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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

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

Contents

When to go to Panajachel, Guatemala

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

What to wear/what to pack for Panajachel, Guatemala

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Panajachel, Guatemala by month

January

If you visit Panajachel during January, you are likely to find that it can be sweltering 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 low 70s F (low 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Panajachel. 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 luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Many 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 get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

If you vacation in Panajachel during February, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Panajachel. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

If you vacation in Panajachel during March, you are likely to find that it can be very hot, extremely hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, 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 Panajachel. 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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April is really 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Panajachel. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May is constantly hot, somewhat stormy and very hazy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

June

In June, Panajachel is consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Panajachel, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

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 recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 Panajachel. 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 step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

July

In July, Panajachel is hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Panajachel, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

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

  • 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 frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

August

August in Panajachel is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 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 Panajachel. 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 luggage these days, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

September

September here is extremely warm, very rainy and very stormy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 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 always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Panajachel. 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October here is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Panajachel. 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

November

If you are traveling to Panajachel in November, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • 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. It's important that you get the right type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in this region can be very 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.

  • 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 Panajachel. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

What to do in Panajachel, Guatemala

Panajachel is a small and charming town that is located in the western region of Guatemala. It is famously known as the gateway to Lake Atitlan, which is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. This area is filled with stunning mountain ranges, breathtaking views, and a rich cultural heritage that makes it one of the top tourist destinations in the region.

If you are planning to visit Panajachel, here are some of the top tourist attractions that you can check out:

1. Lake Atitlan: This is the biggest attraction in the Panajachel region, and it is easy to see why. The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes, which creates breathtaking views that tourists find unforgettable. You can rent a kayak, go swimming, or take a boat ride and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

2. Santa Catarina Palopo: This small village is located just outside of Panajachel, and it is home to a large indigenous population. The village is known for its traditional weavings and crafts, which make great souvenirs. While you are here, make sure to check out the local markets and food stalls, which sell some of the best traditional foods in the region.

3. The Mayan Trail: For history buffs and adventure seekers, the Mayan Trail is an attraction that cannot be missed. This ancient trail starts in Panajachel and leads all the way to Guatemala City. It is a great way to explore the region's rich cultural heritage, as you'll see ruins, ancient temples, and other historic sites along the way.

4. Nature Reserves and Parks: There are several nature reserves and parks in the Panajachel area that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. These parks feature hiking trails, picnic areas, and bird-watching opportunities. Some popular nature reserves and parks include the Waterfall Reserve, Chicabal Lagoon Reserve, and the Atitlan Nature Reserve.

5. La Galeria: This is an art gallery that is located in the heart of Panajachel town. It offers a unique perspective on the local art scene, as it features work by both local and international artists. This gallery is home to some of the most popular art exhibits in the region and is a must-visit if you have a love for the arts.

In conclusion, Panajachel is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Guatemala. From natural beauty to cultural heritage, this region is an adventure waiting to happen. Make sure to check out some of the top tourist attractions listed above when planning your trip to Panajachel, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Corte, France, Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marigot, Saint Martin, Arkansas, Arkansas, United States of America, Argalasti, Greece, Puerto San José, Guatemala, Valley of the Kings, Egypt, Clay, West Virginia, United States of America, Berlin, New Hampshire, United States of America, Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Ecuador, and Surendranagar, India.