Guatemala Birding Tips

Birding Tips Guatemala: Best Observation Seasons

Guatemala is a subtropical country with three primary climatic seasons.

Rainy Season: Birdwatching in the Wet Months

May to October, the rainy season occurs. June is notable for the highest average precipitation peaks. Despite the rain, July and August present ideal travel moments. They each have a dog-day week where rain pauses, and birds continue their winter activities.

Dry-Cold Season: Winter Birdwatching

From November to February, the weather is dry and cold. The temperature drops to its lowest in January, and the precipitation average is relatively low.

Dry-Warm Season: Spring Birdwatching

From March to April, the weather becomes hot and dry. Temperature peaks and precipitation averages reach their lowest in April.

Neotropical Migratory Season: An Ideal Birdwatching Period

Your specific interest in birds may determine the best season for you. For instance, the Neotropical migratory season runs from October to April. During this time, migratory birds breed in Canada and the U.S. during the northern summer and migrate to warmer places like Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean islands.

During this period, the birds’ search for food turns into a captivating spectacle. The composition of multispecific flocks differs from place to place, and the resulting feeding behaviors and interactions are a sight to behold.

November and March may be the best months to visit. In November, all migrant birds arrived in the country, and in March, they began moving north from the neotropical region.

Local Breeding Season: An Opportunity for Vibrant Pictures

In June and July, the highlands experience wet and cold climates. At this time, the migrant birds have left, but resident birds commence breeding. It’s the perfect time for vibrant photos of birds in pairs, nests, eggs, and unique reproductive behavior.

Flock Composition: An Exciting Behavior

During the migratory season, multispecific flock integration offers a spectacle. Warblers from the north search for food, while other local species use the group to increase their hunting success.

Birdwatching Hours: Maximizing Daylight

Birds are sensitive to air temperature. In the lowlands, bird activity begins early with the sunrise’s comfortable temperature. Conversely, bird activity starts one or two hours before dawn in the highlands due to the low temperatures.

Choosing Bird Guides and Companies

Only a few companies in Guatemala offer specialized personnel for birdwatching travels. The most important aspect of our tours is the rich information our guides provide, which turns your trip into a life experience.

The Guatemala Coffee Experience

Most birdwatchers enjoy starting their journey with the best coffee. Guatemala offers a great coffee variety that will turn your birdwatching experience into a sensory delight.

Shopping for Handicrafts

Complement your nature observation with a selection from various Guatemalan handicrafts.

Ensuring Your Security

Despite dramatic violence statistics in Guatemala’s major urban cities, there are very few violent events in the field. We ensure your safety by using private nature reserves, which provide an excellent safety level for visitors.

Birding Day Tours

Birding Expeditions
Martsam Travel
ASTA
Inguat
Camtur
Birding by Locals
× Need help? Available from 08:00 to 21:00 Available on SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday