Marking the end of the winter and the beginning of the humid spring, March is one of the hottest months in Guatemala—expect little to no rain, and temperatures sometimes reaching over 90°F. Still, this makes it the perfect time to enjoy Guatemala’s many swimming spots, including ancient volcanic lakes, limestone pools, tropical waterfalls, ice-cold rivers, and black sand beaches. Read on to find out more reasons why you should visit Guatemala in March.
Guatemala in March: A Traveler’s Guide to Weather, Crowds, and Cultural Celebrations
Guatemala in the spring offers a unique travel experience, blending warm weather with vibrant cultural events. However, it’s crucial to be prepared for the specific conditions and plan accordingly. This guide provides insights into the weather, crowds, costs, and must-see destinations in Guatemala during the month of March.
Weather
Springtime in Guatemala generally means warm and humid conditions prevail throughout the country. Average temperatures hover around 85°F, although the mountainous highlands offer a slightly cooler respite. While daytime temperatures can be pleasant, remember that higher altitudes can still experience chilly conditions, especially during the evenings. While the temperature is warm, visibility may be reduced compared to the winter months, and the combination of heat and humidity can make for sweaty days. This weather isn’t ideal for strenuous activities like trekking through the mountains or climbing volcanoes. If hiking is a priority, start early to enjoy the best possible views before the midday heat and the inevitable afternoon clouds roll in, obscuring the vistas. Planning outdoor activities in the cooler parts of the day will help ensure a more enjoyable experience and make the most of Guatemala’s stunning natural landscape. The humidity can be a factor, so remember to hydrate to enjoy your visit.
Crowds and Costs
The crowd situation in Guatemala during March varies significantly depending on the time of the month and the proximity to Holy Week. The early part of March may offer a quieter experience with shoulder-season prices, making it a great time to visit if you are looking to avoid crowds. As the month progresses and the anticipation for Holy Week (Semana Santa) builds, prices tend to increase, and crowds become more prevalent, especially around the popular destination of Antigua. Semana Santa, the week leading up to Easter, is one of Guatemala’s most significant tourist attractions. The entire country celebrates with solemn street parades, intricate carpets made of colorful sawdust, and arrangements of fresh fruit and flowers, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Accommodation during Semana Santa is highly sought after, and bookings are often made months, even years, in advance. Therefore, planning ahead is absolutely essential if you plan to witness these remarkable celebrations, particularly on Easter Sunday itself. If you find that Antigua is too crowded, consider heading to other destinations like Tikal, where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins, or Rio Dulce, with its lush rainforest and tranquil waterways. Quetzaltenango, known locally as Xela, also offers amazing cultural celebrations without the overwhelming crowds of Antigua. Exploring alternative locations during Semana Santa offers a chance to experience authentic Guatemalan culture while avoiding the intense tourism. Each location provides its own way to celebrate the holy day.
Where to Go
Despite the potentially oppressive heat, Guatemala in the spring offers numerous exciting destinations. The key is to incorporate refreshing rewards into your itinerary, such as a dip in a cold pool or standing beneath a cascading waterfall, which provides the motivation to explore.
If you plan to visit Tikal, consider staying in one of the lodges located within the national park. This offers the convenience of taking the morning tour of the Mayan ruins and then returning to your hotel to relax by the pool in the tranquil jungle surroundings before venturing out again in the cooler afternoon hours.
Alternatively, head to Monterrico and the Pacific coast to enjoy the sun and sand on the beach. For a truly unique experience, swim in the tiered limestone pools of Semuc Champey. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike to the viewpoint above Semuc Champey to capture an unforgettable vista of the turquoise water nestled in the jungle. The views are absolutely worth the effort.
If your visit coincides with Ash Wednesday, any weekends during Lent, or Holy Week, make sure to visit Antigua or Xela to witness the incredible spectacles unfolding in these cities. While Holy Week is the main event, processions occur on Ash Wednesday and every weekend during Lent. With careful planning, you could visit Antigua, then journey to a serene location such as Lake Atitlán before returning to Antigua in time for Easter Weekend. The Easter Weekend celebrations are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, culminating in breathtaking fireworks displays.
What to Do
March is an excellent time to visit Guatemala’s beaches. For those seeking adventure, explore Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango to discover stunning waterfalls, cenotes, and natural swimming pools hidden within the lush jungle. It’s also a favorable time to visit Rio Dulce, where you can experience a hot spring waterfall, relax in a riverside bungalow, or take a boat trip to Livingston on the Caribbean coast.
If you prefer cooler climates, head to the mountains and explore Xela or the hills surrounding Antigua. Here, you’ll find eco-lodges offering incredible views of the city and its volcanoes. However, booking in advance is highly recommended, as these lodges tend to be quite popular, so plan ahead to be rewarded.
Events in March
Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter Sunday): Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent and is celebrated throughout Guatemala. The most significant celebrations take place in Antigua, where churches host vigils and processions to commemorate this occasion.
Lent: The 40-day period leading up to Semana Santa and Easter is observed with vigils, parades, and worship services. These activities start every Sunday and increase in scale and frequency as Semana Santa approaches, culminating in one of the biggest celebrations in the Catholic calendar, particularly in Antigua. While the church ceremonies are often solemn and traditional, the streets are filled with a more festive atmosphere, featuring market stalls, food vendors, and various festivities.
Semana Santa (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday): Holy Week is one of the largest celebrations in Guatemala each year, with processions and parades taking place across the country. The most elaborate festivities occur in Antigua and Quetzaltenango, where colorful carpets adorn the streets and traditional parades are held daily. It’s also a unique time to visit Santiago Atitlán and pay homage to Saint Maximón. He is paraded through the streets on his way to his new home, where he will reside for the following year.
Traveling to Guatemala in March provides a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins and relaxing on beaches to witnessing profound cultural traditions. Be sure to consider the weather, plan for potential crowds, and embrace the spirit of this vibrant country.
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