Guatemala is a Central American country located south of Mexico. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Belize to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the south. The terrain of Guatemala is mostly mountainous, with plains and valleys in the central and southern regions.
It’s a question we get asked often – does it snow in Guatemala?
The answer is a resounding No! But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of winter fun to be had in this beautiful country.
From playing in the snow-capped mountains to enjoying the festive atmosphere in the capital, Guatemala is a great place to enjoy the winter months.
Does it Snow in Guatemala?
No, it does not snow in Guatemala. But that doesn’t mean that our winters are any less beautiful.
In fact, Guatemala is one of the most vibrant and colorful countries in the world, and the winters are no exception. From the stunningly blue Lake Atitlan to the rich colors of Semuc Champey, there’s plenty to see and do in Guatemala during the winter months.
The Weather in Guatemala
The weather in Guatemala can be quite varied depending on which region you are in. In general, the country has a tropical climate with two main seasons – the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season usually runs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April. However, because Guatemala is such a large country, there can be some variation in the climate depending on which area you are in.
For example, in the highlands of Guatemala, the weather is much cooler than in the lowlands. It can even snow in some parts of the highlands! However, most of Guatemala does not get very cold, and temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius.
Guatemala also has a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season usually runs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April. However, because Guatemala is such a large country, there can be some variation in the climate depending on which area you are in.
Overall, Guatemala has a tropical climate with two main seasons – the wet season and the dry season. However, because of Guatemala’s size, there can be some variation in the climate depending on which region you are in.
How often does it snow in Guatemala?
It almost never snows in Guatemala. The northernmost parts of the country, along the Mexican border, get occasional snowfall, but even that is rare. The rest of Guatemala sees very little precipitation of any kind.
The Best Time to Visit Guatemala
Most travelers choose to visit Guatemala during the dry season, which runs from November to April. These are the best months to visit Guatemala, as the country sees far less rainfall and there is less chance for disruption to travel plans. December and January are the busiest months for tourism in Guatemala, so travelers looking to avoid crowds should plan their trip for a different time of year.
The wet season in Guatemala runs from May to October, and while rain showers can be short-lived, they can cause problems for travelers trying to get around the country. If you do travel during the wet season, be sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as a good raincoat. With proper planning, a trip to Guatemala during the wet season can be just as enjoyable as a trip during the dry season.
Top Things to Do in Guatemala
Guatemala is a beautiful country to visit, with a lot to offer tourists. Here are some of the top things to do in Guatemala:
- Visit Tikal: Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Guatemala. It is an ancient Maya city that was once one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Maya civilization.
- Explore Antigua: Antigua is a colonial city that is known for its Spanish Baroque architecture. It is also a popular destination for coffee lovers, as it is surrounded by coffee plantations.
- Visit Lake Atitlan: Lake Atitlan is a large lake in the Guatemalan Highlands, and it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, and hiking in the area.
- Hike Volcano Acatenango: Acatenango is an active volcano that offers hikers an amazing view of nearby Volcan de Fuego. It is recommended that hikers hire a guide for this hike, as it can be challenging.
- Take a Tour of Chichicastenango: Chichicastenango is a town that is known for its vibrant market. Visitors can find goods such as textiles, handmade pottery, and wood carvings at the market.
Tips for Traveling to Guatemala
Guatemala is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip.
The first is that Guatemala is located in the northern hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite of what they are in the United States. That means that it is winter in Guatemala from December to February. It can get cold at night, so be sure to pack a sweater or jacket.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Guatemala is a developing country. That means that infrastructure and safety can be an issue in some areas. It’s always best to check with the State Department’s travel advisories before booking a trip.
Finally, keep in mind that Spanish is the predominant language spoken in Guatemala. While some people do speak English, it will be helpful to learn at least some basic phrases in Spanish before your trip.
Conclusion
Based on all of the evidence, it appears that it does not snow in Guatemala. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that the country is located near the equator and has a tropical climate.
Additionally, Guatemala is a mountainous country, and most of the mountains are not high enough to receive snowfall.
That being said, there have been some reports of snowfall in Guatemala. However, these reports are rare and do not appear to be substantiated by any reliable evidence. Therefore, it is safe to say that it does not snow in Guatemala.
