The historical USD/GTQ exchange rate is Banguat’s daily reference rate over time. This page tracks monthly and annual rates so you can spot patterns, plan large transfers, or understand when to exchange dollars.
Summary: The quetzal has stayed in a tight Q7.61-Q7.93 per USD band over 2020-2026 (through 24 September 2026). Banguat’s monthly averages show no season that repeats: the rate fell every month of 2024, fell in nine of eleven month-to-month changes in 2025, and in 2026 bottomed in June.
Annual average exchange rate (Banguat reference)
| Year | Annual avg | Min | Max | Key events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Jan-Apr) | Q7.66 | Q7.63 | Q7.67 | Continued stability |
| 2025 | Q7.68 | Q7.65 | Q7.73 | Tightest annual band; steady remittances |
| 2024 | Q7.76 | Q7.69 | Q7.83 | Arévalo administration begins; quetzal firms |
| 2023 | Q7.83 | Q7.79 | Q7.87 | General election year; highest annual average |
| 2022 | Q7.75 | Q7.65 | Q7.93 | Post-pandemic recovery; widest annual range |
| 2021 | Q7.74 | Q7.70 | Q7.80 | Record remittances |
| 2020 | Q7.72 | Q7.63 | Q7.93 | Pandemic; brief spike toward Q7.93 |
Source: Banco de Guatemala daily USD reference rate. Annual average/min/max computed over every published day that year; full daily series pulled July 2026. Values are the reference (interbank) rate — retail buy/sell spreads at banks and casas de cambio run a few centavos wider.
Is there a seasonal pattern?
Banguat’s monthly averages do not show a season that repeats. In 2024 the monthly average fell every month from January to December; in 2025 it fell in nine of the eleven month-to-month changes (it rose in June and December); in 2026 the lowest monthly average was June (Q7.61839) and it rose afterwards. Our best day to exchange USD to GTQ page has the month-by-month table.
Corrected 8 October 2026: this section used to say the quetzal is strongest in October-December and March-April and that the dollar tends to be higher in June-August, and advised sending larger remittances in June-August. The 2024-2026 Banguat monthly averages do not support that, so the advice was removed.
For US diaspora — when to send remittances
Timing the month is not a reliable strategy on this data. For regular sends, compare the quetzals each provider delivers on the day you send.
Compared to neighbors
| Currency | Annual volatility | Per USD 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| GTQ (Guatemala) | ±2% | Q7.66 |
| MXN (Mexico) | ±10% | $20.50 |
| HNL (Honduras) | ±3% | L24.80 |
| NIO (Nicaragua) | ±1% | C$36.80 (managed slide) |
| CRC (Costa Rica) | ±5% | ₡520 |
| PAB (Panama) | 0% | $1.00 (USD peg) |
Since 2020, Banguat’s reference rate has stayed between Q7.61 and Q7.93 per dollar (annual lows and highs, through 24 September 2026).
Related
- Today’s Exchange Rate — live rates from all banks
- USD/GTQ Calculator — convert any amount
- Best Day to Exchange — intra-month pattern analysis
- Bank Comparison — which bank gives the best rate
- Remittance Comparison — Wise vs Western Union vs MoneyGram
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the average USD to GTQ exchange rate been over the last 5 years?
Banguat’s annual average reference rate ranged from Q7.64 to Q7.83 per USD over 2020-2026 (2026 through 24 September), with maximum yearly fluctuations of 3-4%. Banguat actively intervenes to maintain stability.
When has the dollar been highest and lowest in Guatemala?
Over 2020-2026 (2026 through 24 September) the reference rate has stayed within about Q7.61-Q7.93. The 2026 low in our stored daily Banguat series is Q7.61 (16 June 2026), and 2020 had a low near Q7.63; highs near Q7.93 came during the pandemic-era swings of 2020 and 2022. For current daily data, see today’s exchange rate page.
Why is the quetzal so stable?
Three factors: (1) Banguat holds solid international reserves (~$22 billion USD), (2) family remittances contribute over $20 billion USD annually in steady flow, (3) Guatemala maintains conservative fiscal policy. This allows frequent stabilizing interventions.
Where can I see the complete official history?
Banguat publishes the complete history from 1925 at banguat.gob.gt → Statistics → Exchange Rate. For our processed and chartable extract, use this page.
