Weather in Quetzaltenango

Find out the exact weather forecast in the city of Quetzaltenango to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible. Below are current meteorological data and charts to help you plan your day.

The climate of Quetzaltenango differs significantly from the hot tropical lowlands of Guatemala. Thanks to its location in a mountainous area, moderate and rather cool weather prevails here, often referred to as "eternal spring". Unlike many other regions of the country, you will not encounter sweltering heat here, making this city an ideal place for active tourism and long walks.

Throughout the year, the weather is divided into two distinct periods. The dry season, lasting from November to April, delights with clear skies and minimal rainfall, especially in December and January. From May to October comes the rainy season: during this time, humidity rises, and precipitation becomes an almost daily occurrence, although it often falls in the afternoon, leaving the mornings free for excursions.

A remarkable feature of the local climate is the surprising stability of temperatures. Average figures fluctuate in a comfortable range from 15°C to 18°C year-round. However, tourists should keep in mind the daily fluctuations: even if the air warms up to a pleasant 20–22°C during the day, nights and early mornings in Quetzaltenango can be quite brisk and cool, so warm clothing in your luggage will not be superfluous.

The climate in Quetzaltenango can be characterized as temperate and high-altitude, ensuring comfortable weather practically all year round without extreme heat. The annual temperature background here is surprisingly stable: average values fluctuate within a very narrow range from 15.4°C in January to 17.7°C in May. Even in the "hottest" months, falling in spring (March, April, and May), daytime highs rarely exceed the 22°C mark, creating ideal conditions for active tourism and long walks around the city.

The concepts of "winter" and "summer" are rather relative here, but the coolest period falls in December and January. At this time, the average temperature drops to 15.5°C, and the air becomes fresh and crisp. The summer months and the beginning of autumn (from June to September) bring mild warmth with average figures around 17°C, but it is worth remembering that the perception of temperature can change due to humidity.

An important feature of the local weather is the daily temperature fluctuations. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that after pleasant daytime warmth (about 20–21°C), quite cool nights follow. Minimum night temperatures, especially in the winter period and early spring, can drop to 10–11°C. Therefore, when heading to Guatemala, it is definitely worth taking a sweater or a light jacket for evening outings.

In Quetzaltenango, there is a clear division of the year into dry and wet seasons. The least rainy period is the winter months: in January, February, and December, the level of precipitation is minimal and averages about 1 mm. The number of days with precipitation at this time varies from 9 to 12, making winter the most favourable time for open-air sightseeing.

The rainy season gathers strength by May and continues until October. During these months, precipitation falls almost daily: statistics record from 30 to 31 rainy days monthly. The wettest months by volume of precipitation are considered June (16 mm) and September (15 mm). Despite the high frequency of rains, their total volume, according to data, remains moderate, which is characteristic of the climatic features of this region of Guatemala.

Transitional periods, such as March, April, and November, demonstrate a gradual change in weather. Although the volume of precipitation at this time is small (from 3 to 6 mm), air humidity rises, and the number of rainy days noticeably grows, reaching 21–27 days in the spring months. Travellers are recommended to have an umbrella or raincoat with them at any time of the year, except, perhaps, the very middle of winter.

Since Quetzaltenango is located in a mountainous area, the climate here is noticeably cooler than on the tropical coast of Guatemala. During the day, the temperature usually holds in a comfortable range of +20...+22°C, however, nights and early mornings can be quite brisk, dropping to +10°C. The main secret to comfort here is layering your clothes. Take t-shirts or light long-sleeved tops for daytime walks, but be sure to complement them with a warm sweater, a fleece jacket, and a light jacket that can be thrown on in the evening.

When planning a trip, it is important to consider the seasonality of rainfall. From May to October, the rainy season lasts, when waterproof gear becomes an essential item: be sure to pack a high-quality raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, and a sturdy umbrella in your suitcase. In the dry season (from December to February), there is practically no rain, but the sun in the highlands is very active year-round, so sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a hat will come in handy in any month.

For long walks along the cobbled streets of the city and trips into nature, choose the most comfortable and proven footwear. Closed sneakers or light trekking boots with good foot support are ideal. Given the likelihood of sudden rains in the summer period, it is wise to take a spare pair of shoes so that you always have a dry change for the next day.