Guatemala in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Guatemala in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala City | 24° | 12° | 7 mm | very high | Mild |
| Villa Nueva | 26° | 13° | 4 mm | very high | Mild |
| Mixco | 22° | 11° | 7 mm | very high | Cool |
| Cobán | 24° | 12° | 123 mm | high | Cool |
| Quetzaltenango | 22° | 4° | 9 mm | very high | Cool |
| Jalapa | 24° | 13° | 15 mm | very high | Mild |
| Escuintla | 30° | 19° | 17 mm | very high | Warm |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Pacific Coast & Southern Lowlands (Monterrico, Sipacate, Puerto San José)
December is a high-season month with warm days, cool nights and steady breezes that make beach stays comfortable without the heavy rains; holiday travel around Christmas increases demand for coastal lodgings. Boat trips on Río Coyolate and mangrove tours are smooth and commonly sold out on weekends, so book early. Expect pleasant early-morning fog some days that burns off by mid-morning, and bring a light layer for after-sunset breezes.
Central Highlands (Antigua, Guatemala City, Lake Atitlán, Panajachel)
December blends cool highland mornings and dry sunny afternoons, and Antigua fills with domestic and international visitors for holiday markets and cultural events. Lake Atitlán can be chilly overnight, so expect to pack warm night clothes; daytime boat trips remain comfortable. Because December is high season, arrange accommodations and transport early around holidays, and be mindful of increased local travel during national celebrations.
Western Highlands & Sierra de los Cuchumatanes (Quetzaltenango/Xela, Huehuetenango, Todos Santos)
December returns clear, cold mornings and bright days to the Cuchumatanes and western highlands, with temperatures often dipping near freezing on exposed ridgelines and higher settlements at night. Mountain treks are accessible and winter festivals enliven town centers, but be prepared for stiff early-morning winds and purposeful sun by midday. Bring a warm hat, layered clothing and a reliable daypack for sudden microclimate shifts.
Petén & Maya Lowlands (Flores, Tikal, Yaxhá)
December offers sunny, warm days and cool, pleasant nights by Lake Petén Itzá - early-morning tours of Tikal are especially rewarding during the dry season. Visitor numbers rise in the holidays, so pacing and advance bookings are advisable. Evening bonfires and guided nocturnal wildlife walks are popular and comfortable in the reduced humidity; bring a light long-sleeve for evenings and modest insect protection for night activities.
Caribbean Coast & Izabal (Puerto Barrios, Río Dulce, Livingston, Izabal lake)
December is popular for visitors seeking river cruises and Caribbean culture, with warm days, gentle breezes and mostly dry conditions making island and river access reliable. Holiday travel can push up lodgings along the Río Dulce corridor and Livingston, so reserve river taxis and cabins early. Pack light tropical clothing for days and a thin sweater for shaded riverboat evenings when breezes feel cooler.