March In Belize: Hurricane Season's Calm Before The Storm?

Belize is a country in Central America, neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala. It has a subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, also known as the Belize rainy season or hurricane season, lasts from June to November, with the most active period for tropical storms occurring between the end of August and mid-October. While hurricanes occur on average about seven times a year in Belize, they rarely make landfall. However, when they do, they can cause extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November.

Belize hurricane history

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The country has a long history of hurricanes, with records dating back to 1851. Since then, Belize has been hit by several hurricanes, including major hurricanes like Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007.

On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize. However, they often do not make landfall and turn northward beforehand. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November.

• 1931 – A Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people and becoming the deadliest hurricane in the country's history.
• 1961 – Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize, causing extensive damage to Belize City and forcing the capital city to relocate inland.
• 2000 – Hurricane Keith, a Category 4 storm, stalled off the shore of Belize, resulting in 19 deaths and $280 million in damage.
• 2001 – Hurricane Iris, a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, with 145 mph winds, causing 24 deaths and $250 million in damage.
• 2007 – Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. The crop industry was heavily impacted, and the prime minister estimated the cost of repairing or replacing damaged homes at $10 million.
• 2010 – Hurricane Richard roared into Belize, crushing the village of Gales Point Manatee and causing extensive damage to central and southern Belize.
• 2016 – Hurricane Earl formed south of Jamaica and moved westward, making landfall in Belize on August 4. It caused extensive damage, with losses to agriculture exceeding $100 million.
• 2022 – Hurricane Lisa was the most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize, making landfall in November 2022.

Hurricane season in Belize

Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. It has a subtropical climate, with an average yearly temperature of about 80°F and humidity of around 85%. While the weather is pleasant most of the year, Belize does experience hurricanes and tropical storms.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, and tropical storms and hurricanes often threaten Belize. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November. During this time, it is common for the country to experience strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.

On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize. However, it is important to note that hurricanes often do not make landfall in the country but turn northward beforehand. The remnants of these storms can still cause gusts of wind and rain. The most affected regions are typically Belize and Corozal.

Belize has experienced some severe hurricanes in the past, with only two recorded Category 5 hurricanes: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. A major hurricane strikes the nation of Belize, located on the eastern Yucatán peninsula, about once a decade.

The areas in Belize most vulnerable to hurricane damage are the cayes and coastal areas, including popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland. When a hurricane is approaching, residents and visitors in these areas are advised to evacuate to central Belize.

To prepare for the hurricane season, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and be aware of the three hurricane phases: alert, watch, and warning. It is also recommended to have an evacuation plan in place and prepare a hurricane emergency kit.

Hurricanes in March

March is the height of the dry season in Belize, which typically lasts from December through May. During this time, the country experiences warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. In March, temperatures start to rise, and there is the least amount of rain. The coastal temperature in Belize in March is usually around 77-79°F, while the inland temperature can range from 69-88°F. The water temperature remains pleasant for swimming, at around 80°F.

Belize has two distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. In contrast, the wet season, which lasts from June to November, is marked by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rainfall. The wettest months are typically September and October.

While hurricanes can occur in Belize at any time of year, the hurricane season in the country formally coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Historically, the end of August through mid-October is the most active period for tropical storms. Hurricanes rarely make landfall in Belize but can be devastating when they do.

Belize has experienced several major hurricanes throughout its history. Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have been of Category 5 strength: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001.

On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize. However, they often do not make landfall and instead turn northward beforehand. The most affected regions are typically Belize and Corozal. The remnants of these hurricanes can still cause gusts of wind and rain in the country.

Hurricane warnings and alerts

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, and while hurricanes often threaten Belize, they rarely make landfall. However, when they do, they can be devastating, causing extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths. The cayes and coastal areas, including popular destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland, are the most vulnerable to hurricane damage.

The U.S. Embassy in Belize advises residents and visitors in these areas to leave at the hurricane alert stage, before transportation services are affected. During a hurricane watch, the international airport will typically close when sustained winds reach 40 mph, and residents of Belize City and coastal regions are advised to move inland to central Belize.

A hurricane warning indicates that a hurricane or storm is likely to strike the Belize coast within a matter of hours. At this stage, anyone remaining in the coastal regions is advised to evacuate to the central highlands.

To monitor the progress of a hurricane, U.S. citizens in Belize can refer to the National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration website and The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). They can also call the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport or listen to updates on major radio stations.

It is recommended that U.S. citizens enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and obtain travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses.

Hurricane preparation

Hurricanes occur frequently in Belize, with around seven hurricanes a year. The hurricane season in Belize is from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak season typically falling between August and October. While hurricanes don't always make landfall in Belize, they can still cause dangerous weather conditions. The most affected regions are Belize and Corozal.

Before the Hurricane

• Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and advisories from official sources such as the National Meteorological Service of Belize and the National Hurricane Center.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): This program facilitates notifications in case of an emergency.
• Research and plan: Identify potential risks in the areas you plan to visit. Choose accommodations that prioritize safety, and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency shelters.
• Purchase travel insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to hurricanes.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Pack essential items such as water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a portable charger, and copies of important documents.
• Follow local instructions: If a hurricane warning is issued, follow the instructions of local authorities and your hotel staff. They will guide you on the safest course of action.

During the Hurricane

• Evacuate if advised: If you are in a vulnerable area, such as the cayes or coastal regions, follow the advice of local authorities and evacuate to a designated shelter or a safer location.
• Stay indoors: Do not go outside during the hurricane. Find a safe place to stay, such as a sturdy building or a designated hurricane shelter.
• Keep updated: Stay connected to local news and weather updates to monitor the hurricane's progress.

After the Hurricane

• Be patient: It may take time for services and transportation to return to normal. Check with your airline or travel agent for any changes to your itinerary.
• Follow safety instructions: Continue to follow the instructions of local authorities and hotel staff, as they will have the most up-to-date information on the situation.
• Help others: If you are able, offer assistance to those in need. Check on your neighbours and support each other during the recovery process.

Frequently asked questions