Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Guatemala
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Guatemala? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Guatemala
The most expensive time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season and around major cultural and religious festivals, when international and domestic tourism peaks.
Dry Season (November to April)
This is the most popular time for visitors due to sunny skies and pleasant weather.
- Hotels in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores (near Tikal) are at their highest rates.
- Tourist attractions and hiking trails are busy.
Christmas & New Year (Late December to Early January)
Holiday travel and celebrations raise demand across the country.
- Hotels and flights become significantly more expensive.
- Popular destinations like Antigua and Guatemala City fill up quickly.
Semana Santa – Holy Week (March or April, varies by year)
Antigua’s Semana Santa is one of the most famous in the world, attracting thousands of visitors.
- Hotels sell out months in advance at elevated prices.
- Flights and buses are in very high demand.
Easter to Early May (Post-Semana Santa, before rains begin)
Tourism remains strong before the wet season sets in.
- Hotels and tours are still more expensive than in summer.
- Popular ruins and lakeside towns remain busy.
Cheapest Time to Visit Guatemala
The cheapest time to visit Guatemala is during the rainy season and shoulder months, when demand falls and prices drop.
Rainy Season (May to October)
Daily afternoon showers deter many travelers.
- Hotels and flights are at their lowest of the year.
- Attractions like Tikal and Lake Atitlán are far less crowded.
Late October (End of Rainy Season, before peak tourism)
This short shoulder period offers lower costs with improving weather.
- Hotels provide discounts to attract early travelers.
- Tourist sites remain relatively quiet.
Early November (Before the holiday rush)
A budget-friendly period with clear skies beginning to return.
- Hotels and flights are still affordable.
- Ideal for visiting ruins and highland towns with fewer crowds.
Price Summary Table for Season Guatemala Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – April (Dry Season) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Best weather, heavy international tourism |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Very High | Christmas & New Year holidays, high demand |
| March/April (Semana Santa) | 💲💲💲 High | World-famous Easter processions in Antigua |
| Easter – Early May | 💲💲💲 High | Post-Holy Week tourism before rainy season |
| May – Oct (Rainy Season) | 💲 Lowest | Afternoon rains, cheapest hotels & flights |
| Late October | 💲 Low | Pre-peak shoulder, affordable rates |
| Early November | 💲 Low–Mid | Budget-friendly travel before holiday rush |
How To Save Money When Visiting Guatemala?
When you go will most certainly make the difference in costs like flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel dates with Guatemala’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut expenses. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
Sara Miller
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