January falls in Guatemala's dry season, with cool mornings in the highlands and warm days in the lowlands. Skies are usually clear and roads are generally reliable for travel to colonial towns and lakes.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 14-26°C (57-79°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in January
CityLow / highRain
Guatemala City
Mild
12°24° 3 mm
Villa Nueva
Mild
13°26° 1 mm
Mixco
Cool
11°22° 5 mm
Cobán
Cool
11°23° 112 mm
Quetzaltenango
Cool
4°22° 3 mm
Jalapa
Mild
13°24° 8 mm
Escuintla
Warm
19°31° 8 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 January.
Where to Go in Guatemala in January
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.
Events & Festivals in January
Día de los Reyes (Epiphany)
Epiphany (January 6) is observed in many towns with religious services and local customs.
Planning a trip to Guatemala?
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
