Guatemala City in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Guatemala City

27°C (80°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

127mm (5.0 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Green season transformation - The city's parks and surrounding mountains turn lush green as rains begin, creating impressive photography opportunities and cleaner air quality
Fewer crowds at major sites - Tourist numbers drop 30-40% compared to dry season peaks, meaning shorter lines at Palacio Nacional and easier restaurant reservations
Lower accommodation rates - Hotels reduce prices by 20-25% as rainy season approaches, with best deals available for bookings made 2-3 weeks ahead
Perfect volcano hiking weather - Morning temperatures of 17°C (62°F) are ideal for early climbs up Volcán de Pacaya before afternoon rains arrive

Considerations

Afternoon downpours become frequent - By late May, expect heavy rains 3-4 times per week from 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor plans and creating traffic chaos
Air pollution peaks before rains stabilize - Early May can have poor air quality as dry season dust hasn't yet been cleared by consistent rainfall
Unpredictable weather transitions - May is when weather patterns shift, making day-to-day planning challenging as some days feel like dry season, others like full rainy season

Best Activities in May

Antigua Guatemala Day Trips

May's cooler mornings (17°C/62°F) and lush green surroundings make this UNESCO World Heritage site 45km (28 miles) from the capital absolutely impressive. The colonial architecture contrasts beautifully with increasingly green mountains. Afternoon rains are less frequent in Antigua's microclimate than Guatemala City, and when they do come, the cobblestone streets and covered corridors provide perfect shelter.

Booking Tip: Book shuttle services 5-7 days ahead, typically Q150-200 ($20-26) roundtrip. Choose morning departures (7-8am) to maximize dry weather time. Look for operators offering flexible return times in case of weather delays.

Volcán de Pacaya Hiking Tours

May offers perfect hiking conditions with cool morning starts and the dramatic backdrop of incoming rainy season clouds. The active lava flows are more visible against moody skies. Start before 7am to complete the 2-hour ascent before afternoon weather changes. The 2,552m (8,373ft) summit provides incredible views of Guatemala City below.

Booking Tip: Essential to book early morning tours (6am starts) through certified guides. Costs typically Q250-350 ($33-46) including transport from Zone 10. Ensure guides provide headlamps and walking sticks. Weather can change rapidly at altitude.

Zone 1 Historical Walking Tours

Guatemala City's historic center is ideal in May's variable weather - the mix of indoor sites (Cathedral, Sansalvador) and covered walkways around Plaza De La Constitución provide shelter options. Early morning tours (8-11am) avoid both crowds and afternoon rains while capturing golden light on colonial facades.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well, but organized tours cost Q100-150 ($13-20) and provide crucial safety guidance for Zone 1 navigation. Book through established operators offering small groups (6-8 people maximum). Always end by 1pm before weather deteriorates.

Traditional Market Food Tours

May's humidity brings out incredible aromas in markets like Maputo and Mercado de Mariscos. The transition to rainy season means abundant fresh produce and seasonal specialties like jocotes (red mombin fruit). Covered market structures provide perfect refuge during afternoon downpours while you sample local cuisine.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (9am-12pm) are essential - markets are freshest and weather most predictable. Expect to pay Q200-300 ($26-39) for guided experiences including tastings. Choose operators emphasizing food safety and hygiene standards during humid conditions.

Museo Ixchel and Cultural Museum Circuit

May's increasing rain makes this the perfect month for Guatemala City's excellent museums. The air-conditioned environments provide relief from rising humidity, and you'll avoid the crowds that pack these spaces during peak tourist months. Museo Popol Vuh and Museo Nacional de Arqueología offer world-class Mayan artifacts.

Booking Tip: Most museums charge Q30-50 ($4-7) entry. Plan indoor cultural days for afternoons when rain is most likely. Museum hopping works well via taxi or Uber between locations in Zones 10 and 13. Allow 2-3 hours per major museum.

Zona Viva Evening Entertainment

Guatemala City's nightlife district in Zone 10 comes alive in May as locals celebrate the approaching rainy season. The covered terraces and indoor venues provide perfect settings as evening temperatures cool to comfortable 20°C (68°F). Live marimba music and traditional dance performances are common in May cultural celebrations.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues, but dinner reservations recommended for popular restaurants. Expect drinks Q25-45 ($3-6) and meals Q80-150 ($10-20). Stay within Zone 10's well-lit, secure area and use registered taxis or Uber for transportation.

May Events & Festivals

May 1

Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) Celebrations

May 1st brings parades and cultural events throughout Guatemala City, with the main celebration in Plaza De La Constitución featuring traditional music, dance, and food vendors. this destination and many businesses close, creating a festive atmosphere in Zone 1.

Throughout May

Festival de Mayo Cultural Events

Various cultural institutions host special exhibitions and performances throughout May, including Teatro Nacional and Centro Cultural Miguel Ángel Asturias. These indoor events provide excellent rainy day activities while showcasing Guatemala's rich artistic heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - Afternoon downpours in late May can be intense (127mm/5 inches total rainfall) but brief, lasting 30-60 minutes

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 75% humidity makes cotton slow to dry; synthetic blends are essential for comfort

Sturdy walking shoes with good grip - Cobblestones in Zone 1 and Antigua become slippery when wet, causing frequent tourist falls

Compact umbrella - Must-have for sudden downpours, choose wind-resistant models for mountain breezes around 2,200m (7,218ft) altitude

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at this altitude is deceptive, especially with cloud cover creating false sense of protection

Layers for temperature swings - Morning 17°C (62°F) to afternoon 27°C (80°F) requires adaptable clothing system

Waterproof phone case - Humidity and rain can damage electronics; essential for navigation and photography

Cash in small bills - Many vendors don't accept cards, and wet weather makes electronic payment systems unreliable

Insect repellent - Increasing humidity brings mosquitoes, especially near markets and parks

Backup indoor activities plan - Download offline maps and research museums for inevitable rainy afternoons

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat lunch early (11:30am-12:30pm) to avoid afternoon rains - restaurants get crowded fast, so follow their lead or risk getting caught in downpours

The Red Transmetro bus system works well in rain but gets packed during storms - learn routes 12 and 18 serving major tourist zones as taxi alternatives

Guatemalans celebrate 'first rains' with special foods like atol de elote - ask vendors in Maputo for seasonal specialties tourists rarely discover

Zone 10's underground parking and skywalks (Paseo Cayalá area) create a weather-proof circuit for shopping and dining during heavy rain days

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning all-day outdoor activities without rain backup - May weather turns quickly, and being caught unprepared ruins expensive tour investments

Ignoring altitude effects - At 2,200m (7,218ft), visitors get winded faster and UV exposure is stronger despite cooler temperatures

Booking accommodations in Zone 1 for convenience - This historic area floods during heavy rains and has limited evening dining options