In Guatemala, the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November) are distinct, and religious events and traditional festivals that align with climate changes have been deeply rooted for a long time. Below, the main events and climate characteristics for each season are introduced.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- End of the dry season and just before the start of the rainy season
- March: Hot during the day and cool at night
- April to May: Increase in afternoon thunderstorms
- Average temperature: 20-30℃
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| March |
Semana Santa (Holy Week) |
Large religious processions and carpets (decorative sand paintings) take place outdoors during this period of mostly sunny weather at the end of the dry season. |
| April |
Easter (Pascua) |
Holiday following Holy Week. Services and parades are concentrated in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. |
| May |
Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) |
Public holiday on May 1. Parades and gatherings are held across the country, as signs of the rainy season begin, typically sunny during the day but often thunderstorms in the afternoon. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Peak of the rainy season
- Intense thunderstorms and heavy rains frequently occur from daytime to evening
- Humidity over 80%, average temperature 22-28℃
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| June |
Día de San Juan (June 24) |
Early in the rainy season, a period rich in greenery. Festivals and religious processions are held by water bodies in each village, but they are organized mainly in the morning considering the afternoon rain. |
| July |
Fiesta de Santiago (Saint James Festival, July 25) |
Held in lakeside towns, outdoor activities occur in the breaks between thunderstorms, often with rain gear and covered seating provided. |
| August |
Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption of the Virgin, August 15) |
Masses and parades are held in churches across the country. There are days with heavy rain, but indoor activities are predominant or participants wear rain gear. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Transitioning from the end of the rainy season to the dry season
- September still has the possibility of heavy rain
- October to November sees a decrease in precipitation and an increase in sunny days
- Average temperature 20-27℃
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| September |
Día de la Independencia (Independence Day, September 15) |
At the end of the rainy season with occasional heavy rain, parades and fireworks take place in the morning in Guatemala City and across the country. |
| October |
Feria de Octubre (October Fair) |
Outdoor amusement parks and stalls flourish as rainfall begins to decrease. Nights are relatively cool, making it easier to hold outdoor concerts. |
| November |
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, November 1-2) |
Start of the dry season. Cemetery visits and large kite festivals (San Pango Grande Kites) take place in the clear air of early morning and evening. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- In the middle of the dry season
- Refreshing during the day, cool at night and in the early morning
- Almost no precipitation, average temperature 18-25℃
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| December |
Navidad (Christmas) |
Many sunny days make it perfect for outdoor illuminations and church services. The temperatures are mild and comfortable. |
| January |
Año Nuevo (New Year, January 1) |
Under dry, clear skies, fireworks and music events are held in various locations. It gets cold at night, so warm clothing is necessary. |
| February |
Carnaval (Carnival) |
At the end of the dry season, colorful parades and costume parades occur in moderate heat. Most activities are outdoors without concern for afternoon thunderstorms. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Example Main Events |
| Spring |
End of dry season to start of rainy season, increase in afternoon thunderstorms |
Semana Santa / Labor Day |
| Summer |
Peak of rainy season, high humidity and thunderstorms |
Día de San Juan / Fiesta de Santiago |
| Autumn |
End of rainy season to transition into dry season, decrease in heavy rain |
Día de la Independencia / Día de los Muertos |
| Winter |
Dry season, sunny days, refreshing during the day, cold at night |
Navidad / Carnaval |
Additional Notes
- The climatic rhythm of the dry and rainy seasons is closely linked to the agricultural calendar, forming harvest festivals and religious events.
- Catholic events from the colonial period have blended with indigenous customs.
- The diversity of traditional culture is also influenced by the climatic conditions of each region.
Seasonal events in Guatemala are deeply intertwined with climatic conditions, enriching the people's faith and rhythm of life.
Light rain shower