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

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

Contents

When to go to Tikal, Guatemala

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

What to wear/what to pack for Tikal, Guatemala

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Tikal is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tikal. 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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

February

February is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tikal. 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

  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the right type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

March

March is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s 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 airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tikal. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice 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

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

April

April can be very hot. 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tikal. 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 airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money 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 careful to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

May

If you visit Tikal during May, you may find that it is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 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.

  • 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 Tikal. 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 always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • 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 correct 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 destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

June

June here can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s 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 constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 Tikal. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice 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 amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

July

If you visit Tikal during July, you may notice that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 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 frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tikal. 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online 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 is sufficent for most locations.

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

August

August in Tikal can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 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 Tikal. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

September

If you go to Tikal in September, you will notice that it is extremely 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

October

If you go to Tikal in October, you will notice that it is really 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Tikal. 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

November

If you go to Tikal in November, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 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 Tikal. 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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. Check that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

December

December for Tikal is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s 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 Tikal. 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 bags 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

If you visit a temple, such as Temple IV, wear:

What to do in Tikal, Guatemala

Located deep in the jungle of northern Guatemala, Tikal is an ancient Mayan city that boasts one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Central America. Known for its towering pyramids, impressive temples, and rich cultural heritage, Tikal is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or adventure. If you're planning a trip to Tikal, here are some of the top tourist attractions that you won't want to miss.

1. Temple of the Great Jaguar

Also known as Temple I, the Temple of the Great Jaguar is a towering pyramid that looms over Tikal's central plaza. Built in the 8th century, this impressive structure stands 47 meters high and is adorned with intricate carvings of jaguars, serpents, and other animals. The interior of the temple is not open to the public, but visitors can climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle.

2. Temple of the Masks

The Temple of the Masks, or Temple II, is another impressive structure located in Tikal's central plaza. Like the Temple of the Great Jaguar, this pyramid is adorned with intricate carvings of animals, but it is also unique in that it features three stucco masks on the top of its central stairway. These masks are said to represent three different aspects of the Mayan sun god, and they add a fascinating layer of symbolism to the temple's already-impressive architecture.

3. The North Acropolis

The North Acropolis is a complex of smaller temples and palaces located north of Tikal's central plaza. Although it may look like a jumble of crumbling ruins from a distance, this area is actually one of the most significant parts of the site. It was a burial ground for Tikal's royalty, and archaeologists have uncovered dozens of tombs containing valuable artifacts, such as jade and obsidian figurines, pottery, and sacrificial remains.

4. The Lost World

Located in the western part of the site, the Lost World is a sprawling complex that includes several plazas, smaller pyramids, and an enormous ball court. While it may not be as well-known as some of Tikal's other attractions, the Lost World is a fascinating area to explore. The ball court, in particular, is a fascinating example of Mayan engineering and design, with walls that echo with the sounds of ancient games.

5. The Tikal National Park

Beyond the archaeological sites themselves, one of the most striking things about Tikal is the beautiful natural setting in which they are located. The Tikal National Park is a protected area that encompasses over 57,000 hectares of lush jungle, home to a wide variety of wildlife that includes jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, and toucans. A visit to Tikal wouldn't be complete without spending time exploring the park's many hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning vistas.

In conclusion, Tikal is one of the most unique and fascinating travel destinations in Central America, with an unparalleled combination of cultural richness, architectural beauty, and natural wonder. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or a nature lover, there's something to discover and explore in Tikal. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable journey back in time.

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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