In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions including a first maximum temperature effective to convert the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons and generate coke on the catalyst. A portion of the coked catalyst is transferred from the reaction zone to a separate regeneration zone, where the catalyst portion is contacted with a regeneration gas under conditions including a second maximum temperature less than or equal to the first maximum temperature and effective to at least partially remove coke from the catalyst portion. Before being returned to the reaction zone, the regenerated catalyst portion is contacted with a carburizing gas in a catalyst treatment zone separate from the reaction zone at a third maximum temperature less than the first maximum temperature.