw, taking place in July, and bringing together the history, culture and impact of Maya women, both past and today.
Summertime is often cited as the best way to invite students to take its Spanish language courses either in any of the numerous Spanish language schools in Guatemala or in the ancient city of Antigua. Having so many other students is regarded as an advantage, creating a chance to exchange knowledge and making sure that the visitor does not feel that he/she is the only foreign person in town.
April to May and September to October: Slow Travel and Value
These two seasons, at the Extremes of the rainy season (between slightly after Holy week and to the end of May, and between September and end October), are always termed as the low seasons or quiet seasons of Guatemala.
In these moments it is repeatedly reported online that crowds simply vanish, and travelers can even end up with a whole hostel dorm to themselves. These low seasons however are quite variable weather wise.
During the trip, visitors may encounter sunny weather with afternoon or evening showers or on the other hand, may witness days without terrible drizzle, especially during the months of May and September. The necessary equipment that is recommended to bring on the trip is a raincoat, fast drying clothes, and waterproof covers of backpacks.
Another warning online is the rise of the mosquitoes with the rain, thereby, increasing the risk of the mosquito borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika, and hence, bug repellent is a must own product. During the low season cost of accommodation is lower, it is easy to find accommodations according to the reports.
Even house sitting may be found to be cost effective by some traveling around as the so called snowbirds migrate north. Although, without any doubt, the rain produces the landscape so green and tends to provoke such a growth of flowers, it also produces so much mud, that it is said to be a drag on outdoor activity.
In case of intending to do some volcano hiking or climbing, highly waterproof hiking shoes with decent tread would be very much advisable to hike on the slippery volcanic surfaces. The everyday shoes are also said to be important in good tread since the cobbled streets in Antigua may turn very slippery.
Waterproof sandals are sturdy, quick drying, and better than flip flops which have a way of getting swept away when one tries to cross over impromptu rivers that are streets.
Overall:
To Navigate to Guatemala we have to understand its seasons well as echoed across the internet resources dealing with travel. No matter what type of traveler you are, whether it is very sunny weather, bright festivals and events or rainy season with the savings on the cost of living, Guatemala presents a very attractive experience that you would never forget.
Though the dry months of November to March are ideal time of the year with regard to outdoor activities and a variety of cultural festivities, they also come at a premium price with crowds to match.On the other hand, the muddy yet verdant months of May to October are quite good value and less rushed, and whilst there is a high possibility of daily rain and potential travel disruption.
