The climate of Panajachel
The climate classification of
Panajachel,
Guatemala falls under Cwb, according to the Köppen system. This represents a temperate highland tropical climate with drier winters. Situated in the highlands of Guatemala, Panajachel's elevation has a significant role in shaping the town's weather conditions with moderate temperatures and high precipitation for the majority of the year.
Throughout the year, Panajachel experiences considerable shifts in its weather patterns. Temperatures remain mildly warm, with an average high of 23.8°C (74.8°F) and dropping to an average low of 10.2°C (50.4°F). There are fluctuations in the annual temperature readings but the differences are subliminal, maintaining Panajachel's temperate status.
Humidity remains fairly consistent, fluctuating between 69% and 87% over the course of the year. The town also sees considerable rainfall, with the most precipitation occurring in
May to
November, peaking at 372mm (14.65") in May and 371mm (14.61") in
June.
Regarding sunrays, daylight averages range from 11.3 hours to 13 hours, with total sunshine duration extending from a lower average of 7.2 hours to a high of 10.8 hours. This again emphasizes the temperate characteristics of Panajachel's climate.
Wind speeds change slightly over the year, higher during the colder seasons, it doesn't exceed 6.1km/h (3.8mph). There's an overcast presence with cloud percentages ranging from 19% to 50% throughout the year, complementing the humid climate and high precipitation.
The best time to visit Panajachel
Considering the weather parameters, the optimal times to visit
Panajachel are either between the months of
December and
February or
March and
April. During these periods, average high temperatures range from 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F) with lower humidity readings of 70% to 72%. Moreover, rainfall indicates drier conditions with a drop to 14mm (0.55") from December to February and an acceptable 15mm (0.59") - 37mm (1.46") from March to April. These periods also offer extended daylight hours and increased sunshine duration, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Panajachel
The least ideal time for a visit to
Panajachel would be from
May to
November. During this period, a significant upsurge in rainfall is documented, reaching up to 372mm (14.65") and 371mm (14.61") respectively in May and
June. Combined with high humidity levels, ranging between 81% to 87%, these months encompass a monsoon-like weather pattern, making outdoor excursions less enjoyable and limiting sight-seeing opportunities. Sunshine is considerably diminished during this period as well, reducing the pleasantness of a visit.
Spring weather in Panajachel
From
March to
May, the temperatures in
Panajachel tend to rise, peaking at 23.7°C (74.7°F) in May and not falling below 10.6°C (51.1°F). Rainfall sees a marked rise, beginning at 37mm (1.46") in March and soaring to 372mm (14.65") in May. The increased rainfall results in higher relative humidity, culminating at 81% in May. Despite the high precipitation and humidity, daylight hours start to extend and sunshine duration also sees an improvement, though the increase in cloud cover can limit these effects.
Summer weather in Panajachel
June to
August marks the summer period of
Panajachel, which sees high levels of precipitation with readings consistently above 200mm (7.87"). Although the temperatures don't shift significantly, humidity readings increase and hover around 86%. The increased cloud cover indeed limits the amount of sunlight during these months, and wind speeds see a slight increase.
Autumn weather in Panajachel
Autumn spans from
September to
November and continues the wet spell much like the summer. Rainfall remains high, peaking at 305mm (12.01") in
October. The temperatures begin to see a slight decrease, falling to 21°C (69.8°F) by November. Concurrently, the humidity remains consistently high, leading to more cloud cover, with less sunshine, and more overcast days.
Winter weather in Panajachel
December to
February marks the winter in
Panajachel. Temperatures during these months don't plummet drastically and instead, remain in the range of 20.7°C (69.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F). The rainfall decreases considerably, dropping to as low as 14mm (0.55") and humidity decreases as well, making these months notably drier. One can also expect extended daylight and sunshine hours, however, wind speeds see a small increase.
Weather in January
As a starting point, the weather in
Panajachel,
Guatemala in
January proves to be a mild one. A significant drop in rainfall from
December's 19mm (0.75") to January's 14mm (0.55") is witnessed. The shift from December paves the way for drier weather, making outdoor activities more pleasant.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The last month of the winter,
February, is a warm month in
Panajachel,
Guatemala, with an average temperature ranging between max 23.1°C (73.6°F) and min 10.6°C (51.1°F). The initiation of February records an average high-temperature of a warm 23.1°C (73.6°F), displaying a near consistency with the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is still a warm month in
Panajachel,
Guatemala, with temperature in the range of an average high of 23.7°C (74.7°F) and an average low of 11.5°C (52.7°F). The onset of March manifests an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 23.7°C (74.7°F), demonstrating a minor variation from the preceding month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As the year progresses,
Panajachel's
April weather sees further changes as the rainy season firmly establishes itself. A drastic increase in precipitation is observed, with rainfall hitting a substantial 111mm (4.37") for the month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May further solidifies the rainy season's presence in
Panajachel,
Guatemala. In the peak of the wet season, May experiences the highest rainfall of the year at 372mm (14.65"). Subsequently, a drop in sunlight hours is noticed, though this change doesn't diminish daytime activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Panajachel's weather in
June presents another abundant rainfall month, similar to
May with an equally high average of 371mm (14.61"). With this, some minor temperature changes are noticed, albeit the temperatures remain conducive for various activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Moving into
July,
Panajachel,
Guatemala experiences a slight relent in the downpour. A reduction in the average rainfall from
June's 371mm (14.61") to 201mm (7.91") is noticed. This gives the city a breather from continuous heavy rainfall, contributing to the ease of getting around.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Panajachel witnesses another escalation in rainfall, reaching an average of 267mm (10.51"). Although this is a surge compared to
July, it doesn't match the peak months of
May and
June. Nonetheless, the city continues to sustain its wet season without significant hindrance to daily activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Panajachel's weather in
September maintains a consistent pattern with the preceding months. The rainfall is slightly higher than
August, clocking in at an average of 283mm (11.14"). Daylight remains consistent, providing sufficient room for activity during the day.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As the wet season nears its end,
Panajachel,
Guatemala experiences slightly higher rainfall in
October reaching 305mm (12.01"). This period represents the tail-end of the rainy season, with a subtle transition towards the drier months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The onset of
November signals a significant shift towards drier weather in
Panajachel. The city witnesses a drastic reduction in average rainfall from
October's 305mm (12.01") to 66mm (2.6") in November. This marks the ending of the rainy season, creating a more favorable environment for those preferring less rainfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Panajachel,
Guatemala presents appreciable weather with the average rainfall dropping further to 19mm (0.75"). The change seals the shift from the rainy to the drier season. Outdoor-friendly weather dominates December, making the city an ideal destination for those seeking a warm, relatively dry Christmas.
Weather in December »