November marks the beginning of the dry season, with clearer skies and cooler nights at higher elevations. Crowds begin to pick up again, particularly toward late November and December.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 14-26°C (57-79°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in November
CityLow / highRain
Guatemala City
Mild
13°24° 32 mm
Villa Nueva
Mild
14°26° 26 mm
Mixco
Cool
12°22° 37 mm
Cobán
Mild
13°24° 226 mm
Quetzaltenango
Cool
6°22° 44 mm
Jalapa
Mild
14°24° 39 mm
Escuintla
Warm
20°30° 110 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 November.
Where to Go in Guatemala in November
Pacific Coast & Southern Lowlands
Monterrico, Sipacate, Puerto San José
November ushers in the dry season: sunny mornings, lower humidity and stable sea conditions make November one of the most pleasant months for beach hopping and boat trips to mangroves. Leatherback and olive ridley turtle activity may be recorded, depending on nesting cycles, and coastal birdwatching is excellent as migratory species are present. With clearer skies, views of Fuego, Acatenango and Pacaya are crisp - sunglasses and sun protection are essential.
Central Highlands
Antigua, Guatemala City, Lake Atitlán, Panajachel
November opens the dry season with cool, sunny days and excellent visibility across the highlands - Antigua’s cobbled streets and Guatemala City’s museums are at their best for walking tours. Lake Atitlán mornings are clear and calm, ideal for boat hops to Panajachel or Santiago Atitlán; nights can drop into single digits Celsius at higher elevations, so layers are essential. This is one of the safest months for summit hikes and volcanic trekking.
Western Highlands & Sierra de los Cuchumatanes
Quetzaltenango/Xela, Huehuetenango, Todos Santos
November reintroduces long dry spells and excellent visibility across highland peaks, with cool nights and sunny daytime conditions that are ideal for walking tours and summit pushes. The risk of muddy tracks is much lower, and local transport schedules stabilize, easing connections to remote villages. Because this is a favorable time for outdoor travel, lodgings in popular towns like Xela may book up on weekends - plan ahead.
Petén & Maya Lowlands
Flores, Tikal, Yaxhá
November opens the dry season with clearer skies, lower humidity and comfortable visiting conditions through Flores and Tikal - this is a prime month for extended ruin visits and wildlife watching. Nights are more pleasant and mosquito pressure drops, improving sleep at jungle lodges. Transport links by road and river are reliable again, and lodges book up as visitors arrive for the more stable weather; reserve early if planning a multi-night stay.
Caribbean Coast & Izabal
Puerto Barrios, Río Dulce, Livingston, Izabal lake
November brings drier, more comfortable conditions to Puerto Barrios, Livingston and Río Dulce - mornings are bright with a cooling river breeze and fewer mosquitoes than in wet months. Boat tours resume regular timetables and the mangrove scenery looks refreshed after months of rain; early bookings for December are wise. Evenings cool slightly, so a light layer for post-sunset strolls along the waterfront is useful.
Events & Festivals in November
Giant Kite Festival (Sumpango)
All Saints' Day (November 1) features traditional giant kite displays in places like Sumpango and Santiaguito.
Planning a trip to Guatemala?
See how November compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
