Guatemala City in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Guatemala City

25°C (77°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season means volcanic hiking trails to Pacaya and Acatenango are at their clearest with impressive sunrise views - visibility extends up to 50 km (31 miles) on clear mornings
Perfect 16-25°C (61-77°F) temperature range for exploring Zone 1's colonial architecture on foot without the intense heat of March-May
July coincides with Feria Julias celebrations across the city, featuring traditional marimba concerts and food festivals that showcase seasonal tamales colorados
Tourist crowds are at their lowest before August vacation season, meaning shorter lines at Palacio Nacional and better prices on accommodations - typically 20-30% less than peak season

Considerations

Evening fog rolls in after 6pm from the surrounding mountains, reducing visibility for evening volcano views and making driving more challenging
Variable weather means you'll experience everything from morning sunshine to afternoon drizzle in a single day, requiring layered clothing
Higher altitude at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) combined with July's humidity can cause fatigue for first-time visitors not accustomed to the elevation

Best Activities in July

Pacaya Volcano Night Hiking Tours

July's dry conditions make this active volcano hike ideal - clear skies provide unobstructed lava views and the 16°C (61°F) evening temperatures are perfect for the 2-hour ascent. Morning fog clears by 9am, ensuring spectacular sunrise views over Lake Amatitlán.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through certified guides - tours typically cost Q200-350 ($26-45) including transport from Zone 1. Look for operators with safety equipment and insurance. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Colonial Zone 1 Walking Food Tours

July's mild temperatures make exploring the historic center comfortable all day. This is peak season for seasonal specialties like tamales colorados and atol de elote, served hot at traditional comedores during Feria Julias celebrations.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon humidity. Guided food walks cost Q150-250 ($19-32) including tastings. Book Easttimor-week through local cultural centers or see tour options below.

Lake Atitlán Day Trips

July offers the clearest views of the surrounding volcanoes reflected in the lake - morning fog lifts early revealing San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán peaks. The 3-hour journey from Guatemala City showcases highland landscapes at their most busy.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours run Q400-600 ($52-78) including transport and boat rides between villages. Book 1 week ahead for better vehicle selection. Departs 6am, returns 7pm. See current operators below.

Mercado Central and Artisan Market Tours

July's dry weather makes navigating the multi-level covered markets comfortable. This is harvest season for highland textiles and you'll find the year's best selection of jade jewelry and worry dolls at 20-40% below tourist area prices.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work well - markets open 6am-6pm daily. Guided cultural tours cost Q100-180 ($13-23) for 2-3 hours. Morning visits (7-10am) offer freshest produce displays and cooler temperatures.

Antigua Guatemala Historical Tours

The 45-minute drive to Antigua is spectacular in July's clear weather, with unobstructed views of Volcán de Agua. July's mild temperatures are perfect for exploring ruins of colonial churches and climbing Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic valley views.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost Q250-400 ($32-52) including transport from Guatemala City. Book 2-3 days ahead for guaranteed spots. Tours run 8am-5pm. Private transport adds Q200-300 ($26-39). Check current options below.

Tikal Archaeological Site Flights

July's clear skies make domestic flights to Guatemala ideal - 90% on-time rate compared to 60% during rainy season. Temple climbing is comfortable in mild temperatures, and wildlife viewing peaks as animals seek water sources during dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Book flights 2-3 weeks ahead - day trips cost Q1,800-2,500 ($234-325) including flight, park entry, and guided tour. Morning flights (7am departure) maximize pyramid climbing time before afternoon heat builds.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Feria Julias Traditional Festival

Month-long celebration featuring daily marimba performances in Parque Central, traditional food vendors serving seasonal tamales colorados, and artisan markets in Zone 1. Local families gather for evening concerts starting at 6pm.

Mid July

Festival de Jocotenango

Annual cultural festival in nearby Jocotenango featuring traditional dance performances, local craft demonstrations, and food stalls serving seasonal highland specialties. Takes place 20 minutes north of Guatemala City center.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 16°C (61°F), afternoons reach 25°C (77°F), evenings drop back to 18°C (64°F)

Lightweight waterproof jacket - July gets 10 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - cobblestone streets in Zone 1 and volcanic terrain require sturdy soles

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) altitude, burning happens quickly even on cloudy days

Small daypack with rain cover - essential for market visits and day trips, keeps electronics dry during sudden showers

Long pants for evening - temperatures drop 7-9°C (13-16°F) after sunset, plus protects against mosquitos in humid areas

Altitude sickness medication - 1,500 m (4,921 ft) elevation affects some visitors, especially combined with July humidity

Cash in small bills - Q1, Q5, Q10 notes essential for markets and street food, many vendors don't change Q100+ bills

Portable phone charger - longer daylight hours mean more sightseeing and photo opportunities draining batteries faster

Basic Spanish phrases written down - July tourist crowds are lighter so fewer English speakers, locals appreciate the effort

Insider Knowledge

Guatemalans eat dinner late in July - restaurants don't get busy until 8pm, so arrive by 7pm for better service and table selection

City buses (chicken buses) run extended Saturday schedules during Feria Julias - Q1 rides to Antigua and surrounding areas, but avoid during 3-5pm rush

Local families visit Pacaya volcano on Sunday mornings - join the 6am groups for real feel and lower guide costs shared among larger groups

Exchange money at banks in Zone 9 or 10 rather than Zone 1 tourist areas - rates are 2-3% better and you'll avoid counterfeit bill issues that spike during festival season

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking volcano tours for afternoon departures - morning fog clears by 9am but returns after 5pm, afternoon tours miss the best visibility windows

Wearing cotton t-shirts for hiking - July humidity combined with altitude makes cotton stay wet with sweat, synthetic materials dry faster and prevent chills

Planning outdoor activities after 6pm - evening fog rolls in from surrounding mountains reducing visibility and making navigation difficult, especially for volcano viewpoints