The historical USD/GTQ exchange rate shows the Guatemalan quetzal is one of the most stable currencies in the region. 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 Q7.63-Q7.93 per USD band throughout 2020-2026. Lows arrive during peak remittance seasons (October-December), highs during periods of political or international economic tension.
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.
Seasonal patterns
Best months to sell USD (when quetzal is strongest):
- October-December: pre-Christmas remittance peak strengthens quetzal
- March-April: liquidity ahead of Easter holidays
Months with most expensive dollar (more quetzales per USD):
- June-August: low remittance season
- Election periods (every 4 years)
For US diaspora — when to send remittances
If you have timing flexibility, send larger remittances in June-August when the dollar tends to be higher. For small regular sends, timing isn’t worth it — Q0.10-Q0.20 difference on $200 is just Q20-Q40, less than most services’ fees.
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) |
The quetzal is Central America’s second most stable currency after the Nicaraguan córdoba (managed devaluation) and the Panamanian balboa (USD peg).
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?
The quetzal is one of the most stable currencies in Central America. The 2020-2026 average has hovered around Q7.65-Q7.85 per USD, 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 the reference rate has stayed within about Q7.63-Q7.93. Lows near Q7.63 arrived in late 2020 and early 2026; 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.
