This content was generated using artificial intelligence based on publicly available information. It is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration, or professional advice. Information may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.
Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Retalhuleu offers a genuinely immersive Guatemalan experience, appealing to expats seeking a slower pace and deep cultural integration rather than an established international bubble. Daily life here is generally safe and manageable, with accessible local healthcare and public transport serving most needs.
However, be prepared for a very local environment; the expat community is minimal, meaning you'll largely forge your own connections and rely on your Spanish skills. It's a place for those ready to embrace authenticity and build a life from the ground up, rather than plug into existing expat infrastructure.
Population
36,656
Area
87 km²
Density
423 per km²
Founded
-
Language
Spanish
Distance to Coast
39 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Retalhuleu
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Climate & Weather in Retalhuleu
Retalhuleu has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw) with consistently warm temperatures year-round, a pronounced wet season, and a drier winter period. Long-term climate sources show hot afternoons around 31–32°C, mild nights around 24–26°C, and heavy rainfall concentrated from late spring through autumn. The current overcast, very humid conditions are consistent with the city’s humid tropical setting.
Summer Average
31°C
Winter Average
24°C
Climate Type
Tropical Savanna
Rainy Days
146
Sunny Days
240
Humidity
74%
Spring
March - May
26-32°C
Spring is hot and becomes increasingly wet, with the first major rains arriving in April and May. Humidity rises sharply and afternoons often feel very warm.
High rainfall
Summer
June - August
24-31°C
Summer is warm, very humid, and one of the wettest parts of the year. Frequent rain showers and cloudy skies are common, though temperatures remain high.
Very High rainfall
Autumn
September - November
24-30°C
Autumn remains warm with persistent rainfall, especially in September and October, which are typically among the wettest months. Conditions begin to gradually dry toward November.
High rainfall
Winter
December - February
23-30°C
Winter is the driest season, but it stays tropical and warm rather than cool. Sunshine increases and rainfall drops markedly compared with the rest of the year.
Low rainfall
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Air Quality
Retalhuleu
Advantages
Retalhuleu
Abundant parks and green spaces
Rich cultural heritage sites
Affordable cost of living
Close-knit community atmosphere
Gateway to Pacific coast
Disadvantages
Retalhuleu
Limited higher education options
Few professional job opportunities
Inadequate public infrastructure
Low digital/coworking development
Limited entertainment venues
Safety & Security in Retalhuleu
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Moderate
55
/100
Guatemala Avg
54
North America Avg
57
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Retalhuleu to Guatemala averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Retalhuleu
Guatemala Average
No city-specific data available — showing Guatemala country averages instead.
Safety Index
0510
Low
Safety from Crime
0510
Concerning
Safe Alone (Day)
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Night)
0510
Critical
Safety from Violent Crime
0510
Concerning
Safety from Property Crime
0510
Concerning
Environmental & Natural Hazard Risks
Resilience Score: 97/100
No data for Retalhuleu — showing hazard indicators from nearby Mazatenango (~18 km).
