Guatemala is often pictured as hot and tropical, and in some places this is certainly the case — along the coasts and in lowland jungles, for example. However, in mountainous areas, the temperatures cool off. Elevation is the main determinant of climate and weather here. Put simply, the higher up you go, the colder it is likely to be. Precipitation is largely dependent on how close to the coast you are and what side of a mountain chain you are on.

Guatemala is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. A string of volcanic peaks runs down the country’s center, extending east to west from El Salvador to Mexico. Near the border with El Salvador, the peaks tend to get lower in height. In total, there are 33 volcanoes, some of which are active. The Tajumulco Volcano, at 13,845 feet (4,200 m), is the highest peak in all of Central America. Many of the volcanoes, especially the ones near Guatemala City and Lake Atitlán, can be climbed.

The Sierra de los Cuchumatanes is a mountain range that extends from Mexico into Guatemala. This nonvolcanic mountain range is the highest mountain chain in Central America — its highest point is 12,588 feet (3,837 m). Another range, Sierra de Las Minas, is found in the eastern portion of Guatemala. Petén is mostly lowland areas, although there are a few smaller mountains here as well.

Temperatures in Guatemala vary largely based upon altitude. The hottest areas are near the coasts and in the lowlands. These tend to have an average annual temperature around 80°F (27°C). At elevations around 4,000–6,000 feet (1,200–1,800 m), which correspond to the mountainous valleys near Guatemala City and Antigua, the temperatures are fairly mild — year-round temperatures hover around 60–70°F (16–21°C). At higher elevations the temperature averages 40°F (4°C).

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