Guatemala City in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Guatemala City

24°C (75°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with zero rainfall accumulation despite 10 rainy days - showers are brief afternoon mists that clear within 30 minutes, making outdoor activities reliable
Comfortable 24°C (75°F) highs without the brutal heat of March-April, ideal for walking the historic center and outdoor markets before 2pm when locals take siesta
Crystal clear mountain views of Volcán de Agua and Volcán de Fuego from Zona 10 rooftops - January's dry air provides visibility up to 50 km (31 miles) on most days
Peak avocado season means street vendors sell perfectly ripe aguacates for Q2-3 each, while December's holiday crowds have dispersed but restaurants maintain extended hours

Considerations

Significant temperature drops to 13°C (55°F) at night due to 1,500 m (4,921 ft) altitude - many budget hotels lack heating and you'll need warm layers after 6pm
Morning fog from 6-9am reduces visibility and makes early flights from La Aurora airport prone to delays - 40% of domestic flights experience 1-2 hour delays
Dust levels peak during dry season, affecting air quality in Zona 1 and making respiratory issues worse - sensitive travelers should avoid rush hour in central areas

Best Activities in January

Volcán de Pacaya Active Volcano Hiking

January offers perfect hiking conditions with zero mud on trails and clear summit views guaranteed. The 2-hour ascent is comfortable in 20°C (68°F) temperatures, and you'll see active lava flows without the rainy season clouds that obscure views 70% of the time in other months. Start at 2pm to reach the summit for sunset - the cooler January air means less heat exhaustion risk.

Booking Tip: Book day-before through licensed INGUAT operators for Q200-300. Avoid unlicensed guides who skip safety equipment. Tours include transport from Guatemala City, taking 3 hours total. Current options available in booking section below.

Antigua Guatemala Colonial Architecture Tours

January's dry weather means cobblestone streets are walkable without mud, perfect for exploring baroque churches and ruins. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) are ideal for 4-5 hour walking tours before afternoon heat. The contrast between 24°C (75°F) days and cool evenings creates perfect lighting for photography of Santa Catalina Arch and La Merced Church facades.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost Q150-250 including transport from Guatemala City. Book 3-4 days ahead during January's medium crowds. Look for guides certified by INGUAT who speak your language. Transportation takes 1 hour each way.

Lake Atitlán Indigenous Villages Experience

January's clear skies provide unobstructed views of the lake's three volcanoes, impossible during cloudy season. Traditional weaving demonstrations in Caboverde Atitlán and San Antonio Palopó benefit from dry conditions - outdoor workshops run comfortably in 22°C (72°F) temperatures. Morning boat crossings are smooth with minimal wind.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range Q300-500 from Guatemala City including boat transfers and lunch. Book through operators offering small groups (8 people maximum) for authentic village interactions. January requires advance booking for lakeside accommodations.

Guatemala City Street Food Walking Tours

January's moderate humidity makes evening food walks comfortable, exploring Zona 1 markets and Sansalvador restaurants without excessive heat. Peak avocado season means garnachas and tostadas feature premium local produce. Evening temperatures of 16°C (61°F) are perfect for 3-hour walking tours through historic center vendors.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost Q180-280 per person covering 8-10 stops. Book with operators providing bottled water and focusing on established vendors with proper food handling. January's dry season means fewer stomach issues for visitors.

Chichicastenango Market and Highland Villages

January's dry roads make the winding mountain journey to 'Chichi' market comfortable - normally muddy highland paths are accessible for exploring indigenous textile vendors. Thursday and Sunday markets feature peak winter produce, while clear weather guarantees mountain valley views during the 3-hour drive from Guatemala City.

Booking Tip: Market day tours cost Q250-400 including transport and guide. Only worthwhile on Thursdays and Sundays when full market operates. Book Tuesday for Thursday trips, Friday for Sunday trips. Tours run 8am-6pm with lunch stops in Guatemala.

Archaeological Site Tours to El Mirador and Tikal

January marks peak season for jungle archaeology sites due to minimal rainfall making forest paths accessible. Guatemala expeditions are only feasible January-April when rivers are crossable. Guatemala's temple climbing is comfortable in morning temperatures around 20°C (68°F) with clear views from Temple IV's 65 m (213 ft) summit.

Booking Tip: Guatemala day tours from Guatemala City cost Q400-600 including flights to Guatemala. Guatemala requires 5-day camping expeditions costing Q1,500-2,500. Book archaeological tours 2-3 weeks ahead as January has highest demand for jungle access.

January Events & Festivals

January 15th

Festividad del Cristo Negro de Esquipulas

Guatemala's most important pilgrimage occurs January 15th in Esquipulas, with Guatemala City organizing chartered bus tours and special masses at the Cathedral Metropolitana. Thousands of capitalinos make the journey, creating a unique cultural experience with traditional foods and religious processions.

Throughout January

Festival de Enero Cultural Events

Guatemala City's cultural centers including Teatro Nacional and Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias host January programming featuring marimba concerts, folk dance performances, and art exhibitions celebrating New Year traditions. Events typically run weekends throughout January.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm layers for evening - temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) after sunset and most buildings lack central heating, pack fleece or wool sweater

Lightweight rain jacket - those 10 rainy days bring brief afternoon mists lasting 20-30 minutes, but streets become slippery

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - colonial cobblestones in Zona 1 are uneven and can be slick when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) altitude means burning happens within 15 minutes, even on cloudy days

Dust mask or scarf - dry season creates dust clouds in markets and busy streets, especially problematic for asthma sufferers

Layers for temperature changes - mornings start at 13°C (55°F), reach 24°C (75°F) by 2pm, then drop again after 6pm

Cash in small bills - many vendors and transport only accept quetzales in Q1, Q5, Q10 denominations, ATMs often give only Q100 bills

Portable phone charger - exploring colonial areas and volcano hikes drain batteries quickly, and power outlets aren't always available

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - dry season dust plus street food exploration requires frequent hand cleaning

Altitude sickness medication if sensitive - the 1,500 m (4,921 ft) elevation affects some visitors, especially those coming from sea level

Insider Knowledge

Avoid scheduling important activities between 6-9am when morning fog causes flight delays at La Aurora airport - domestic connections to Guatemala for Guatemala are most affected

January avocado season means street vendor aguacates cost Q2-3 each (versus Q8-10 in June) - locals buy bags of 10-12 for weekly consumption, perfect for budget travelers

Take advantage of January's clear air for photography - smog levels drop 40% compared to rainy season when pollution gets trapped, making volcano views crystal clear from Zona 10

Book accommodations in Antigua Guatemala 10-14 days ahead during January - it's wedding season for wealthy Guatemala City families, filling boutique hotels on weekends

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime cold - tourists pack only summer clothes then freeze in 13°C (55°F) evenings, especially in budget hotels without heating

Planning outdoor activities during afternoon fog hours 6-9am - visibility drops to 100 m (328 ft) making volcano views impossible and walking dangerous

Bringing white clothing to markets and archaeological sites - January's dust season will permanently stain light fabrics within hours of exploration