Weather
If you visit Guatemala in February, you can expect warm, dry days, with little to no rainfall across the whole country. Temperatures range from around 75°F in the Highlands to 88°F on the Pacific Coast, but can still get chilly at night, especially in the Highlands and the mountains. Still, with over eight hours of sunshine a day, on average, this is the perfect time to go exploring.
Crowds & Costs
Bridging the gap between the high season months of December and January, and the hot spring months of March and April, February still has the ideal weather of the peak season, but with fewer crowds and cheaper prices. It is possible to be a little more laidback with your plans, but we still recommend booking ahead wherever possible, especially if you only have a limited amount of time.
If Ash Wednesday falls in February then you can expect Antigua to also get quite busy, as processions take place on this day and every weekend in Lent—the 40-day period leading up to Easter. The week before Easter, known as Semana Santa (Holy Week), also gets very busy especially in Antigua, so the earlier that is in the year, the busier February can be.
Where to Go
Without the crowds of high season, February is quite simply, one of the best months to go everywhere. Explore the Central Highlands, chill on Lake Atitlan, swim in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, wander through the cobbled streets of Antigua, relax on the river in Rio Dulce, and shop in the biggest market in Central America in Chichicastenango. It's also ideal weather to visit Tikal before it gets too hot and too humid.
If you're looking for peace and quiet, then you might want to stay in one of the eco-resorts surrounding the tourist centers. Some offer free transport into the city center, whereas others are just a boat-ride away, like San Pedros on Lake Atitlán. Alternatively, you can stay right in the midst of the action, with amazing colonial casas on the streets in Antigua and on the island of Flores, and hip, inspired hotels in Guatemala City.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Whether you want to go paddleboarding on an ancient caldera lake, climb an active volcano (or three), trek through the jungle, explore historic sites, shop until you drop, sample all the delicious local food and drink, or just relax and soak up the legendary Guatemalan hospitality, February has you covered. This is a great month for activities throughout the country.
If you visit at the beginning of the month, you can also head an hour or two south from Guatemala City to Frajianes for the annual Coffee Harvest Celebration and see the streets come to life with parades, processions, and market stalls.
Events in February
Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter Sunday). Marking the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent, Ash Wednesday is celebrated across Guatemala. The biggest celebrations take place in Antigua, where all the churches have vigils and processions to mark this momentous occasion.
Lent. The 40-day period leading up to Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter is celebrated with vigils, parades, and worship, starting off every Sunday and then increasing in size and frequency in the lead-up to one of the biggest celebrations in the Catholic calendar, especially in Antigua. While the ceremonies in the church can be quite solemn and traditional, the streets hold a more jovial atmosphere, with market stalls, food, and festivities.
Coffee Harvest Celebration, Frajianes (early February). The Coffee Harvest Celebration in Frajianes is the biggest in the country, consisting of a weekend filled with festivities from parades and processions, to traditional music and concerts, dancing, and, of course, coffee. Coinciding with two major religious events, the celebrations begin with the procession for the Virgen de Candelaria, and ends with the celebration of El Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.
Traveling to Guatemala in February? Check out this great itinerary.
Guatemalan Culture & Outdoor Tour - 10 Days. This whistlestop trip takes you from Guatemala City to Cobán, Semuc Champey, Tikal, Rio Dulce, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango and onto Antigua, showcasing some of the best sights Guatemala has to offer, including the stunning Ram Tzul waterfall and the Calendaria caves in Alta Verapaz.
Want to slow it down or add a few days to the beginning of the trip to visit Frajianes for the coffee harvest festival? Just get in touch with our Guatemala experts and we'll help put together your perfect itinerary.
More Helpful Information
Guatemala in January
Guatemala in March
Best Time of Year to Visit Guatemala
Guatemala Tours and Itineraries