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

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

Contents

When to go to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

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

What to wear/what to pack for Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you go to Quetzaltenango in January, you will notice that it can be very hot and dry with little rain. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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 Quetzaltenango. 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 things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct kind. Many adapters currently available 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 work in most countries.

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

February

If you vacation in Quetzaltenango during February, you are likely to find that it can be sweltering, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find 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 large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • 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. Be careful to get the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now 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 should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

March here can be sweltering, 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 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Quetzaltenango. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

April

If you go to Quetzaltenango in April, you will notice that it can be very 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.

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage 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 Quetzaltenango. 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • 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

May

May for Quetzaltenango is constantly hot, somewhat stormy and very hazy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

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 Quetzaltenango. 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 stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

In June, Quetzaltenango 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 Quetzaltenango, 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 airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Quetzaltenango. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers 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 areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you are traveling to Quetzaltenango in July, you will notice that it is hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Quetzaltenango. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

August

August in this region is really hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • 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 repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option 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

  • Voltage step down adapter

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

In September, Quetzaltenango is extremely warm, very rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Quetzaltenango, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In September, 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 frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Quetzaltenango. 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. The vast 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 destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite 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

November

If you vacation in Quetzaltenango during November, you might notice that it is constantly hot. 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 around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 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.

  • 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

December

If you vacation in Quetzaltenango during December, you are likely to find that it is constantly 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 airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Quetzaltenango. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

What to do in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is the second-largest city in Guatemala and has been a popular destination for tourists for many years. The city is full of culture, history, and natural beauty that make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Guatemala. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top tourist attractions in Quetzaltenango.

1. Parque Central

Also known as La Plaza Grande or Plaza Mayor, Parque Central is the heart of Quetzaltenango. The park is surrounded by colonial buildings, which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere created by the park’s lush gardens, fountains, and benches. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the local ambiance.

2. Santa Maria Volcano

Located 12 km from the city center, the Santa Maria Volcano is the most popular hiking spot in Quetzaltenango. The hike up the volcano takes about four hours and offers views of the city, the Fuego Volcano, and the surrounding landscapes of Guatemala. The hike is challenging, but the stunning views at the summit make it all worthwhile.

3. El Baul and Los Vahos

El Baul and Los Vahos are two hot springs located in Zunil, just outside Quetzaltenango. The hot springs are said to have therapeutic properties and are popular with visitors looking for relaxation and rejuvenation. The area is surrounded by lush green forests and is a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

4. San Francisco El Alto Market

The San Francisco El Alto Market is a bustling marketplace that takes place every Friday in the city of San Francisco El Alto, just a short drive from Quetzaltenango. The market is famous for its textiles, crafts, and fresh produce. Visitors can get a taste of the local culture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

5. La Democracia Market

La Democracia Market is located in the heart of Quetzaltenango and is one of the largest markets in Guatemala. The market sells everything from traditional textiles and crafts to fresh produce and snacks. Visitors can wander through the market’s colorful stalls, haggle with local vendors, and get a sense of the daily life of Quetzaltenango’s residents.

6. Casa de la Cultura

Casa de la Cultura is a cultural center that showcases the city’s history and art. The center features exhibits, galleries, and performances that celebrate Quetzaltenango’s diverse cultural heritage. The building itself is a colonial-style mansion that has been lovingly restored and is a beautiful example of traditional Guatemalan architecture.

In conclusion, Quetzaltenango is a rich and diverse city that offers visitors a wide range of experiences. From hiking to hot springs to cultural centers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling with family, Quetzaltenango is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Guatemala.

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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