I am looking to plan a trip starting in February and would like to spend the majority of my time in Guatemala. I have around 5 months. I was thinking of starting in Guatemala and heading down south (at some point picking up a flight and finishing the trip off in Ecuador).

I was originally thinking of working with a volunteer agency for around 3 months (so I could stay in one place and also learn the language a lil better) but am nervous that staying there in May would be less than ideal. I was looking for suggestions on how bad the rain was. As an alternative I was thinking of doing the same trip but only volunteering one month in Guatemala and then doing two more months in Ecuador (the downside of this is I wouldn't be getting fully emerged in learning until the end of my trip, the upside is I think this would give me the best weather). Is the weather bad enough that I should be planning my trip based on this?

May usually has the beginning of the rainy season somewhere in it, but it's not like it rains all day.

The Rainy season in Guatemala is easily prepared for. Bring an umbrella or rain coat. Bring a candle and a lighter for less developed electrical networks (Like Panajachel) It usually rains extremely hard for a few hours, while you stay indoors and do what you normally do, then it stops, and next day it all dries up until it rains again. You get used to it.

After a while you stop carrying an umbrella.

Thanks! Ok I'll keep to my original plan and deal with the rain. I just didnt want to be sitting inside all day for a month on end...a few hours I can definitely deal with.

Also, check out the post from August 10 "Travel during rainy season".

Have a great trip.

I've just returned from volunteering in Southern Guatemala for 6 weeks, and i can't press upon you enough the incredible nature of the country and the people. Traveling around the country is a must, as you'll be able to experience different climates as the geography ranges considerably. I was in a community outside Colomba, Quetzaltenango from June to August, and the rains weren't a bother.
If you're looking for a fantastic community to volunteer in, give me a shout, as I couldn't recommend the experience more. Good luck!

Thanks Kewa- I appreciate the heads up even though I won't be volunteering any time soon, IF I get the job I'm applying for.