Best Time To Visit Belize: Weather, Safety, Travel Guide

Best Time To Visit Belize: Weather, Safety, Tourism Guide

The best time to visit Belize depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. Belize experiences two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the wet season (May to October). Here’s a breakdown of the best times for different interests:

High Tourist Season (December to April): This period, during Belize’s dry season, is the most popular time to visit. The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for beach activities, snorkeling, and exploring the Mayan ruins. However, it’s also the high tourist season, so accommodations may be more expensive, and popular attractions may be busier.
Low Tourist Season (May to October): The wet season brings increased humidity and a higher chance of rain, but it also offers fewer crowds and lower prices. If you don’t mind occasional showers, this can be a good time for budget travelers. Keep in mind that some activities may be affected by rain, and there is a higher chance of hurricanes in the region during the later part of the wet season.
Diving and Snorkeling (March to June): For optimal underwater visibility, consider visiting Belize during the dry season from March to June. During this time, the waters are generally calm, and marine life is abundant, making it a great time for diving and snorkeling.
Bird Watching (December to May): The dry season is also the best time for bird watching in Belize. During this period, migratory birds join the resident species, offering excellent opportunities for bird enthusiasts.
Whale Shark Season (April to June): If you’re interested in snorkeling or diving with whale sharks, the months of April to June are the best time to visit Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.

The best time to visit Belize depends on what you want to do and when you want to avoid crowds:

Dry season (December–May)The best time for wildlife and birding, cruising, snorkeling, diving, whale sharks, and fishing. March–April is particularly popular for its clear skies, sunshine, and pleasant temperatures. However, tourism increases during Holy Week and Easter, so you might want to avoid those dates.
Rainy season (June–November)The height of the rainy season is August–October, when the jungles and rainforests are full of life. Travel is still possible until early August, but it becomes more challenging as the season progresses.
Whale sharksApril and May are the best months to see whale sharks off the coast of Placencia.
FestivalsBelize hosts several popular festivals, including Belize Lobster Fest, Belize International Music and Food Festival, Deer Dance Festival, International Costa Maya Festival, Belize Birding Festival, Independence Day Parade/Carnival, and Belize International Film Festival.

Belize is a tropical country with warm temperatures year-round, but the weather varies by region. The Cayo District and the Cayes tend to be clear and sunny, while the Toledo District and Placencia have a more tropical climate with a chance of rain at any time.

When is the best time to visit Belize? The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which is between January and May. Although you can enjoy warm temperatures across the country, the type of weather you get will depend on the region. Expect clear, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the Cayes.

Time to Visit Belize: Weather, Safety, and Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

High Season (December to April): This is the most popular time to visit due to dry weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities, beach time, and exploring. Expect higher prices and more tourists.
Shoulder Season (May to August): This period offers decent weather with fewer crowds. It’s a great time for budget travelers, though occasional rain showers can occur.
Low Season (September to November): This is hurricane season, with a higher chance of rain and storms. However, you can find significant discounts on accommodations and tours during this time.

Weather

Temperature: Belize has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C) year-round.
Rainfall: Most rainfall occurs from June to November, with the heaviest rains typically in September and October.
Humidity: It can be humid, especially during the summer months, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended.

Safety

General Safety: Belize is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise to take common precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and securing your belongings.
Health Precautions: Stay hydrated and protect against mosquito bites, as diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus can be present.
Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and theft.

Travel Guide

Getting There: Belize City is the main international gateway, with flights from various U.S. cities. From there, you can take domestic flights, buses, or ferries to reach other destinations.
Transportation: Renting a car is popular for exploring inland areas, while taxis and local buses are available for shorter trips. In coastal areas, boat taxis are common.
Must-See Destinations:
Ambergris Caye: Known for its beautiful beaches and diving opportunities.
Caye Caulker: A laid-back island perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
Belize Barrier Reef: The second-largest coral reef system in the world, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Mayan Ruins: Sites like Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai offer insights into Belize’s rich history.
Caves and Nature Reserves: Explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave or the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for hiking and wildlife.

Tips

Currency: The Belize dollar (BZD) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Language: English is the official language, making communication easy for English-speaking travelers.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes like rice and beans, ceviche, and fresh seafood.

With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly locals, Belize is a fantastic destination for travelers looking for adventure and relaxation!

Best Time To Visit Belize: Weather, Safety, Tourism Guide

It’s important to note that weather conditions can vary, and there’s always a degree of unpredictability. Additionally, the COVID-19 situation and travel restrictions may influence your travel plans, so it’s advisable to check for the latest information and advisories before planning your trip to Belize.

The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the dry season. Although this peak season draws thousands of tourists, dealing with crowds is an easy sacrifice to make for warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to the country’s top attractions.

The Central American country of Belize is ideal for visiting year-round, with a warm climate to be expected from the tropics and average temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

There are two main seasons in Belize: a dry season, which begins in December and continues through March, and a wet season, which starts in April and continues through the end of November.

And although many people prefer to head to Belize when the rains have subsided, a dense calendar of cultural events and activities draws tourists throughout the year. It is when to visit Belize, depending on your interests.

Best Time To Visit Belize

The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the country’s dry season. Although this peak season draws thousands of tourists, dealing with crowds is an easy sacrifice to make for warm temperatures, clear skies and easy access to the country’s top attractions.

January: Heading North!

January offers pleasantly mild temperatures despite the heat of the dry season. However, it is not uncommon to witness rainy episodes, especially on the north and central coast. But they dissipate quickly enough to give way to the sun while the sea breeze dampens the humidity considerably. From Belize City, do not hesitate to go to Altun Ha, one of the most famous Mayan sites in the country.

Note, however, that the further south you head from the coast, the greater the risk of torrential rains will be, forcing backpackers to find refuge.

The interior of the country, meanwhile, is mixed during this period. The mornings are misty and cool, and the days are prone to humidity and rain. So avoid Orange Walk and Cayo Districts, which are not very conducive to outdoor activities.

February: Start Of The Tourist Season

In February, the rains recede and give way to very bright and hot days. Even though the north coast still experiences rainy days, they are relatively less critical. Ideal places to enjoy a wild getaway are Bermudian Landing (less than an hour from the capital), a small village inhabited by howler monkeys in the middle of the Belizean jungle.

The south and central coast are also resuming colors: temperatures are rising without being too oppressive, and precipitation is rarer.

If you want to visit the hinterland, know that the sun very rarely invites itself on the spot, favoring high humidity and clouds. A word of advice: avoid this part of Belize in February.

March: Good Weather Answers The Call

The temperatures are even milder in March and allow walkers to hike without embarrassment, especially to stay dry! Indeed, it is the least rainy month of the year. Another side of the coin: tourists flock in droves, especially on the coasts.

On the northern coast, the sun persists except for a few cloudy mornings. I also prefer the central coast, because the rains are low and the heat pleasant. Our favorite: the island of Caye Caulker. Unlike its neighbor Ambergris Caye, it has retained its authenticity of yesteryear. Cars are prohibited, and relaxation is highly recommended.

In the south of the coasts, the heat is more important because of a microclimate prevailing at this period. But the clearings are gaining ground, and one can without hesitation visit the region.

Like the coast, the interior lands show a better appearance. The sun is frequently present despite the persistent rains.

April: The Heat Is In Full Swing

The temperatures panic in April and easily reach 35 degrees. They are accompanied by a slight increase in precipitation, especially south of the coast. It is boiling there, and thunderstorm formations appear.

Instead, go up towards the coasts in the center of the country. The weather then turns out to be milder with a good number of sunny days. You can always bet on nautical activities in case of intense heat!

On returning to the territory’s interior, the heat regains its rights and makes the visits quite inconvenient. The high village of Blue Creek may give you a little more relaxed surroundings and a nice view of the valley as a bonus.

May: The Wet Season Makes Its Debut

The month of May is not the ideal time to travel to Belize because the temperatures reach their peak and the rain. During this period, bet on the central coast: the weather is milder, and it is not uncommon to see several sunny days there in a row. If the weather is right for you, take the time to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, which is none other than the second-largest reef in the world.

The other coastal regions are less attractive because torrential rains and very heavy weather characterize them. The hinterland suffers an identical fate and adds significant storm formations to its slate.

June: The Rains Are Having A Blast

Scorching weather rages in the morning in June, accompanied by more or less heavy rains depending on the region. But on the northern part of the coast, these showers are short-lived and frequently alternate with sunny spells. In short, an (almost) Breton climate …

The south and the center of the coast are subject to more frequent rains, which are not conducive to outdoor activities. One can always take comfort in visiting Belize City’s covered cultural sites such as the House of Culture or the Belize Museum. A former prison converted into a national museum.

The program is similar in the interior, sometimes showing small clearings.

July: Some Improvements

Although the wet season rages in Belize in July, some localities are more preserved.

The direction of the south coast is where the sunny days are pretty numerous. The heat does not leave the premises, but you can dawdle without fear (a priori) of precipitation—a perfect opportunity to visit the charming fishing village of Placencia. The latter forms a nice mix of Garifuna, Creole, Mennonite, Mayan descendants, and many others. There is only one rule to respect: here; we walk barefoot inside the village and by the sea!

Meanwhile, the rest of the coast is not spared by the rains, even if the clearings are pointing at the tip of their nose. Only the hinterland is flooded from morning to night and is therefore not of great interest.

August: Uneven Weather

The month of August is a little more recommended for travelers because the sun invites itself over a good part of Belize. Aside from the hinterland, which remains the bête noire of the season, the coastline sees its sky lighten over the days, although the heat and humidity reign supreme.

However, you will have to avoid certain areas like Belize City, which is still too rainy. Opt instead for the district of Corozal, much less humid than the other coastal towns, especially since it is a tiny tourist locality, ideal for backpackers looking to get off the beaten track. The village of Cerros, a Mayan archaeological site bordered by the Caribbean Sea, is a must-see in the district.

In the south of the coasts, temperatures rise briskly, frequently exceeding the 30 ° C mark. The sun is still shy, dominated by showers.

September: Widespread Showers

If August knows improvements, September regresses shamelessly. The temperatures do not seem to want to decrease, and the rainy weather continues its daily ballet. If you are traveling during this season, keep in mind that outdoor trips will be limited.

However, there are possibilities to enjoy the heritage while remaining covered by visiting caves, for example. ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal), located in the outskirts of San Ignacio, is a little wonder. It is one of the flagship emblems of pre-classical Mayan culture but, above all, one of the best-preserved sites in all of Central America.

In general, wherever you go, heat and humidity will be the watchword. You will have to jump at the chance as soon as the clearings resurface!

October: We Drop Anchor In The North

The weather is starting to warm up somewhat north of the coasts, while the showers are less severe. The region enjoys increasing sunshine, allowing you to plan for many outdoor activities. With this in mind, go to the Crooked Tree Nature Reserve, a small village nestled in the middle of an island covered with vegetation.

Conversely, the rest of the country (coasts and interior) is rainy most of the time, so unattractive in October.

November: The Beautiful Days Resurface

Freshness sets in gradually in November, and the rains continue to decrease. Nature trips can consider even if we are not entirely out of the wet season.

Therefore, the entire territory can be visited during this period, from the coast to the interior, providing an alternation of rainy and sunny days. Better twice than one: the coral reef is a must-have during your trip to Belize! In this context, the protected reserve of Hol Chan Marine is highly recommended to you. There are many species of fish and a shark area, the “Shark Ray Alley.” Divers, to your bottles!

December: Return Of The Beautiful Season

The dry season is not yet entirely over, but the climate is milder at this time of year in Belize. When they appear on the coast, the showers are brief and quickly give way to the sun. In addition, the temperatures are more comfortable: a significant advantage for visitors.

So you can plan your trip regardless of the location by simply packing a few rain gear in your suitcase, alongside summer outfits. Our recommendation: the Blue Hole National Park (located in the hinterland), its jungle populated with wild animals and plant species of all kinds.

The Climate Of Belize

Belize is a small country located on the east coast of Central America. It has a land border with Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and a maritime border with Honduras, the towns of Punta Gorda and Puerto Cortés being practically faced to face.

Belize’s climate is tropical and has only two seasons, a rainy season and a dry season. The temperature differences are pretty slight during the year. The rains are generally more critical in the south (between Belmopan and Aguacate) than in the north (between Corozal and Belize City).

The weather in Belize is hot and humid during the rainy season, which occurs between May and January. The temperatures are scorching, and the precipitation is very abundant from May to September. For the rest of the season, less rainfall accompanies warm temperatures. It should note that July is the rainiest month, a period to be avoided for a vacation in Belize.

The climate of Belize is milder during the dry season, which takes place between February and April. The precipitation is then moderate, and the temperatures display beautiful and warm values. March is the driest month of the year. April is very hot, but the precipitation is significant. It would therefore seem that March is the most favorable month for exploring the country.

What To See And Do In Belize?

Belize is a tropical forest that opens up to the Caribbean Sea. Populated mainly by descendants of slaves from Jamaica (340,000 inhabitants), this country offers an astonishing mixture of African atmosphere and British culture (the official language is English).

There are also many Mayan sites in the depths of its forest, a coastline of more than 250 kilometers, and multiple small islands, the cays, along a sublime coral reef, where you can practice diving.

You can visit Belize City, which was the capital before being partially destroyed by Cyclone Hattie in 1961, still full of color and seduction despite its decrepitude: the courthouse, the governor’s palace, Battlefield Park, St John’s Cathedral, the pretty wooden houses in the north of the city, and the Victorian buildings of the Fort Georges District are to be discovered.

The small islands (or cays) also offer beautiful traveler surprises: the great dive sites of Caye Caulker, the former fishing port of Ambergris Caye, which has now become a tourist site as popular as it is relaxed, with many possibilities. Water sports are two of the most famous examples among visitors.

Another must-see site, that of Lamanai in the New River Lagoon, within an archaeological reserve that you will reach by going up the river by boat and where you will discover Mayan remains dating from 1500 BC. AD, including the construction of 34 meters in height, in the middle of a jungle planted with lush species and populated by howler monkeys.

Festivities And Main Events In Belize

Another Mayan site that of Xunantunich dominates a hill above the Mopan River, and this place, although overgrown with vegetation, possesses true wild beauty.

Do not miss the Jaguar Reserve, founded in 1984, which hosts on its 40 hectares a spectacular local fauna of pumas and jaguars, ocelots and peccaries, boa constrictors, and agoutis. Off Belize, accessible by boat, the Great Blue Hole, a maritime curiosity made famous by Commander Cousteau, with a diameter of over 300 meters and a depth measured for 120 meters.

Festivities and cultural events follow in Belize throughout the year but don’t miss the most spectacular and meaningful ones. Among the unmissable cultural events is the Kwanzaa, which consists of celebrating the African diaspora, taking place from December 26 to January 1 each year.

Do not miss the opportunity to participate or attend the Carnival of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye in February. In June, lobster lovers come in large numbers to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye; that’s where the San Pedro Lobster Fest is held.

And if you are one of those who are passionate about cultural discovery, arrange to attend the commemoration of the Garifuna Landing Day in Dangriga, celebrated every November 19.

Belize In Practice – Best Time To Visit Belize

To enter Belize, you need a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and a residence permit valid for one month and can renew for 30 days. Good to know: upon departure, you must pay an exit tax.

To go to Belize, you can take a plane from Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and Guatemala. We landed north of Belize City at Philip Goldson Airport. You can also take the boat and the road from Mexico.

The current currency is the Belize dollar, but you can pay anywhere in US dollars (the US $ 1 is worth Bz $ 2).

Budget: you will need to plan for a daily budget of a little less than a hundred euros, based on a double room at € 50 and meals at € 10 per person.

There is no sanitary problem in this country, but you should take precautions if you spend some time in the jungle (protection against mosquitoes, drinking bottled water).

For your travels in the country, the buses are very numerous and stop everywhere, but you should not demand comfort and speed. You can also rent a car if you are over 25 years old.

Boats transport you to the islands; several companies provide these speedboat trips. There are also domestic flights that make connections between the cays and the main cities of the country. You can also make a lot of trips by bike as long as you are careful.

Regarding shopping, you can bring back handmade Indian fabrics, terracotta pottery, wooden masks.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Time To Visit Belize

What is the rainy season like in Belize?

The rainy season runs from June to mid-November, while the hurricane season runs from July to October, with the most active months being August, September, and October. For the most part, the rainy season characterizes by a dependable and short-lived afternoon shower.

How many days do you need in Belize?

How long to spend in Belize: 7 days is just enough time to see the major highlights and best of Belize, but the trip will be a bit fast-paced. Feel free to adapt this itinerary and make your trip from one week to 10 days in Belize to even two weeks if you enjoy slow travel and a leisurely pace.

What is the most incredible month in Belize? – Best Time To Visit Belize

The temperature in Belize range from 50°F to 95°F, while the annual average is around 79°F. November to January are traditionally the most incredible months with a 75°F average, and May to September are the warmest, with an average of 81°F.

Is Belize safe to visit

Unfortunately, Belize ranks consistently in the top 10 countries globally with the highest rate of homicides. Drug and human trafficking – and the gangs responsible for them – are the leading causes of increased violence. While this is a tragedy, it also means that Belize is relatively safe for tourists.

Is Belize cheap to visit?

Because Belize is such a small country, it is relatively easy to explore it by public transportation. Most of your trips will be relatively short and pain-free. It’s a relatively cheap travel destination, although, due to its popularity, prices are higher than in some nearby countries such as Guatemala or Honduras.

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