Guatemala City in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Guatemala City

25°C (78°F) High Temp

13°C (56°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peaks in February - virtually zero rainfall despite variable conditions means outdoor activities like visiting Guatemala ruins or hiking Pacaya volcano proceed uninterrupted
February marks the coolest temperatures of the year - morning lows of 13°C (56°F) make early market visits and walking tours comfortable before midday heat
Post-holiday pricing drops significantly - accommodation rates fall 30-40% after January tourists depart, while domestic travelers return to work routines
Festival season begins with Esquipulas pilgrimage (February 15) bringing authentic cultural experiences without overwhelming tourist crowds

Considerations

Strong UV exposure at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude - UV index of 8 combined with thin mountain air causes sunburn in 15-20 minutes without protection
Temperature swings of 12°C (22°F) daily - comfortable afternoons at 25°C (78°F) drop rapidly after sunset requiring layered clothing strategy
Variable weather creates planning uncertainty - clear mornings can turn overcast by noon, affecting volcano viewing and photography conditions

Best Activities in February

Pacaya Volcano Hiking Tours

February's dry conditions and clear skies provide optimal visibility for lava viewing. Morning hikes start in cool 13°C (56°F) temperatures, avoiding afternoon cloud cover that obscures crater views 60% of the time in other months. The 2-hour ascent covers 2.5 km (1.6 miles) with minimal mud on trails.

Booking Tip: Book through certified INGUAT-licensed operators 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost Q300-450 ($40-60) including transport from Guatemala City. Verify guides carry emergency communication equipment for the 2,550m (8,366 ft) elevation.

Tikal Archaeological Site Tours

February offers the perfect balance - dry trails for easy temple climbing but pre-migration season means howler monkeys and toucans remain highly active. Morning departures from Guatemala City reach Guatemala by 10am when wildlife activity peaks and temperatures stay below 22°C (72°F).

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages including flights to Guatemala range Q1,800-2,800 ($240-370). Book 14 days ahead for February as domestic tourism increases mid-month. Choose operators including sunrise temple access for uncrowded Temple IV views.

Colonial Antigua Walking Tours

February's low humidity at 70% makes extended walking comfortable through cobblestone streets. Clear skies frame Volcán de Agua perfectly for photography, while cool morning temperatures allow 3-4 hour tours without heat exhaustion that affects March-May visits.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Guatemala City typically cost Q150-280 ($20-37) including transport. Book morning departures to maximize clear volcano views - afternoon cloud cover reduces visibility by 4pm. Licensed guides through INGUAT provide historical accuracy.

Lake Atitlán Village Tours

February's stable weather patterns ensure reliable boat transport between villages. Morning lake conditions remain calm with 13°C (56°F) starts warming to comfortable exploring temperatures. Traditional February festivals in Caboverde Atitlán showcase authentic Tz'utujil culture without rainy season disruptions.

Booking Tip: Two-day packages including lakeside accommodation range Q800-1,400 ($105-185). Book directly with Guatemala operators or through Guatemala City agencies 7-10 days ahead. Verify boat safety equipment as afternoon winds can create choppy conditions.

Chichicastenango Market Tours

February's dry conditions ensure Thursday and Sunday markets operate at full capacity without mud or weather cancellations. Cool morning temperatures make the 2,071m (6,795 ft) elevation comfortable for extended browsing through Guatemala's largest indigenous market.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Guatemala City cost Q180-320 ($24-42) including transport and guide. Thursday markets are less crowded than Sundays. Book through operators providing cultural context about Maya trading traditions rather than just shopping time.

Guatemala City Food Tours

February's comfortable evening temperatures extend outdoor dining seasons. Street food vendors operate extended hours without rainy season interruptions, while local specialties like chiles rellenos and pepián reach peak preparation using stored December harvest ingredients.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost Q200-350 ($26-46) covering Zona Viva and local neighborhoods. Book through operators focusing on family-run establishments rather than tourist restaurants. Tours typically cover 1.5 km (0.9 miles) walking over 3 hours.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Esquipulas Pilgrimage

February 15th marks Guatemala's most important religious pilgrimage to the Black Christ of Esquipulas. While the main event occurs in Esquipulas town, Guatemala City churches hold preparatory ceremonies throughout February with processions, traditional foods, and indigenous ceremonies.

Early to Mid February

Festival de la Marimba

Guatemala City's tribute to the national instrument features performances in Parque Central and cultural centers. Local musicians demonstrate traditional and contemporary marimba styles with free evening concerts throughout February weekends.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - lightweight long sleeves for 13°C (56°F) mornings transitioning to t-shirts for 25°C (78°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory - UV index 8 at 1,500m (4,921 ft) altitude causes burns in 15 minutes without protection

Closed-toe shoes for cobblestone streets - ankle support needed for uneven colonial-era surfaces and volcano hiking

Light rain jacket - despite dry season, afternoon mountain showers occur 10 days monthly lasting 20-30 minutes

Warm sleeping clothes - highland accommodations rarely heat rooms adequately for 13°C (56°F) nighttime lows

Breathable cotton clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during midday heat

Portable battery pack - high altitude affects device performance and cold morning temperatures drain batteries faster

Cash in small bills - many vendors and tour operators in rural areas cannot break Q100+ notes

Altitude sickness medication - rapid elevation changes from city at 1,500m (4,921 ft) to Guatemala at 200m (656 ft) affect some travelers

Insect repellent for Guatemala/Petén region - while dry season reduces mosquitos, protected areas maintain populations year-round

Insider Knowledge

Guatemalans avoid outdoor activities between 12pm-3pm in February due to intense UV exposure - schedule sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon when locals emerge

February marks post-harvest season - traditional foods like tamales colorados and chuchitos reach peak flavor using stored corn and chiles, while prices drop 20-30% from December peaks

Domestic tourism increases mid-February around Esquipulas pilgrimage - book Antigua and Guatemala accommodations before February 10th to avoid 40% price increases

Guatemala City's TransMetro system operates reduced schedules during February cultural events - download offline maps and budget extra travel time for weekend festivities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops after sunset - many tourists pack only for 25°C (78°F) daytime highs and suffer through 13°C (56°F) evenings without warm layers

Assuming dry season means zero rain - February still averages 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours that catch unprepared visitors without cover

Scheduling Guatemala flights without Guatemala City buffer days - domestic flights cancel frequently for weather and February's variable conditions require flexibility