Climate and monthly weather forecastQuetzaltenango, Guatemala

The climate of Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala yields a tropical wet and dry weather, classified under the Köppen climate type as "Aw." While located in the northern hemisphere, this city enjoys a relatively stable temperature pattern, owing to its geographical position and prevailing climate type.

Throughout the year, the city experiences mild temperatures, with monthly averages ranging from a high of 23.8°C (74.8°F) to a low of 10.2°C (50.4°F). Despite the tropical classification, the daytime highs tend not to exceed 24°C (75.2°F), marking the area as relatively cooler than other tropically classified zones. Humidity is another consistent feature, averaging 77%, with the highest levels extending beyond the summer months into autumn time.

Rainfall presents a distinct pattern, with significant variance throughout the year. Between February to April, cool and dry conditions prevail with monthly rainfall not exceeding 37mm (1.46"). However, the transition into May brings a marked change, featuring the onset of a prolonged and heavy rain phase that extends to October. Over this period, monthly rainfall levels vary between 201mm (7.91") and 372mm (14.65"), accompanied by increased cloud coverage up to 51%.

Visibility averages 9km (5.6mi) over the course of the year but decreases slightly in the rainy months. Barometric pressure stays rather constant, with minor fluctuations between monthly averages of 1012.6mb to 1015.3mb. A soft breeze is rarely absent, with wind speeds fluctuating between 4.1km/h (2.5mph) to 6.1km/h (3.8mph). The maximum wind gusts hit 10.6km/h (6.6mph), amplifying the pleasant weather.

The best time to visit Quetzaltenango

Taking into account all climatic parameters, the idyllic window to visit Quetzaltenango spans from November to April. During this time, the city experiences relatively clear skies, moderate humidity, and the least rainfall, where monthly averages fluctuate between 14mm (0.55") to 37mm (1.46"). The overall conditions during these months are conducive for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the city.

The worst time to visit Quetzaltenango

Conversely, May through October form the least optimal period to visit Quetzaltenango. This period is known as the rainy season, where precipitation levels reach a high of 372mm (14.65") in May and June. Coupled with high relative humidity levels above 80%, and cloud coverage escalating to 51%, the conditions could impede outdoor activities and exploration.

Spring weather in Quetzaltenango

Spring in Quetzaltenango arrives with dryness and increasing temperatures. Between March to May, temperatures hover between a low of 11.5°C (52.7°F) and a high of 23.8°C (74.8°F). This period experiences the most significant rise in daytime temperatures leading to increased evaporation rates. Although rainfall increases from 37mm (1.46") in March to 111mm (4.37") in April, May marks the onset of the wet season with 372mm (14.65").

Summer weather in Quetzaltenango

The summer months from June to August bring heightened rainfall, with monthly levels exceeding 370mm (14.57") in major part. Potential visitors should expect high humidity levels, averaging 83%, alongside increased cloud cover. Despite the rainy conditions, the temperatures remain moderate, fluctuating from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F).

Autumn weather in Quetzaltenango

Autumn, extending from September to November, features a gradual transition from the wet to dry seasons. Rainfall quantities decrease from September's 283mm (11.14") to November's 66mm (2.6"), resulting in increased visibility and diminished cloud cover. Temperatures during the autumn months remain fairly consistent, with lows averaging 13.6°C (56.5°F) and highs stalling at 21.5°C (70.7°F).

Winter weather in Quetzaltenango

Winter in Quetzaltenango, encompassing December to February, characterizes the city's dry season, with the least amount of rainfall and enhanced sunshine hours. During this period, average rainfall drops to 16mm (0.63") per month, and the daily sunshine extends to 9.1 hours. Despite being winter, the temperatures remain mild, with highs averaging 21.9°C (71.4°F) and lows falling to 10.2°C (50.4°F). The pleasant atmosphere during winter endears it as the prime time for exploration and adventure in Quetzaltenango.

Weather in January

The year kicks off with modest temperatures as January falls during the dry season in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. There are limited rainfall events, making it an ideal time to explore the rich history and beautiful landscapes of this city. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February's weather carries over the pleasant conditions witnessed in January. This month experiences a minor temperature increase from the last month, indicating what could be a slow transition to the warmer part of the year. The relative humidity registers a slight drop, creating a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Come March, Quetzaltenango starts to witness a climatic shift as it prepares for the incoming rainy season. Marginally higher rainfall is observed with a corresponding increase in cloudy days. There's an elevation in average low temperature, indicating warmer nights, while the daylight hours slightly extend to match the increasing humidity. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As the first month of the wet season, April ushers in substantial changes in Quetzaltenango's weather. The city records increased rainfall totals and a higher number of cloudy days, marking a departure from previous dry months. There's a slight rise in temperature but the more significant change is the frequency of rain events marked by 111mm (4.37") of rainfall. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May experiences an explosion of rainfall as the wet season matures in Quetzaltenango. The spike in the precipitation level underscores the robustness of this seasonal shift. Temperature variations become less severe, but the increased rainfall results in higher humidity—peaking at 81% this month. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The surge in rain continues into June, maintaining similar rainfall levels to May. Although average temperatures remain relatively steady, the rise in humidity to 86% signals the presence of heavier clouds over Quetzaltenango. However, daylight duration slightly increases, granting inhabitants a brief reprieve from the constant rainfall. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July's weather intersects between the intense rain from the previous months and the approaching respite in the coming months. The downpour decreases significantly after June, bringing Quetzaltenango out of the peak rainy season. A relatively closer gap exists between high and low temperatures, providing a more moderate climate. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August showcases the gradual transition from the wet to the dry season in Quetzaltenango. Rainfall persists, albeit at a less intense rate than the previous months of the rainy season. While cloudy days and high humidity remain consistent, a slightly lower temperature pattern emerges. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September weather in Quetzaltenango continues to moderate as the rainy season winds down. There's a further drop in temperature, signaling a cooler climate ahead. Humidity peaks at 87%, reflecting the consistent cloud cover that presides over the city. Weather in September »

Weather in October

By October, the dry season starts setting in slowly with the city experiencing a considerable drop in precipitation. Temperatures begin to decline following the gradual reduction in rainfall and humidity. There's a notable reduction in cloud cover, and a slight increase in sunshine hours indicating fewer rainy and overcast days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November weather signals a return to the dry season, as evidenced by the sharp decrease in rainfall levels. The switch to a drier climate characterizes this month, with significantly fewer rainy days than previous months. Temperatures remain relatively stable with a notable dip in humidity indicating less cloud cover over Quetzaltenango. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As the year ends, Quetzaltenango enters fully into its dry phase, where light showers and moderate temperatures become the norm. December witnesses a considerable dip in rainfall further affirming the onset of the dry season. A decrease in temperature brings about cooler days and nights, accompanied by a gradual reduction in cloud cover and humidity. Weather in December »