Guatemala City in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Guatemala City

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - virtually no rain from January-March carries into early April, perfect for exploring outdoor markets and volcano viewpoints without muddy trails
Comfortable evening temperatures of 16°C (60°F) make Zone 10 and Zona Viva nightlife scene ideal - locals pack the rooftop bars and street food vendors stay open later
Clear mountain air before rainy season - visibility to surrounding volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango reaches 25-30 km (15-18 miles) on most days
Easter week (Semana Santa) celebration in early April features Guatemala's most elaborate street carpets (alfombras) made from colored sawdust and flowers - nowhere else in Central America matches this scale

Considerations

Temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) between day and night catch visitors off-guard - you'll need layers for morning museum visits and evening dining
Dust levels peak before rains return - the city's 2.2 million vehicles and construction projects create noticeable air quality issues, especially in Zones 1-7
Easter week hotel prices triple from $45-60 to $150-200 per night, and many businesses close Thursday-Sunday during Holy Week

Best Activities in April

Volcanic viewpoint day trips to Antigua and Pacaya

April's clear skies provide the year's best volcano visibility before rainy season clouds roll in. Pacaya's active lava flows are most visible on clear evenings, and the 1.5-hour hike up 500m (1,640 ft) elevation is comfortable in 24°C (75°F) afternoon temperatures. Morning trips to Antigua offer unobstructed views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes from the cathedral ruins.

Booking Tip: Book volcano tours 5-7 days ahead through certified operators with insurance coverage. Day trips typically cost Q200-350 ($25-45) including transport from Guatemala City. Avoid Holy Week when prices double and crowds peak.

Historic Zone 1 walking tours and market exploration

April's dry weather makes navigating Zone 1's uneven colonial streets comfortable, and the 70% humidity is manageable for 3-4 hour walking tours. The Mercado Central and surrounding indigenous textile vendors are most active during April's pre-rainy season shopping period when locals stock up on goods.

Booking Tip: Join morning walking tours starting 8-9am when temperatures are 20°C (68°F) and streets less crowded. Cultural walking tours cost Q150-250 ($20-32) for 3-4 hours. Book through operators with local indigenous community connections.

Day trips to Lake Atitlán villages

April's stable weather patterns make the 3-hour drive to Atitlán reliable without rainy season landslides. Morning boat trips between Guatemala, Caboverde, and San Pedro offer crystal-clear volcano reflections in the lake before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm. The 1,560m (5,118 ft) elevation provides perfect relief from Guatemala City's heat.

Booking Tip: Book Atitlán day tours 10-14 days ahead as April is peak season for this route. Tours range Q350-500 ($45-65) including boat transfers. Choose operators with early 6am Guatemala City departure to maximize lake time before afternoon crowds.

Coffee plantation tours in nearby highlands

April marks the end of coffee harvest season in the Guatemala highlands, offering unique opportunities to see final processing stages and taste fresh beans before export. The cool morning temperatures of 16°C (60°F) are perfect for walking through plantations at 1,200-1,800m (3,937-5,906 ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Coffee plantation visits cost Q180-300 ($23-38) and should be booked 7-10 days ahead during harvest season. Look for farms offering cupping sessions with April's freshly processed beans. Transport from Guatemala City typically adds 2-3 hours to tour duration.

Contemporary art gallery tours in Zones 9-10

April's variable afternoon weather makes indoor cultural activities ideal, and Guatemala City's growing contemporary art scene peaks with gallery openings before summer travel season. The air-conditioned galleries in Zona 10 provide perfect respite from afternoon heat while showcasing Guatemala's emerging artists.

Booking Tip: Many galleries offer free entry, but guided art tours cost Q100-200 ($13-26) for 2-3 hours. Thursday evenings feature gallery openings with free wine and artist meet-and-greets. Book cultural tours through operators connected to local art communities.

Easter week street carpet (alfombra) viewing routes

Early April's Semana Santa features Guatemala's most elaborate street art - intricate carpets made from colored sawdust, flowers, and pine needles covering entire city blocks. The dry weather preserves these temporary masterpieces for optimal photography between 5am-10am before religious processions begin.

Booking Tip: Easter week cultural tours cost Q200-350 ($26-45) and require advance booking by mid-March as this is Guatemala's biggest cultural event. Early morning tours starting 5am offer best viewing before crowds and processions. Many operators provide photography guidance.

April Events & Festivals

Early April (varies with Easter calendar)

Semana Santa (Holy Week) street carpet displays

Guatemala City creates the most elaborate Easter street carpets in Central America, with neighborhoods competing to create intricate designs from colored sawdust, flowers, and pine needles. The carpets cover entire blocks in Zones 1, 2, and historic neighborhoods, best viewed 5am-10am before religious processions walk over them.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or cotton layers - 12°C (22°F) temperature swings mean you'll strip down to t-shirts by noon and need sweaters by 7pm

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - colonial Zone 1 cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery when dusty

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation burns quickly, especially on volcano day trips

Light scarf or bandana - April dust levels are highest before rains return, useful for market visits and street walking

Portable phone charger - cool evening temperatures drain batteries faster, and you'll use GPS extensively in the sprawling city

Cash in small bills (Q20, Q50 notes) - many vendors and transport don't change Q100+ bills, and ATMs in tourist zones often run empty during Easter week

Reusable water bottle - dry season dehydration hits quickly, and bottled water costs Q5-8 ($0.65-1) in tourist areas

Light rain jacket - those 10 rainy days come as brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes but can be intense

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid Zone 1 after 3pm during Easter week due to massive crowds, but this creates perfect opportunities for peaceful morning exploration of markets and museums

Guatemala City's best street food appears at evening rush hour (5:30-7:30pm) when vendors serve local workers - try the pupusas and garnachas around bus stops in Zones 4 and 11

The city's elevation means alcohol affects visitors more strongly - locals stick to beer and avoid hard liquor during afternoon heat, following their lead prevents next-day altitude hangovers

April's clear air makes Guatemala City's infamous traffic pollution less noticeable, but locals still time outdoor activities for early morning (6-9am) when air quality is cleanest

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Easter week impact - many museums, restaurants, and shops close Thursday-Sunday of Holy Week, and hotel prices triple without advance booking

Not carrying layers - tourists wearing shorts and t-shirts at noon are shivering in Zone 10 restaurants by evening when locals are in light jackets

Skipping morning activities for afternoon sightseeing - locals know April afternoons get dusty and hot, so they visit markets and outdoor attractions before 11am