Guatemala in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Guatemala in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guatemala City | 24° | 12° | 3 mm | very high | Mild |
| Villa Nueva | 26° | 13° | 1 mm | very high | Mild |
| Mixco | 22° | 11° | 5 mm | very high | Cool |
| Cobán | 23° | 11° | 112 mm | high | Cool |
| Quetzaltenango | 22° | 4° | 3 mm | very high | Cool |
| Jalapa | 24° | 13° | 8 mm | very high | Mild |
| Escuintla | 31° | 19° | 8 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)
The dry season’s sun makes January an excellent month for beach time along Monterrico and the surf breaks at Sipacate - mornings are bright and the sand is pleasantly warm while afternoons bring a cooling sea breeze. Sea temperatures are inviting for swimming and leatherback turtle tours are sometimes still active; check local guides for nesting windows. Road surfaces are firm, so drives to Puerto San José are straightforward, and expect fewer mosquitoes than during the wet season - pack reef-safe sunscreen and a light windbreaker for evenings.
Central Highlands (Antigua, Guatemala City, Lake Atitlán, Panajachel)
Cool, crisp mornings are a hallmark of January in Antigua and the highland towns around Lake Atitlán, with daytime highs comfortable in the late teens Celsius (60s-70s°F). Dry skies mean photographers and walkers enjoy clear views of Agua and Fuego volcanoes, though Fuego occasionally sends ash plumes that dust Antigua and close roads; follow local advisories. Nights can be chilly near the lake and in Guatemala City, so bring a warm jacket for evening walks and open-air markets.
Western Highlands & Sierra de los Cuchumatanes (Quetzaltenango/Xela, Huehuetenango, Todos Santos)
Morning chill is noticeable in January across Quetzaltenango (Xela) and the high Cuchumatanes, with temperatures often dropping close to freezing on exposed ridges and village plazas - coat and hat recommended for dawn markets. Daytime sunshine warms quickly but evenings return to brisk conditions; rural dirt tracks are dry and ideal for exploring highland villages and Mayan weaving towns. Altitude can leave visitors winded, so pace hikes and stay hydrated.
Petén & Maya Lowlands (Flores, Tikal, Yaxhá)
January is one of the best months to visit Petén: hot, dry days and lower humidity make touring the Tikal plazas and climbing Temple IV comfortable in the morning. Early sunrise birdcalls are spectacular, and mosquitoes are fewer than in wetter months - still carry repellent for dusk. Roads from Flores and boat rides on nearby lakes run reliably, and travel crowds are moderate as international visitors prefer the dry clarity.
Caribbean Coast & Izabal (Puerto Barrios, Río Dulce, Livingston, Izabal lake)
January brings pleasantly warm, relatively dry weather to Río Dulce, Puerto Barrios and Livingston; mornings are muggy but comfortable, and river breezes keep daytime heat manageable. This is a popular time for boat cruisers exploring the Río Dulce corridor and visiting Castillo de San Felipe, with good visibility for photography. Bring light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen and a mosquito spray for evenings in Livingston’s Garífuna neighborhoods.