Climate and monthly weather forecastGuatemala City, Guatemala

The climate of Guatemala City

Located within the temperate highland tropical part of the world, Guatemala City, as according to the Köppen climate classification, is defined by a Cwb climate. This translates to having dry winters and a notable hallmark for this location. The climate here navigates through changing temperatures, varying levels of humidity and rainfall, and different amounts of daylight and sunshine hours across the calendar year.

Analyzing the weather data, one can notice a trend in temperatures year-round. Highs fluctuate between 23.9°C (75°F) in December and 27.8°C (82°F) in April, while the lows waver from 13.2°C (55.8°F) in January to 16.8°C (62.2°F) from May to June. The humidity oscillates slightly between 73.2% to 84.5%, maintaining a relatively high value throughout the year.

Rainfall patterns illustrate a peak between May and September reaching up to 272mm (10.71") in June, coupled with a heightened number of rainfall days. However, these figures drop significantly from October to April, averaging around 5mm (0.2") per month and barely exceeding two days of rain. Daylight duration swings from 11.3 hours in December to 13 hours in June. While UV index realizes a slight variation throughout the year, jumping from a high of 12 from February to October to its lowest at 9 in December.

The climate in Guatemala City presents various unique features. One is the stark contrast between the heavy rains during the middle of the year and the lack of rainfall at either end. Also notable are the steady temperatures, with little fluctuation between the highest and lowest monthly averages.

The best time to visit Guatemala City

Taking into account the climate data, the most favorable weather conditions for a visit to Guatemala City emerge between December and April. During these months, temperatures remain warm but bearable, averagiing high of 27.8°C (82°F) in April to a low of 23.9°C (75°F) in December. The rainfall is in minimal range as well, averaging at most 6mm (0.24") in March, implying fewer disruptions due to weather. With the number of daylight hours being reasonably high, ranging from 11.3 to 12.5 hours, one can make the most out of the days. Additionally, the UV index during these months fits in a comfortable range for many outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Guatemala City

The least inviting period to visit Guatemala City is likely from May to September. Average rainfall in this period is significantly high, hitting a peak of 272mm (10.71") in June. With more than half of the month registering rainfall days, disruptions to plans are a real possibility. In addition, this period also sees the highest humidity levels of the year, rising above 80%. The UV index of 12 may also cause discomfort for those sensitive to strong sunlight.

Spring weather in Guatemala City

March to May marks the spring season in Guatemala City. The weather begins with comfortable conditions in March with average highs of 26.8°C (80.2°F), which increase to 27.8°C (82°F) and 27.1°C (80.8°F) in April and May respectively. There is a general increase in minimum temperatures as well from 14.6°C (58.3°F) in March to 16.8°C (62.2°F) in May. As spring progresses, the city begins to experience more rainfall, rising from a low of 6mm (0.24") in March to a considerable 129mm (5.08") by May. Correspondingly, rainfall days jump from 2 in March to 12.4 in May.

Summer weather in Guatemala City

The summer months of June through August in Guatemala City are characterized by high rainfall, with the peak reaching 272mm (10.71") in June and remaining above 200mm (7.87") for the entirety of the season. Along with this, the number of days with rainfall increases to around 20. Summer days offer around 13 hours of daylight at zenith. Temperatures remain relatively stable with maximum averages from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F) and minimum averages from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F).

Autumn weather in Guatemala City

September to November is autumn in Guatemala City. Although the rainfall continues to be significant at the beginning of the season, it starts tapering off towards the end. From 237mm (9.33") in September, it drops to a mere 49mm (1.93") by November. Minimum and maximum average temperatures show a slight dip, starting at 25.1°C (77.2°F) and 16.4°C (61.5°F) respectively in September, dropping to 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 14.7°C (58.5°F) in November. The number of daylight hours also decreases from 12.2 hours in September to 11.5 hours in November.

Winter weather in Guatemala City

Winter in Guatemala City, which runs from December to February, is distinguished by dry, mild conditions. Rainfall is significantly lesser, with averages dropping as low as 3mm (0.12") in January. Additionally, rainfall days decrease dramatically to as low as 1.5 days in January. The temperatures maintain a level of comfort with minimum averages ranging from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 13.6°C (56.5°F) and maximum averages fluctuating from 23.9°C (75°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F). The daylight hours are at their least with 11.4 hours in January, easing up to 11.7 hours in February.

Weather in January

The new year kicks off in Guatemala City, Guatemala with moderate temperatures, with the highest temperature being 24.3°C (75.7°F), and a gentle increase compared to the preceding month of December. The city experiences rather short hours of daylight similar to December. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Noticing a gradual increase in temperatures from the previous month, February displays a mild transition towards warmer conditions in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The rainfall, even though minimal at 5mm (0.2"), shows an elevation from January and starts to prepare the city for the wet season. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The city's weather in March continues with its transition towards higher temperatures and increased rainfall. A notable increase in temperature is observed moving from February to March. Hours of sunshine slightly decline from the preceding month indicating increased cloud cover. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April marks the start of Guatemala City's wet season with a significant increase in rainfall to 31mm (1.22") up from 6mm (0.24") in March. This dramatic increase in precipitation is accompanied by mildly warmer temperatures. The city suffers the consequences of heat and rainfall including an increase in relative humidity. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Guatemala City encounters a major shift in weather during May, with the highest rainfall volume recorded at 129mm (5.08"). The significant precipitation is a reflection of the effusive wet season. The increase in rainfall is coupled with the highest humidity throughout the year. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The highest rainfall in the year is recorded in June with an overwhelming 272mm (10.71") compared to May. The weather in June is accompanied by a marked increase in numbers of rainfall days. Daylight extends the greatest length compared to previous months. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July's weather sees a relieving reduction in rainfall from June's overwhelming amounts in Guatemala City. The temperature variations are insignificant compared to June, with a minor lowering in maximum temperature values. The number of daylight hours reduces slightly from the preceding month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Guatemala City experiences a stable climate compared to July, with minor changes in respective meteorological parameters. A stagnant weather pattern can be observed with temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and daylight hours. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Guatemala City's weather in September witnesses a second peak in the rainfall volume with a significant increase compared to August. The meteorological conditions showcase a pattern similar to that seen in the onset of the wet season. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October sees a relief in weather conditions, with a marked decrease in precipitation compared to September. However, it continues to receive significant rainfall indicative of the wet season. The daily hours of sunshine experiences a slight increment from the previous month, despite the fewer daylight hours. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November represents a transition from the wet to the dry season in Guatemala City. There is substantial reduction in rainfall as compared to October which is a precursor to the forthcoming dry season. A slight decrease in temperature is also noted, indicating the beginning of the cooler months. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Guatemala City ushers in the dry season in December, with barely any rainfall of 7mm (0.28"), marking a notable difference from November. The meteorological parameters indicating the change from the wet season to the dry one, including a reduction in temperature and lower humidity levels, become more pronounced. Weather in December »