Lake Atitlán, Guatemala: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Lake Atitlán, Guatemala? If you're planning to go to Lake Atitlán, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Based on the climate and weather in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, the best time to go is March. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lake Atitlán, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Lake Atitlán, Guatemala by month

January

January in this region is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February for Lake Atitlán is constantly hot, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March here is extremely hot, extremely hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

Traveling to Lake Atitlán in April, you will notice that it is extremely hot, extremely hazy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

May

If you vacation in Lake Atitlán during May, you will probably see that it can be sweltering, somewhat stormy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

June

June in Lake Atitlán is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you visit Lake Atitlán during July, you are likely to notice that it is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

August

If you vacation in Lake Atitlán during August, you will probably find that it is consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

If you visit Lake Atitlán during September, you will probably find that it is hot, very rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

If you vacation in Lake Atitlán during October, you will probably find that it is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you vacation in Lake Atitlán during December, you will probably find that it can be very hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guatemala has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Lake Atitlán. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

What to do in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán in Guatemala is known for its tranquil ambience and stunning natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes and a thriving collection of vibrant villages. If you're planning a trip to this Central American gem, check out these top tourist attractions in Lake Atitlán.

1. Santiago Atitlán

Santiago Atitlán is a colorful, bustling village located on the southwestern shore of Lake Atitlán. It is one of the largest towns in the region and is renowned for its artisan market, where you can buy handcrafted goods, including textiles, clothing, and pottery. Don't miss the chance to visit the local cathedral, one of the most significant religious sites in Guatemala.

2. San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos La Laguna is situated on the southwestern shore of the lake and is a popular spot for spiritual travelers. The village features holistic centers, yoga studios, and meditation retreats. It's also a great place to relax with some organic food at one of the lakeside restaurants or cafes.

3. Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is a town located in the nearby highlands, famous for its bustling markets. The most well-known is the Thursday Market, where vendors sell everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery. It's a great place to purchase souvenirs and experience the vibrant culture of Guatemala.

4. Indian Nose

Indian Nose is a popular viewpoint on the northeastern shore of the lake, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the water and surrounding mountains. The best time to visit is at sunrise when the sky is painted in shades of pink and orange. You can reach the viewpoint on foot or by hiring a local guide.

5. Eco-Farms

Lake Atitlán is an ideal destination for those interested in eco-tourism. The region boasts a variety of organic farms and eco-lodges, where you can learn about sustainable living in harmony with nature. Some of the most popular farms include Valle Sagrado and Finca Tz'enjuyu.

Whether you're interested in traditional culture, outdoor adventures, or spiritual rejuvenation, Lake Atitlán has plenty to offer. These top tourist attractions are just a few of the many experiences available in Guatemala's jewel of the highlands.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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