Weather in Tikal

About Tikal

Tikal is Guatemala's greatest Mayan treasure—pyramids and palaces rising from the jungle like an ancient city frozen in time. The largest pyramid reaches 65 meters above the rainforest canopy, offering sunrise views across unbroken jungle. Tikal remains largely excavated, with vines still clinging to stone and jaguars allegedly prowling the forest floor.

Country

Guatemala

Best months to visit

January, February, December

Currency

GTQ

Language

Spanish

Things to do in Tikal

Pyramid climbing and exploration Jungle hiking on marked trails Sunrise viewing from highest pyramid Mayan ruin archaeology tours with guides Birdwatching and wildlife spotting in protected reserve Overnight jungle lodge stays with night sounds

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

February

29C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

March

32C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

April

35C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

May

34C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

June

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

32C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

August

33C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

September

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

November

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

December

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Tikal's towering limestone temples rise above the rainforest canopy of northern Guatemala's Petén region, once the heart of one of the most powerful Maya city-states and now a UNESCO World Heritage site shared with howler monkeys, toucans and ocellated turkeys. Climbing Temple IV for sunrise over a sea of mist and jungle is one of Central America's defining travel moments.

Best areas to stay in Tikal

Great Plaza

The iconic central plaza flanked by Temples I and II, the most photographed part of the site.

Temple IV area

The tallest structure at Tikal, climbed for sunrise and sunset views over the jungle canopy.

Lost World (Mundo Perdido)

A quieter complex of older pyramids on the opposite side of the site from the Great Plaza.

Flores (base town)

The colourful island town on Lake Petén Itzá used as the main accommodation base for Tikal visits.

Getting to Tikal

✈

Flights

Flores' Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) has flights from Guatemala City (about 1 hour); the park entrance is roughly 1 hour by road from Flores.

⏱

From London

~1 hour by air from Guatemala City plus ~1 hour by road to the park.

🚕

Getting around

Shuttles and organised tours run from Flores to Tikal; within the site, walking between temple groups covers significant distances.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tikal?

The dry season from November to April offers easier hiking conditions, though the park is open year-round.

Is the sunrise tour worth it?

Yes — special early-entry permits allow visitors to climb Temple IV before dawn to watch the jungle canopy emerge from mist, with howler monkeys often calling nearby.

How much time do you need at Tikal?

A full day allows time to see the main plazas and climb several temples; sunrise or sunset add-ons require an early start or late departure.

Where do most visitors stay?

Flores, on an island in nearby Lake Petén Itzá, is the main base, about an hour from the park entrance.

What wildlife might you see?

Howler and spider monkeys, toucans, ocellated turkeys and coatis are commonly spotted throughout the ruins.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Climbed Temple IV in the dark and watched the jungle slowly appear through the mist with howler monkeys roaring below — genuinely unforgettable.

Andre F. · February 2024

★★★★★

Spent a full day wandering between temple groups and barely saw another group at the Lost World complex — felt like we had it to ourselves.

Yara H. · April 2023

★★★★☆

The scale of the Great Plaza is hard to capture in photos — standing between the two main temples gives a real sense of how significant this city once was.

Connor M. · December 2023