Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, Panajachel, Guatemala experiences a comfortable climate characterized by average temperatures reaching 18°C (65°F), with daily highs of 26°C (78°F) and lows dipping to 12°C (54°F). This month is marked by significant precipitation, totaling around 449 mm (17.7 in), and 29 days of rain, contributing to a lush and vibrant landscape. With humidity levels averaging 65%, visitors can expect a refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal time to explore the captivating beauty of Lake Atitlán and its surroundings.
In May, Panajachel, Guatemala experiences a pleasant transition into warmer weather, with temperatures showcasing a gradual rise. The minimum temperature settles at a mild 12°C (54°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 18°C (65°F), ideal for exploring the stunning landscapes that define the region. On warmer days, the temperature can peak at around 26°C (78°F), striking a delightful balance between comfort and warmth. With this combination, May presents an inviting climate for both outdoor adventures and leisurely strolls along Lake Atitlán, marking a notable shift from the cooler months preceding it. Overall, the temperatures in May set the stage for an engaging summer experience, inviting visitors to embrace the natural beauty of this charming destination.
May marks a significant turning point in Panajachel, Guatemala, as precipitation soars to an impressive 449 mm (17.7 in), the highest amount for the year. This deluge is accompanied by rain on 29 days, highlighting the transition into the wet season and setting the stage for lush landscapes. The surge in rainfall compared to April's 159 mm (6.2 in) illustrates a dramatic increase, underscoring May's role as a pivotal month in the local climate cycle. As the city experiences this intense wet spell, the persistent showers not only invigorate the surrounding natural beauty but also create a unique ambiance that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
In May, Panajachel, Guatemala experiences a moderate humidity level of 65%, providing a pleasant balance as the dry season transitions toward the wetter months. This slight uptick from April's 57% serves as a precursor to the humid summer that follows, where humidity levels rise sharply, peaking in the late summer and early fall. As the months progress, humidity can climb to 82% in August and September, indicating a shift to a wetter climate. Thus, while May offers relatively comfortable conditions, it marks the beginning of a seasonal change, paving the way for the lush landscapes that define Guatemala during its rainy season.
As May rolls into Panajachel, Guatemala, the UV Index maintains a noteworthy level of intensity at 15, marking it as an extreme exposure category. Interestingly, this month mirrors the consistent UV strength observed in the preceding April, ensuring that sun-seekers must remain vigilant, as a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. Notably, the UV Index tends to stabilize around this number from May through July, suggesting a period of relentless solar power before a slight decrease in August. For those planning outdoor activities, awareness of the May UV Index is essential for safe and enjoyable sun exposure—learn more about it here.
UV Risk Categories
May in Panajachel, Guatemala, brings a delightful balance of sunshine, boasting 301 hours of radiant daylight. This month stands out as the sun begins to shine consistently, following a vibrant April that recorded 311 hours. Though May's sunshine slightly dips, it maintains a robust presence, nestled comfortably between March's peak of 321 hours and June's 272 hours. As the rainy season approaches, the city transitions into warmer days filled with soft lighting and breathtaking views. With each passing month from January through May, Panajachel witnesses a gradual increase in sunlight that fosters an inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal time for exploration and adventure in this picturesque lakeside town.
As you plan your visit to Panajachel, Guatemala in May, it's important to note that this month marks a significant dip in sunny weather, with a mere 17% chance of sunshine. This decline follows a slightly brighter April, which boasts a 29% chance, but contrasts sharply with the sunniest months at the start and end of the year, where chances soar above 50%. After May, the likelihood of sunny days further decreases in June, dropping to just 9%. Thus, if basking in the sun is part of your itinerary, it may be wise to prioritize visits in the early part of the year or wait until later months when the sun starts to reappear more reliably.
In Panajachel, Guatemala, daylight duration exhibits a fascinating pattern throughout the year. Starting the year, January and February each enjoy a consistent 11 hours of daylight, providing a gentle transition into longer days. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, heralding the onset of longer, sun-soaked days that persist through April and May. This extended daylight continues through the heart of summer, with 12 hours showcasing a harmonious balance between light and dark. However, as the year progresses into the fall, daylight gradually dips back to 11 hours in October, with November and December mirroring the early months, creating a full circle of light rhythmically intertwined with the seasons. This gradual ebb and flow of daylight not only enriches the natural beauty of Panajachel but also enhances the vibrant experiences available in this picturesque lakeside town.
In May, the winds in Panajachel, Guatemala, start to mellow, bringing an average speed of 1.4 m/s (3 mph). This marks a gentle decline from the breezier months of early spring, where speeds hovered around 1.6 to 1.9 m/s. As the region transitions toward the June rainy season, the calmness of May's winds creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for leisurely boat rides on Lake Atitlán or enjoying the vibrant local markets. Notably, this trend of decreasing wind speeds continues into the following months, suggesting a peaceful shift in the weather as summer approaches. Thus, May offers a uniquely tranquil experience, setting a delightful tone for the warmer months ahead.
Weather in Panajachel varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Panajachel, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
When comparing the weather in May and January, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May typically experiences higher temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), peaking at a maximum of 26°C (78°F). In contrast, January has cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to an average of 16°C (61°F), with a maximum of 24°C (76°F).
Moreover, May is characterized by significantly higher rainfall, accumulating around 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days, compared to January's mere 16 mm (0.6 in) across just 5 days. The humidity levels also differ, sitting at 65% in May versus 76% in January, leading to a more humid feel during the latter month. For more detailed information, you can check Panajachel weather in January.
May and February both exhibit similar maximum temperatures, reaching around 26°C (79°F); however, May is noticeably warmer overall with an average of 18°C (65°F) compared to February's 17°C (62°F). While February enjoys slightly lower humidity at 68%, May experiences higher humidity levels at 65%. In terms of precipitation, May is significantly wetter, receiving 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days, in stark contrast to February's 34 mm (1.3 in) over just 8 days. This makes February a much drier month, ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed insights, check out Panajachel weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May and March, we observe some notable differences. May sees a higher minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) compared to March's 9°C (49°F), while the average temperature is similar at 18°C (65°F) in May and 17°C (63°F) in March. However, March boasts a higher maximum temperature of 27°C (80°F), slightly outpacing May's maximum of 26°C (78°F). Precipitation levels present a stark contrast, with May experiencing significantly more rainfall at 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days, whereas March has only 53 mm (2.1 in) over 8 days. Humidity is also higher in May at 65%, compared to March's 59%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can visit this link: Panajachel weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, we observe that both months have similar average temperatures, around 18°C (64°F), with maximums reaching 26°C (79°F). However, May experiences a notable increase in rainfall, with 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days, compared to April's 159 mm (6.2 in) across only 19 days. The humidity also rises in May to 65%, slightly higher than April's 57%. This makes May feel more humid and potentially more uncomfortable for outdoor activities. For more detailed insights about April's weather, you can check Panajachel weather in April.
May and June exhibit distinct yet somewhat related weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, with 449 mm (17.7 in) of precipitation over 29 days and a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, June sees a slight increase in the minimum temperature, rising to 13°C (56°F), while the maximum temperature decreases to 24°C (76°F), maintaining a similar average of 18°C (64°F). Additionally, June experiences less rainfall at 405 mm (15.9 in) over 27 days and a marginally higher humidity level of 66%. For more detailed insights on June weather, you can check Panajachel weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, we see some notable differences. May generally sees slightly warmer temperatures, with minimums around 12°C (54°F) and maximums reaching up to 26°C (78°F), while July's temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 25°C (76°F). Despite sharing the same average temperature of 18°C (65°F), May experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with 449 mm (17.7 in) spread over 29 days, compared to July's much lighter precipitation of 157 mm (6.2 in) over just 16 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in July at 75%, compared to May's 65%, which can impact the overall comfort levels during the months. For more detailed information, you can check out Panajachel weather in July.
When comparing the weather in May and August, both months share similar temperature ranges, with minimums at 12°C (54°F), averages around 18°C (64-65°F), and maximums reaching 26°C (78°F). However, May tends to be wetter, receiving 449 mm (17.7 in) of precipitation over 29 days compared to August's 290 mm (11.4 in) over 24 days. Additionally, August experiences higher humidity levels at 82%, compared to May's 65%. This makes August feel more humid and potentially more uncomfortable despite the similar temperatures. For a more detailed look at August weather, visit Panajachel weather in August.
May and September present distinct weather profiles despite having similar average temperatures. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). The month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days, alongside a humidity level of 65%. In contrast, September sees slightly cooler maxima of 24°C (75°F) while maintaining the same minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a very similar average temperature of 18°C (64°F). It experiences less precipitation, with 358 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days, but higher humidity at 82%. For more detailed information, check Panajachel weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns, with May typically being warmer and wetter. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F), while October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with averages of 12°C (54°F) min and 24°C (76°F) max, and an average of 17°C (64°F). Additionally, May experiences higher precipitation levels at 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days compared to October's 292 mm (11.5 in) over 27 days. The humidity also increases in October, reaching 83%, compared to May's 65%. For detailed weather insights, you can check Panajachel weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, May tends to be warmer with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), while November sees slightly cooler temperatures, averaging from 10°C (51°F) to 24°C (75°F). May is also notably wetter, featuring a high precipitation of 449 mm (17.7 in) over 29 days, whereas November experiences much less rainfall, with only 64 mm (2.5 in) across 10 days. Additionally, November's humidity is higher at 80%, compared to May's 65%, which can make the November air feel more saturated. For a more detailed look at weather conditions specific to November, you can visit Panajachel weather in November.
May and December present contrasting weather patterns, reflecting the shift from the wet season to the dry season. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). This month is characterized by high precipitation of 449 mm (17.7 in) spread over 29 days, resulting in a humidity level of 65%. In comparison, December boasts milder temperatures with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 16°C (62°F). This month sees significantly lower precipitation at just 22 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days, accompanied by a higher humidity of 76%. For a detailed look at December's weather, you can visit Panajachel weather in December.
As May rolls into Panajachel, visitors can expect a notable shift in weather patterns compared to previous months. Throughout this month, temperatures average around a mild 18°C, making it comfortable yet inviting for outdoor activities. However, May stands out due to its high humidity and significant rainfall, with frequent showers adding to the lush beauty of the landscape. With an impressive 29 days of precipitation, prepare for a vibrant environment, albeit a bit soggy at times. This contrast of warmth and moisture heralds the transition into the rainy season, which is a unique experience compared to the drier months earlier in the year. For a comprehensive overview of Panajachel’s climate, be sure to check Panajachel Climate.