Belize In July: Travel Tips And Insights

Belize is a great place to visit in July. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy the perfect mix of sunny weather, fantastic scenery, and delicious food festivals. The daytime temperature is usually around 86°F (30°C) and 79°F (26°C) at night. While it is the rainy season, the showers are short and help cool down the temperatures.

July is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, with nature treks to see wildlife, and water activities such as snorkelling and diving. It is also a good time to visit the ancient Maya ruins and explore the country's rich history.

Belize has a lot to offer in July, from its vibrant wildlife and natural beauty to its cultural celebrations and delicious food.

Explore the country's natural beauty and wildlife

Belize is known as the wildlife capital of the Caribbean, and for good reason. The country is brimming with natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife, both on land and in the sea.

On Land

Belize is home to a plethora of nature and wildlife reserves, where you can spot curious primates, the enigmatic jaguar, exotic birds, and even the gentle whale shark.

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park in southern Belize is a great option for nature treks. Here, you can witness exotic birds like macaws and toucans, as well as monkeys, tapirs, and jaguars. The park also boasts waterfalls and zip-line parks for those seeking adventure.

For a glimpse into the ancient past, explore the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, once mighty states during the ancient Maya Empire. These impressive structures are a testament to the rich history and culture of Belize.

Under the Sea

Belize is a snorkelling and diving paradise, offering underwater scenery that will surpass your imagination. The country is home to the second-longest barrier reef on Earth, the Belize Barrier Reef. Here, you can swim among neon fish, oversized turtles, and even gentle manatees.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, near Ambergris Caye, is a protected area encompassing thousands of acres of the Belize Barrier Reef. It is a natural cut in the reef that attracts a colourful medley of sea anemones, sponges, sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.

Glover's Reef is another fantastic site for snorkelling and diving. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its ecological importance.

In the Air

Belize is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 600 species of indigenous birds. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Belize is a protected wetland that is home to water birds like herons, storks, and limpkins.

The Man-O-War Caye, located just half a mile from Coco Plum Caye, is another designated bird sanctuary. Here, you can observe pelicans, Brown Booby birds, and Magnificent Frigate birds soaring in great numbers above Coco Plum Island.

In Summary

Whether you're exploring nature reserves, snorkelling through vibrant reefs, or observing ancient ruins, Belize offers a wealth of natural beauty and wildlife experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Enjoy food festivals, including the annual Lobster Festival

Belize is a melting pot of different cultures, and July is the perfect time to experience some of the country's unique food festivities. The largest food festival in Belize is the annual Lobster Festival in July. It is the ultimate beach party meets gourmet food experience, with sea, sand and food combining to create an intoxicating mix of sensory experiences for both the body and the palate.

One of the biggest celebrations on Ambergris Caye is the Lobster Festival, which takes place on the island from 3 July and is a must-see for foodies. Belize is known for its delicious lobsters, and Ambergris Caye's Lobster Festival is a celebration of this local delicacy. It is a fun and festive way to experience the local culture and savour some of the best seafood in Belize.

The Caye Caulker Lobster Festival is another popular event, held in the birthplace of the Belizean Lobster Festival. It usually takes place from 12-14 July, with plenty of outdoor food booths serving up everyone's favourite seafood prepared in a variety of ways, from grilled lobster to lobster thermidor and even lobster chowder. There are also wacky beauty pageants, drinks, music concerts and all-day and night beach parties.

The Placencia Lobster Festival is often held on the same weekend as Caye Caulker's, and some consider it to be an even better event. With the best beaches in Belize, Placencia offers a unique Lobster Festival experience that can be enjoyed by those who prefer to travel by land or sea.

Belize's Lobster Festival is a celebration of the country's deep-fishing roots and cultural diversity. It is a time when the community comes together to celebrate and share their culture, with plenty of entertainment, food and fun for all. So, if you're looking for a unique vacation experience this July, Belize and its Lobster Festival are definitely worth considering!

Visit historic sites, including ancient Mayan ruins

Belize is a great place to visit in July, especially if you want to explore the country's historic sites, including ancient Mayan ruins. Here are some reasons why:

Weather

July is part of the rainy season in Belize, which typically runs from June to November. This means you can expect warm, humid weather with occasional rainstorms. However, the rain showers are usually short and help cool down the temperatures, making the landscape even more vibrant and lush. The average temperature is around 85°F (29°C) during the day and 75°F (24°C) at night, making it a perfect time to explore ancient ruins without getting too hot.

Ancient Mayan Ruins

Belize boasts the largest number of ancient Mayan ruins in Central America. Here are some of the most notable sites to visit:

• Caracol is the largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize, located in the Cayo District. It was once one of the most powerful cities in the Mayan world and is still home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize, the Caana Pyramid. It covers 30 to 65 square miles of thick jungle, featuring five plazas, an astronomical observatory, and majestic temples.
• Xunantunich is accessible via a free ferry from San Jose Succotz Village across the Mopan River. It features El Castillo, the site's largest temple, and offers a wealth of historical information about the Mayans.
• Lamanai, located in northern Belize, is one of the oldest continuously occupied Mayan sites. It is situated near the New River Lagoon and is prized for its spectacular jungle setting.
• Cahal Pech is a smaller site located just outside of San Ignacio in the Belize River Valley. It was originally built for the wealthy and consists of pyramids, residence buildings, and seven courtyards.
• Altun Ha is the closest Mayan site to Belize City and is very easy to walk around, with no steep hills. It features two large central plazas and pyramids and is featured on the country's currency and leading beer brand.
• El Pilar is a 100-acre site situated near San Ignacio. It features a causeway that extends into Guatemala, 12 pyramids, and 25 plazas. It was occupied by the Mayans from around 800 BC to 1000 AD.

Other Historic Sites

In addition to Mayan ruins, Belize offers other historic sites to explore, including:

• The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, one of the top 12 sacred caves in the world.
• The Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most amazing sites in the world, according to ocean explorer Jacques Costeau.
• The Lobster Festival in July, a celebration of Belize's delicious lobsters and a great way to experience local culture.

So, if you're looking for a mix of ancient ruins, cultural experiences, and natural wonders, Belize in July is an excellent choice.

Experience outdoor activities, such as snorkelling and diving

Belize is a great destination for outdoor activities, especially snorkelling and diving. The country boasts the second-longest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which stretches for about 192 miles along the country's coastline. This, along with the offshore atolls, provides ample opportunities for exploration.

One of the most popular spots for snorkelling and diving is Ambergris Caye, known for its proximity to the reef and excellent underwater visibility. Here, you can explore captivating sites such as Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Cut, Tres Cocos, and Mexico Rocks. Shark Ray Alley, in particular, offers an exciting opportunity to swim with harmless nurse sharks, rays, and fish in shallow waters.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a trip to the outer atolls, such as Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef. Lighthouse Reef is home to the iconic Blue Hole, one of the most famous dive spots globally. However, it's recommended to skip this spot if you're solely interested in snorkelling. Glover's Reef, on the other hand, is known for its southern location, making it the perfect spot for snorkelling.

For those seeking a unique snorkelling experience, a liveaboard trip to the outer atolls of Glover's Reef and Turneffe is an option. This allows you to explore these remote areas in depth.

Belize also offers snorkelling opportunities south of Ambergris Caye, although visibility decreases as you move further south. Some notable spots in this area include Rendezvous Caye, Colson Caye, Carrie Bow Caye, and Gladden Cayes.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the wet season in Belize typically runs from June to November. To avoid the rain, consider visiting during the dry season, which ends in May. However, even during the wet season, the rainfall in July tends to come in short bursts, and the warm, clear waters make it an excellent time for snorkelling and diving.

Take advantage of low-season travel deals and discounts

July is a great time to visit Belize if you're looking for a bargain. Falling in the country's historic "low season", you can expect to find discounts of up to 40% on lodging and excursions. This is also a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.

With fewer tourists around, you can take advantage of some great travel deals and have a more authentic experience where you can fully appreciate the local culture. You won't have to book your hotel far in advance, and tours won't sell out as fast.

If you're travelling from the US, you'll be pleased to know that air carriers offer affordable rates on direct flights from several major American cities. Now that all of America's biggest airlines, including Southwest, American, United, and Delta, offer non-stop flights to Belize, increased competition means that airfare is now at a historic low.

Some of the top resorts in Belize also offer summer specials in July. For example, the Black Orchid Resort is located just 15 minutes away from the Belize International Airport, and the Cahal Pech Village Resort is a perfect base for exploring Maya ruins and nearby nature parks.

Frequently asked questions