Guatemala Rainy Season 2025

Why This Is the Best Time to Visit

Guatemala Rainy Season 2025. Many travel blogs will tell you to avoid Guatemala’s rainy season, claiming it rains all day, every day. After living here for over 20 years, I can assure you—that’s simply not true.

The rainy season in Guatemala typically runs from May through October, but mornings are usually clear and beautiful. When the rain does come, it often arrives in the late afternoon or evening, lasting for a short burst before clearing again. These light rains cool the air, nourish the landscape, and create some of the most lush, vibrant views of the year.

In 2025, weather patterns are shifting. Coffee flowers, which normally bloom in June, began appearing as early as April this year. And the harvest, typically completed by March, was nearly a month late. These subtle changes are part of a larger trend—but they also highlight a great opportunity: now is the perfect time to visit Guatemala.

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Why You Should Travel to Guatemala During the Rainy Season

1. Fewer Tourists and a More Authentic Experience
Traveling in the rainy season means fewer crowds at popular destinations like Lake Atitlán, Antigua, and Semuc Champey. You’ll have a more intimate experience with locals, markets, and cultural sites.

2. Lower Travel Costs
Hotels, boutique lodges, and Airbnb stays are often much more affordable between May and October. Many guided tours also drop their prices, making this the ideal season for travelers looking to explore Guatemala on a budget.

3. Nature at Its Most Vibrant
The landscape during the rainy season is incredibly green and full of life. Volcanoes are often clearly visible in the early morning, the lakes are sparkling, and flowers bloom in every village.

4. Coffee and Cacao Production in Action
This is a unique time to witness the coffee flowering season and see cacao being harvested and processed. Whether you’re a specialty coffee enthusiast or just curious about how chocolate is made, the rainy season offers rare opportunities for immersive, hands-on learning.

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Top Villages to Visit in Guatemala Guatemala Rainy Season 2025

If you’re planning a rainy season itinerary in Guatemala, these destinations offer the best combination of culture, nature, and authentic experiences, without the crowds.

San Juan La Laguna – Lake Atitlán

This peaceful village is known for its organic coffee farms, traditional natural dye weaving cooperatives, and local art galleries. During rainy season, mornings are ideal for walking the lakefront, touring La Voz Coffee Cooperative, or participating in cacao-making workshops led by Mayan women.
Visit: ethicalfashionguatemala.com

San Pedro La Laguna – Lake Atitlán

A laid-back destination with deep cultural roots, San Pedro offers morning hikes on Volcán San Pedro and excellent opportunities to taste microlot coffee grown right in the village.
Try a tasting session at one of the small coffee roasters to learn how the harvest and roasting process affect flavor.

Santa Catarina Palopó – Lake Atitlán

Known for its painted houses and vibrant textiles, this lakeside village is quiet during the rainy season. Explore artisan workshops, walk cobbled streets, and take in sweeping views of Lake Atitlán without the tourist crowds.

Cobán – Alta Verapaz

Located in Guatemala’s cloud forest region, Cobán is famous for its premium cacao and rich biodiversity. While it receives more rain than other regions, it’s worth the trip to tour traditional cacao farms where beans are fermented in sweat boxes and processed by hand.
Ask about ceremonial cacao preparation with Q’eqchi’ Maya communities.

Huehuetenango

Home to some of the world’s most highly rated microlot coffees, Huehuetenango is a coffee lover’s paradise. During the rainy season, you’ll have a better chance of meeting small producers and learning about their work without the rush of export deadlines or tourist groups.

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Local Coffee and Cacao Tours in Guatemala

The rainy season is the perfect time to go behind the scenes of Guatemala’s coffee and cacao industries. Here are a few experiences to check out:

Coffee Farm and Roastery Tour – San Juan La Laguna
Includes a tour of a microlot coffee farm, roasting demonstrations, and guided tastings.
Hosted by local families in partnership with Ethical Fashion Guatemala.
Details: ethicalfashionguatemala.com/coffee.

Cacao Workshop – From Bean to Paste
Explore every stage of traditional cacao preparation—from harvesting and fermentation to grinding and ceremonial use.
Offered by Mayan cooperatives in San Juan La Laguna and Cobán.
More info: ethicalfashionguatemala.com/cacao

Textile and Artisan Market Tours
Learn about backstrap weaving, natural dyes, and meet the women preserving these ancient skills. Best experienced in San Juan La Laguna, Santa Catarina Palopó, or Santiago Atitlán.

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Rainy Season

Guatemala’s rainy season is one of the most underrated times to visit. You’ll find clear mornings, quiet afternoons, dramatic sunsets, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of life in the highlands.

If you’re looking for a meaningful travel experience—where you can support local producers, explore vibrant culture, and see Guatemala at its most beautiful—then rainy season 2025 is the time to go.

Guatemala Rainy Season 2025