Guatemala has commonly been referred to as the land of the eternal spring – a moniker that has persisted as the country’s Unofficial Brand since its introduction in 1935 and subsequent use until the mid 1970’s as the cancelling text for mail as it left the country for International destinations. It is still referred to this way even today, as it is considered to reflect the temperate year-round climate that is found in the highlands and is so productive when combined with the fertile volcanic soil for the vast coffee plantations. Although this pleasant climate does persist in the highlands, the temperature and weather can vary dramatically primarily based on altitude and proximity to the coasts: you can experience comfortable spring breezes, hot and humid tropical weather and very cold nights (below 0°C), all in the same day, depending on where in Guatemala you are.
The average annual temperature in the highlands above 3,000 meters (9840 ft) is 15°C (59°F), while in the lowlands the average is 25°C (77°F). In the lowlands and towards the Pacific Coast that preoccupies most fishermen, the temperature can reach 38°C (89°F) or higher and the months with the highest temperatures are from May to July. During the prime fishing season for sailfish however – October through May – the visiting angler can usually be assured of pleasantly warm temperatures and a cooling ocean breeze.
The term itself "Land of Eternal Spring" was first used to give the image of a country and countryside that was in perpetual bloom. The highlands and mid 
lying ground is ideal for cultivating plants that are nourished by the volcanic ground - and so can be found in bloom almost all year round. Flower cultivation and export (primarily roses) continues to be a major industry in Guatemala today - in fact one of the largest rose farms in the world can be found just outside the ancient capital of Antigua.
The name however is a bit of a misnomer as In Guatemala there are two seasons, as common in the climate of the northern tropics: the dry season and the rainy season. The longer season is the rainy season, which lasts from May through October (often with a pleasant intermission in August) followed by the dry season which lasts from January through April.
Guatemala boasts some of the world's most consistently flat seas - often as far out as 50 miles it can be calm and almost like a lake. Observing the geography of the coastline, you can see how the waters form a large protected bowl with Mexico at the top and Panama at the bottom. This combined with the protection offered from the prevailing winds by the highlands and the ridge of volcanoes means that the coast and coastal waters are almost wind free on a year round basis, with late February through May almost guaranteeing flat seas.
During the dry season - and the height of the sailfishing season of October - May, it is highly unusual to see any problems with weather impacting the sportfishing fleet's ability to leave the dock. Even during the wet season, the weather offshore can vary significantly to the coastal weather - but there is certainly a greater propensity for weather delays or to be "blown out" in the Summer months. The calm weather during the sailfishing season is accompanied by strong currents from the North that bring with them huge amounts of bait that is swiftly corralled by predatory fish – among them hoards of hungry billfish such as Blue Marlin and Sailfish………conditions that have made for some of the best billfishing in the world right off the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.
Remember however that just when the wind is providing some cooling effects while fishing - this is no time to relax the regimen of high factor sun protection..........this is a must when fishing offshore all year round in Guatemala, along with high quality sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat for screening your head.
Weather is an important factor when considering a fishing trip in Guatemala or Central America. Other factors such as moon phase, tidal flows and currents also play an important role. We offer lots of information to research your fishing trip - benefit from our many years of charter fishing in Guatemala by clicking here http://www.greatsailfishing.com/
Photos: Great Sailfishing
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Subscribe to this comment's feedThis is journalism?
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Sour Grapes
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Hmm...
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amazing
They seem to give a damn about their critics. They just keep buggering on, truly independent.
They even dare to publish critique about their site, no matter if the critics are fair or unfair.
I haven’t seen that on some other Guatemalan- English sites where they have a little club of commentators who basically congratulate themselves to death.
They have another style I guess, much more traditional.
The Guatemala Times even has a link to Al Jazeera. Totally revolutionary for a Latin American outfit, if you ask me, this site is about Freedom.
Congratulations
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To GuateFriends and Guate
Where are these other sites that have current news about Guatemala in English?
I would love to read them.
Hope you are not referring to some site that only publishes Press Releases, mainly from the US Embassy and US NGO´s. Press releases are not news.
Hillary Clinton must be very proud about that piece of work.
Since The Guatemala Times has lowered their volume of Guatemalan news all the other sites who re-published them-.without paying and without permission I have heard, have ceased to have relevant news stories.
So I am very interested in getting more news stories in English about Guatemala, where are they??
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