Guatemala City in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Guatemala City

24°C (75°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with zero rainfall but cool mornings at 13°C (56°F) ideal for walking tours before the afternoon heat hits 24°C (75°F)
Christmas and New Year festivities transform Zone 1 with elaborate decorations, free concerts at Plaza de la Constitución, and extended museum hours until 8pm instead of usual 5pm
Lowest hotel rates of the year during December 1-15 before holiday surge - save 30-40% compared to March peak season
Ideal conditions for day trips to Antigua (45 minutes) and Guatemala (3 hours) with crystal clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities

Considerations

December 16-31 brings holiday crowds and prices spike 60-80% as Guatemalan families visit relatives and diaspora returns from the US
Morning temperatures at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude can shock tropical-climate expectations - you'll need layers until 10am
Variable weather means unpredictable afternoon cloud cover despite dry conditions - outdoor photography plans need flexibility

Best Activities in December

Historic Center Walking Tours

December's cool mornings are perfect for exploring Zone 1's colonial architecture and museums. Start at 8am when temperatures are 13°C (56°F) and finish by noon before the afternoon heat. The Christmas decorations around Palacio Nacional and Cathedral create exceptional photo opportunities unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Join morning tours departing 8-9am for optimal weather. Free municipal tours depart Plaza de la Constitución daily, or book private tours typically costing Q150-250 ($20-33) per person. Check current tour schedules in the booking widget below.

Volcano Viewing Excursions

December's dry season offers the clearest views of Volcán de Agua and Volcán de Fuego from the city's miradores. The low humidity and minimal cloud cover make this the best month for volcano photography. Early morning trips to Cerro de la Cruz provide impressive sunrise views.

Booking Tip: Book volcano viewing tours 5-7 days ahead, typically Q200-400 ($26-52) including transport. Tours depart 5:30am for sunrise viewing. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and photography stops. See current options in the booking section below.

Museum District Exploration

December's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities ideal for afternoon backup plans. Extended holiday hours at Museo Nacional de Arqueología and Museo Ixchel mean you can explore Maya artifacts and textiles until 8pm. The cool mornings are perfect for walking between Zone 10's museum cluster.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost Q50-100 ($6.50-13) per venue. December holiday schedule extends hours but some close December 25 and January 1. Purchase combo tickets at first museum visited for 20% savings on multiple venues.

Local Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal foods like ponche navideño (Christmas punch) and tamales de frijol only available this month. Cool morning temperatures make Maputo and Mercado de Artesanías comfortable for extended browsing. The dry weather means fresh produce is abundant and street food stalls operate full schedules.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost Q250-450 ($33-58) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book morning tours starting 9am when temperatures are comfortable. Look for tours including traditional December foods and drinks. Current food tour options available in booking widget below.

Day Trips to Lake Atitlán

December's clear skies provide impressive views of the lake's volcanic backdrop impossible during rainy season. The 3-hour drive features excellent mountain vistas, and cool morning temperatures at 1,560m (5,118 ft) lake altitude are comfortable for boat tours and village walks.

Booking Tip: Full day tours cost Q400-700 ($52-91) including transport and boat trips. Book 10-14 days ahead for December dates. Tours depart 6am, return 7pm. Choose operators with comfortable vehicles for mountain roads and licensed boat transfers. See current Guatemala tours in booking section.

Coffee Farm Visits

December marks the beginning of coffee harvest season in the nearby highlands. Tours to fincas around Antigua (45 minutes away) offer fresh bean tastings and harvest activities unavailable other times of year. Cool morning temperatures make plantation walks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Coffee farm tours range Q200-500 ($26-65) depending on length and tastings included. Half-day tours depart 8am returning 2pm. Book through established farms with transportation included. Harvest season tours fill quickly - reserve 2 weeks ahead. Current coffee tour options in booking widget below.

December Events & Festivals

December 7

Quema del Diablo

On December 7th, Guatemalans burn trash and old items in bonfires to cleanse evil spirits before Christmas. Join locals in Zone 1 around 6pm for this unique tradition, then enjoy street food and hot ponche

December 16-24

Las Posadas Processions

December 16-24 features nightly religious processions through historic center neighborhoods. Free to observe, these candlelit processions end at local churches with traditional foods and music

December 15 - January 6

Christmas Market at Plaza Mayor

December 15-January 6 transforms Plaza Mayor into a traditional Christmas market with local crafts, seasonal foods, and live marimba performances every evening from 6-9pm

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers for 11°C (20°F) temperature swings - cotton long sleeves for 13°C (56°F) mornings, breathable t-shirts for 24°C (75°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen essential - UV index of 8 at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude burns skin in 15 minutes despite cool air temperatures

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - colonial cobblestones become slippery when wet from brief afternoon showers

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days means 33% chance of afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Power bank and waterproof phone case - variable weather and extended outdoor touring drain batteries faster

Cash in small bills - many markets and street vendors don't accept cards, and Q1-5 notes useful for tips and small purchases

Reusable water bottle - 70% humidity and walking at altitude increases dehydration, plus reduces plastic waste

Anti-altitude medication if sensitive - city sits at 1,500m (4,921 ft) and day trips go higher to 2,300m (7,546 ft)

Dressy outfit for evening events - Christmas celebrations and holiday dinners often require business casual attire

Spanish phrasebook or translation app - English less common outside tourist areas, and December events are locally-focused

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before December 15th to avoid the 60-80% price surge when diaspora returns for holidays - early December rates are the year's lowest

Start outdoor activities at 8am when it's 13°C (56°F) and finish by noon - locals avoid midday heat even in dry season

December 7th Quema del Diablo creates city-wide smoke and traffic delays 5-8pm - plan indoor evening activities or join the celebrations

Transmetro buses run extended schedules during December holidays but skip December 25 and January 1 entirely - rent cars or use ride-sharing those days

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes expecting tropical weather - December mornings at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude require layers until 10am

Booking December 16-31 accommodation at last minute - holiday season brings 60-80% price increases and limited availability as diaspora visits family

Scheduling all outdoor activities for afternoons - even in dry season, cloud cover and higher temperatures make mornings far more comfortable for walking and photography