Weather in Guatemala in November

The weather in Guatemala in November marks the shift from rainy to dry season, with milder temperatures and much less rain across most of the country. It's a great time to explore ruins, wander through colonial towns, or get out into nature without the peak-season crowds.

Guatemala in November at a glance

November sits in that sweet window where the weather’s improving but the vacation crowds haven’t arrived yet:

• Average temperatures fall between 65 to 80°F (18 to 27°C), cooler in the highlands and warmer along the coast
• Rain tapers off as the dry season sets in, especially in the second half of the month
• Tourist numbers are still low, so it’s easier to find decent places to stay at fair prices
• Landscapes are green and fresh from the rains, and skies are clearing for better volcano views and outdoor hikes

What is the weather like in Guatemala in November?

November is when Guatemala starts to dry out after months of rain. It’s not completely dry yet, but it’s a noticeable shift. Showers still happen, mostly early in the month and often in the afternoon, but they don’t tend to last long. You’ll find that most days are clear or partly cloudy, especially as you get further into the month. This can be a great time to plan your Guatemala itinerary.

This is considered shoulder season, so you’ll still get that mail-rain greenery, without dealing with the high-season rush. Rainfall drops to around 3 to 4 inches (70 to 100 mm), which is about half of what October usually gets. The northeast and Pacific coast tend to see the most leftover rain.

If you're heading to the highlands, like Antigua or Lake Atitlán, expect cooler evenings and early mornings. Down in the lowlands and coastal regions, it stays warm and humid, but not overwhelming. The weather in Guatemala makes for a comfortable time to travel, with decent weather, fewer crowds, and scenery that’s still lush from the rainy season.

Take the stress out of planning with itineraries designed by Guatemala local travel experts.

Average daily temperatures in November

Temperatures in Guatemala during November really depend on where you are, since the elevation changes a lot across the country. In the central highlands, including places like Guatemala City and Antigua, daytime temperatures usually sit around 75 to 78°F (24 to 26°C). Nights are cooler, dropping to about 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C), so you’ll want a jacket in the evenings. It’s generally mild and comfortable for walking around or doing day trips.

If you're heading to the Pacific coast or the lowlands in Petén, where Tikal is located, it gets hotter. Daytime temperatures can climb to 86 to 90°F (30 to 32°C), and it stays warm at night, rarely dipping below 70°F (21°C). The Caribbean side, around Livingston and Puerto Barrios, is also warm but tends to hang onto a bit more humidity and rain, especially early in the month.

Up in the highlands around Lake Atitlán, the air is cooler and a little crisper. Days are usually around 72°F (22°C) and evenings can feel quite cool, especially with the breeze off the lake.

If you're thinking of swimming, ocean temperatures on both coasts stay warm through November, around 82 to 84°F (28 to 29°C). You’ll also notice the days getting a little shorter as winter approaches, with about 11 to 12 hours of daylight. This is by far one of the best times to visit Guatemala.
 

Northern Guatemala

In the northern lowlands, especially in the Petén region, temperatures remain warm and typically range from 22 to 30 °C (72 to 86 °F). This weather is ideal for exploring the majestic Mayan ruins of Tikal or for boat trips on the vast Petén Itzá Lake, where the warmth complements the lush nature.

Central highlands

The central highlands, including cities like Antigua and Quetzaltenango, experience cooler and more temperate conditions, with daytime temperatures averaging 64°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C). 

This cooler weather is perfect for hiking the numerous volcanoes, exploring colonial towns, or participating in outdoor cultural festivals without the heat becoming overwhelming.

Southern Guatemala

In the southern coastal areas and the Pacific Coast, temperatures are higher, often reaching up to 88°F (31°C). The warmer climate suits beach activities, surfing, and exploring the rich coastal ecosystems.

Is November a good time to visit Guatemala?

November is a great time to be in Guatemala, especially in the second half of the month when the rain really starts to back off and the weather becomes more consistent. You’ll still see green, vibrant landscapes from the recent rainy season, but the skies are clearer, which means better volcano views and more reliable conditions for hiking and outdoor trips.

This is also when a few major cultural events take place. November 1 and 2 bring All Saints Day and Day of the Dead celebrations, with big kite festivals in highland towns like Santiago Sacatepéquez. These are community events with deep meaning, and a good time to see how local traditions are honored. Around this time, colonial towns like Antigua and Quetzaltenango feel especially lively, and with the mild weather, it's a comfortable time to explore them on foot. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Guatemala.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Landscapes stay green from recent rain
• Skies clear up, making outdoor plans easier to stick to
• Kite festivals around November 1 and 2 bring energy to highland towns
• Lower tourist numbers make places like Tikal and Antigua feel more relaxed
• Comfortable weather across the country, from cooler highlands to warm lowlands
   

What about the crowd and cost?

November falls right between the low and high seasons, so it tends to be a good value. Early in the month, crowds are still pretty light. By the end of November, things start to pick up as the dry season sets in and travelers begin arriving for the vacations.

Accommodation prices usually sit lower than peak season rates in December through February, especially if you book ahead. Big destinations like Tikal and Antigua aren’t packed yet, so it’s easier to plan things last minute without feeling rushed.

If your timing is flexible and you're okay with a bit more rain, Guatemala's rainy season can bring even better prices. Or look at April or May, when prices drop again after the vacation season but before the heavy rains return. 
 

Where to go in Guatemala in November

As the dry season starts to take hold, November is a great time to move around the country. The landscapes are still green from the rains, but the weather is becoming more stable, which makes it easier to plan day trips or longer stays. Here are a few places that work especially well this time of year. Here are some of the best places to visit in Guatemala in November.

Antigua Guatemala

November brings clearer skies to Antigua, which means better volcano views and more comfortable days for wandering around. The cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and café culture are easy to enjoy when the temperature hovers around 75°F (24°C) during the day. It’s also a good time to explore the nearby hills or take a day trip to a coffee farm. 

Lake Atitlán

This is one of those places that looks even better once the rainy season ends. November mornings are clearer at Lake Atitlan, which helps when you want to take in the lake and volcano views. Daytime temperatures usually stay around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C), and afternoon rain becomes less likely as the month goes on. Ferries between villages are running as usual, and it’s a nice time to get to know the different communities along the shoreline, like San Pedro, San Marcos, or Panajachel. 

Tikal National Park

The trails in Petén start to dry out in November, which makes getting around the ruins a lot easier. The rainforest is still lush, but the humidity drops a bit and there are fewer mosquitos than earlier in the season. You’ll have a better chance at seeing wildlife too, since they tend to be more active with less noise around. Climbing the pyramids is more manageable in the cooler air, and crowds are still relatively light. 

Semuc Champey

Located in Alta Verapaz, Semuc Champey is easier to access in November as the roads and trails dry out. The natural limestone pools are still fed by the rainy season flow, so the water is full and clear. It’s a good time to swim, especially with temperatures warm enough during the day to dry off comfortably after a dip. Just be prepared for a bit of a journey to get there if it’s been raining recently. 

Quetzaltenango (Xela)

If you’re looking to spend time in a city that feels less touristy, Xela is a solid choice. November is a good month for it, with daytime highs around 70°F (21°C) and cool, crisp evenings. The local markets are worth checking out, and there are some nice hikes in the surrounding hills and volcanoes. Trails are starting to dry out, and the hot springs nearby are especially appealing in the cooler weather. 

What to do in Guatemala in November

As the rains ease off, November opens up more options for getting around and exploring. From cultural festivals to hikes and wildlife, it’s a good time to see different sides of the country while the landscapes are still fresh and green. Here are some of the best things to do in Guatemala during November. 

The Giant Kite Festival

November starts with one of Guatemala’s most memorable traditions. On November 1 and 2, towns like Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango hold the Barriletes Gigantes, or Giant Kite Festival, to coincide with All Saints Day and Day of the Dead. people local to the area gather in the cemeteries and nearby fields, flying huge handmade kites. Some more than 40 feet (12 meters) wide. The kites are built to honor the dead and send messages to ancestors. It’s a meaningful and festive day, with plenty of food, music, and color, and the weather is usually good enough by this point to get them off the ground. 

Explore the Mayan markets

Markets are a big part of everyday life in Guatemala, and November’s dry mornings make it easier to wander through them without worrying about rain. Chichicastenango is the most famous, especially on Thursdays and Sundays when the whole town turns into one huge market. Around Lake Atitlán, towns like Sololá also have busy market days where you can see everything from handmade textiles to local produce. It’s a good way to get a feel for how traditional life continues in these communities. 
 

Coffee farm tours

November is the beginning of the coffee harvest in Guatemala, so it’s a good time to visit farms and see how the process works. You can take a tour near Antigua, Lake Atitlán, or in Cobán. Most places will walk you through how beans are grown, picked, and processed, and you'll get a chance to taste different roasts. The countryside is still green from the rainy season, and many farm roads are easier to access now that the weather is drier. 

Wildlife watching at Biotopo del Quetzal

This cloud forest in Baja Verapaz is known for being one of the best places to try to see Guatemala’s national bird, the resplendent quetzal. November is a transition month, so the forest is still full and green, but trails are drying out. You’ll have your best chance of spotting wildlife early in the morning. The quetzal’s main mating season starts a bit later in the year, but they’re still active and easier to spot now that the rain has slowed down. 

Planning your itinerary

Travel in Guatemala can take longer than expected, so don’t try to do too much. In November, the weather’s starting to clear up, which makes it a good time to explore the highlands.

• Guatemala itinerary 5 days: Fly into Guatemala City and head straight to Antigua. Spend a couple days there, then relax at Lake Atitlán. Return to the city the night before your flight to avoid stress.
• Guatemala itinerary 7 days: Start with two days in Antigua. Then head to Lake Atitlán for boat rides and quiet mornings. Finish with a short flight to Flores and a day exploring Tikal’s jungle ruins before heading back.