Antigua Guatemala weather in short
The year has two seasons. The dry season runs from November to April. The rainier, green season runs from May to October. This is a seasonal pattern and not a promise: a dry month can still bring a shower, and a wet month still has dry stretches. Plan around the pattern, keep your days flexible and check a current forecast a few days before you go.
Antigua lies at an altitude of about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in a valley below three volcanoes. The height shapes the climate of the town, and the volcano slopes are a different story. On Acatenango, which rises to 3,976 m (13,045 ft), the tourism board describes temperatures near 0 °C (32 °F) or below on very cold nights. Do not use the town as a guide for what you will feel at a high camp.
Dry season and rainy season compared
What the two seasons mean for a visit.
| Season | Months | What to expect | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season | November to April | Less rain overall. Better odds for views of the volcanoes and the Santa Catalina Arch. | Cold nights on the volcanoes. Semana Santa falls in this season. |
| Rainy season | May to October | More rain, greener hills. Showers can interrupt walks and hikes. | A rain jacket, waterproof shoes, a plan B for each day. Muddy and slippery trails. |
Dry months do not guarantee a clear volcano, and wet months do not mean it rains all day. Clear skies matter on a summit trip, so the dry season is the safer bet for volcano hikes.
Volcano hikes, walks and day trips from Antigua
Overnight hikes, Pacaya tours, coffee visits and city walks, with live prices and availability for your travel dates.
Best time to visit by plan
Match the season to what you want to do.
Volcano hikes
Rain makes trails slippery and can hide the views you hiked for. Cold is the bigger issue on Acatenango, where nights can reach 0 °C (32 °F) or below. Access depends on volcano activity, not on the season: police stopped tourist ascents on August 4, 2026.
Pacaya
Plan 5 to 7 hours for the whole tour from Antigua, including the 1.5 to 2 hour ascent. Rain and wind change the walk on the ash and old lava slopes. See the Pacaya guide for details.
Sightseeing in town
Churches, ruins and the arch work in any season, because most of the sights can be seen on foot in short stretches. In the rainy season, start in the morning and keep indoor options such as convent cloisters for the afternoon.
Semana Santa 2027
Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027, which puts Holy Week, from Palm Sunday on March 21, in the dry season. Read the Semana Santa guide for the days and customs.
Chichicastenango
The big market days are Thursday and Sunday. The drive from Antigua takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way, and weather on the road can add time. See the Chichicastenango guide.
Hobbitenango
The operator warns of sudden rain, cold and altitude effects. The place is in the hills about 25 minutes from Antigua, so bring a jacket. More in the Hobbitenango guide.
Rain, ash and lahars
In the rainy season, volcano slopes can send down lahars, which are mudflows of volcanic material. CONRED has mentioned lahars after rain in its reports on Fuego, including in June 2025 and August 2026. They are a hazard for the valleys near the volcano, not a daily issue for visitors in town. Ash from eruptions can also affect air travel for a short time.
The practical advice is simple. Do not schedule an important flight on the same day as an overnight volcano trip. Check the current status of the volcano on the day. Follow the instructions of your guide and local authorities. The safety page lists the main advisories.
What to pack for Antigua weather
- Layers. Warm clothes for evenings in town and for any volcano or mountain trip, light clothes for sunny hours.
- A waterproof jacket. Useful all year, essential from May to October.
- Shoes with grip. Cobblestones get slippery when wet, and volcano trails are rough.
- Sun protection. You are at altitude, so sun can be strong even when it feels cool.
- Hat, gloves and a windproof layer if you plan to sleep on Acatenango.
If you are not sure which season suits your trip, work out your dates first and then choose your base. The where to stay page shows the main areas.
More to plan your dates
Three pages that depend on the weather.
Antigua Guatemala weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Antigua Guatemala?
The dry season, from November to April, suits most visitors, especially for volcano hikes and walking around town. The rainier months, May to October, are greener and can still be a good time if you accept some showers.
When is the rainy season in Antigua?
The rainier season runs from May to October. Rain is a seasonal pattern, so expect showers and keep a waterproof jacket in your bag.
How cold does it get in Antigua?
Evenings in town can feel cool because the city is at about 1,500 m (4,900 ft), so bring a warm layer. On Acatenango, nights can be near 0 °C (32 °F) or below.
Can I hike a volcano in the rainy season?
Rain makes trails slippery and can hide the view, and access also depends on volcano activity. Ask the operator about current conditions for your dates before you book.
Is Semana Santa in the dry season?
Yes. In 2027 Holy Week runs from March 21 to March 28, which falls in the dry season from November to April.