December is in the dry season and is a popular time to visit colonial towns and highland lakes, with crisp mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures. Expect higher prices and busier hotels, especially around Christmas and New Year.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 14-25°C (57-77°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in December
CityLow / highRain
Guatemala City
Mild
12°24° 7 mm
Villa Nueva
Mild
13°26° 4 mm
Mixco
Cool
11°22° 7 mm
Cobán
Cool
12°24° 123 mm
Quetzaltenango
Cool
4°22° 9 mm
Jalapa
Mild
13°24° 15 mm
Escuintla
Warm
19°30° 17 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Guatemala in December.
Where to Go in Guatemala in December
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.
Events & Festivals in December
Christmas celebrations
Christmas is widely observed with religious services and family gatherings; travel to towns like Antigua is popular in the lead-up to the holiday.
Planning a trip to Guatemala?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
