Quick answer: the best time to visit El Paredon is the dry season, from November to April, when days are sunny and the waves are smaller and cleaner. Come from May to October for bigger surf, greener scenery, lower prices and fewer people, and from about mid-September to mid-December to watch baby sea turtles being released.
El Paredon weather by season
| Season | Months | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season | November to April | Sunny and hot, with little rain | Peak season: busier, higher prices, book ahead |
| Rainy (green) season | May to October | Hot and humid, mornings often sunny, afternoon or evening storms | Quieter and cheaper; some hotels close for part of it |
It is hot all year: daytime highs are usually in the low to mid 30s °C (around 90 °F), nights stay around 25 °C (77 °F) and the sea is about 29 to 30 °C, so you won’t need a wetsuit.
Best time to surf in El Paredon
- Beginners: the dry season, November to April, usually brings smaller, cleaner waves. November is one of the most consistent months.
- Intermediate and advanced surfers: the rainy season brings bigger, more consistent south swells, usually largest from about June to October.
- Time of day: early morning is best, before the wind picks up and the sand gets hot.
More detail on breaks, lessons and board rental is in our guide to surfing in El Paredon.
Sea turtle season
Olive ridley turtles nest on the beaches around El Paredon from about June to November. Hatchlings are released from about mid-September to mid-December, usually at sunrise, through a local conservation programme. Times change through the season, so ask in town or at your accommodation the day before.
Weekends and holidays
El Paredon is a popular weekend escape for Guatemalans, so Fridays and Saturdays are busier than weekdays. The busiest weeks of the year are Semana Santa (Holy Week, in March or April) and Christmas to New Year, when beaches across Guatemala fill up and rooms sell out early. If you want it quiet, come midweek or in the green season.
Month-by-month summary
- November to February: dry, sunny and pleasant, with good beginner waves. It gets busy around the holidays.
- March to April: the hottest and driest months. Semana Santa crowds come in March or April.
- May to August: the green season starts, the swell builds, and prices and crowds drop.
- September to October: the wettest months and the biggest surf. Turtle releases begin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit El Paredon?
November is a strong choice: it’s the start of the dry season, the surf is consistent and turtle releases are often still running.
Does it rain every day in the rainy season?
No. Mornings are often sunny, and rain tends to come as afternoon or evening storms.
When can you see baby turtles in El Paredon?
From about mid-September to mid-December, usually at sunrise.
Ready to plan? Read how to get to El Paredon, where to stay and whether El Paredon is safe.