Why 'rainy season' can be the best time to visit el Paredon Guatemala

Most travelers plan their tropical escapes around sun-soaked dry seasons. But here in el Paredón, travelers who dare arrive between end of June until late October uncover a different kind of magic - one that only reveals itself to those willing to slow down, lean into the rhythm of the rain, and stay a little longer.

Yes, it’s the wet season. But don’t let that fool you. This booming surf town on Guatemala’s Pacific coast doesn’t shut down when the skies open. In fact, some say it’s when the town feels most alive.

El Paredón Guatemala, July 2024 (Photo: Stephanie Capper)

The Rains Come at Night in el Paredon

Here’s the first thing most people get wrong: it doesn’t rain all day, like many other tourist destinations in Guatemala (and Central America). In el Paredón, showers tend to roll in after dark, washing the town clean under dramatic lightning displays which provide mindblowing sunsets. The days? Still hot. Still blue-skied. Still perfect for surf, tan lines, and long barefoot walks along the black sand beach. In fact, the occasional overcast afternoon in el Paredon even comes as a welcome break - a chance to nap in a hammock in Cocori Lodge, read on a breezy balcony, or take a slow coffee at Surfista while the storm rolls through.

Fewer Crowds, More Soul

While high season draws backpackers, digital nomads, and party crowds from around the world, wet season is a different rhythm. You won’t be fighting for tables at your favorite restaurant, like Olivia. You won’t be dodging a dozen surfboards in the lineup during your surf lesson with Alfaque Surf Academy. You might find yourself at a beach bonfire with locals, or sharing beers under a tin roof while the rain pounds down.

Rainy season is when el Paredon exhales. When there’s time to connect. When you start to learn everyone’s name. If you’ve been craving real conversation, barefoot freedom, or the kind of reset that doesn't come with a price tag, this is your season.

You'll witness spectacular sunsets in El Paredón Guatemala during the 'rainy season' (Photo: Stephanie Capper)

The lushness is almost overwhelming

Rain transforms the landscape in Guatemala - palms stretch taller, gardens explode with color, and butterflies flit around your head almost everywhere you go. It’s a time when nature doesn’t whisper. It sings. Even the sunsets seem bolder, more dramatic - the sky throwing dramatic pinks and purples across clouds offshore. There’s a wildness to it all that feels cinematic. And, more often than not, you’ll have the view to yourself.

Turtle Season Begins

From late September, one of El Paredón’s most awe-inspiring experiences returns: the baby turtle release. Just after sunrise, tiny hatchlings scramble toward the ocean, racing the tide. Watching them is humbling, magical, and - best of all - it happens every single day for months.

Better Deals, Bigger Smiles

Accommodation prices tend to dip during the rainy months, making it an ideal time for budget travelers or anyone dreaming of a longer stay. Many hostels and hotels offer off-season specials, and with fewer guests in town, you’ll often get upgraded rooms, more personalized service, and a whole lot more space to breathe. Ask anyone who’s lived here through the seasons - some of their best memories were made during this time.

So don’t write off the wet season.

Come for the empty beaches. The moody skies. The long, salty days followed by thunderous, tropical nights. Come for the turtles, the green, the calm, the connection. Come for a version of El Paredón that fewer travelers see - but those who do never forget.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll leave just as the storm breaks - washed clean, and ready to begin again.