Tikal, nestled in the Petén rainforest of northern Guatemala, features a tropical monsoon climate with consistently high temperatures and humidity year-round. The region experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with heavy rainfall from May to October and drier, sunnier weather from November to April. Lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and dramatic seasonal contrasts define Tikal’s atmospheric jungle setting.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Tikal’s climate is shaped by its lowland rainforest location and tropical monsoon pattern. Average annual temperatures are warm, with highs ranging from 29°C in the coolest months (December–February) to 37°C in the hottest month (April). Nighttime lows remain mild year-round, typically between 18°C and 23°C. Humidity is consistently high, averaging over 80%, and the air can feel steamy, especially during the wet season. Sunshine is plentiful, with 7 to 13 hours per day depending on the month.
The region’s wet season spans May to October, bringing frequent heavy showers, especially from June to September when monthly rainfall can exceed 170–230 mm. September is the wettest month, while February is the driest, with as little as 21–26 mm of rain. Rain often falls in intense bursts, followed by clear skies. The dry season, from November to April, is marked by lower rainfall, more sunshine, and slightly cooler nights, creating ideal conditions for exploring the ancient ruins and surrounding jungle. Winds are generally light (4–10 km/h), and the forest canopy helps moderate temperature extremes. Tikal’s climate supports dense rainforest, vibrant wildlife, and a unique archaeological experience in every season.
| Average climate data for Tikal, Guatemala | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 27 | 30 | 32 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 35 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 17 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 34 | 21 | 23 | 48 | 84 | 153 | 70 | 103 | 102 | 123 | 50 | 35 | 846 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 23 | 24 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 15 | 227 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 84 | 80 | 75 | 69 | 72 | 82 | 77 | 79 | 82 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 79 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 63 | 56 | 49 | 41 | 46 | 55 | 54 | 55 | 58 | 61 | 65 | 61 | 55 |
| Average UV index | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The best time to visit Tikal is from February to April, when rainfall is lowest, days are sunny and warm, and humidity is more manageable. These months offer ideal conditions for exploring the ruins, hiking jungle trails, and enjoying wildlife with fewer weather disruptions and comfortable nights.
The least favourable time to visit is from June to September, when heavy rain and high humidity can make trails muddy, limit outdoor activities, and occasionally cause local flooding. While the rainforest is lush and wildlife active, travel can be less comfortable due to persistent showers and steamy conditions.
Tikal has a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures (29–37°C) and humidity all year. There are distinct wet (May–Oct) and dry (Nov–Apr) seasons, with heavy rain in summer and sunnier, drier weather in winter.
The best time to visit Tikal is from February to April, when rainfall is lowest, days are warm and sunny, and conditions are ideal for exploring ruins and jungle trails.
Yes, Tikal receives significant rainfall, especially from June to September, when monthly totals can exceed 170–230 mm. The dry season (Nov–Apr) is much less rainy, with February being the driest month.
April is the hottest month, with average highs reaching 37°C. Most of the year sees daytime highs between 29°C and 34°C, with warm, humid nights rarely dropping below 18°C.
Tikal can be visited year-round, but the rainy season (May–Oct) brings heavy showers and muddy trails. Wildlife is active and the rainforest is lush, but outdoor plans may need to be flexible due to rain.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, a hat, and insect repellent. For the wet season, bring a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and a dry bag for electronics. Early mornings are best for wildlife and cooler temperatures.
Yes, mosquitoes and insects are common, especially in the wet season. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers when hiking, and consider accommodations with screens or nets for comfort.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is April (34.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (27.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 31.2 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is June (22.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (17.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 20 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (153.1 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (21 mm). Over the whole year there are 845.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is September (26.7 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is March (11.8 days). Over the whole year there are 226.8 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is December (85 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is April (69.4 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 79.4 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is July (6.5 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is November (4.3 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 5.5 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is November (64.9 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is April (40.6 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 55.3 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 13 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are January and December (Average daylight: 11 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 9.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 4.9 h). Over the whole year there are 6.9 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are March, April, May, June and July (UV index: 7). The month with the lowest average UV index is January (UV index: 5). Over the whole year the average UV index is 6.3.
