Guatemala is often called the land of the eternal spring -
in fact it is the unofficial National Slogan, although for
a while it became the formal footnote for the country - as
from 1935 and continuing for the next forty years, it was
used as the text in four languages for the cancelling of
all stamps and postage coming in and leaving the country.

This familiarity persists today, although it can be
misleading. While in Guatemala 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 greater - with peak temperature and humidity
mid-year.

The term itself "Land of Eternal Spring" was first used to
give the image of a country and countryside that was in
perpetual bloom. Away from the coast, the land rises
towards the volcanoes and the climate becomes temperate and
ideal for cultivation - 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 tag though is is a bit misleading - as there are
effectively only two seasons: 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 November - 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.

Don't be fooled though - the colling effect of the breeze
while fishing - it remains mandatory however to prudently
apply 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.