Belize Weather In May: What To Expect

Belize is a tropical paradise, with warm temperatures and beautiful beaches all year round. However, the best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which falls between February and May. During these months, the rainfall is significantly lower than the rest of the year, and the weather is perfect for enjoying the country's many attractions.

May is one of the hottest months in Belize, with temperatures climbing to an average high of 87°F (31°C). While there is an increase in rain, it usually falls as light showers in the morning, with the occasional thunderstorm at night. So, if you're planning a trip to Belize in May, you can expect warm and pleasant weather, with occasional rain showers.

Belize's rainy season starts in May

Belize is characterised by a dry season, running from December to May, and a rainy season, which starts in May and lasts until November. The transition from dry to rainy is very sharp, and the country's annual rainfall is highly variable depending on the region.

Dry Season

Belize's dry season falls between December and May, with the driest months being January to April. During this time, the country experiences significantly less rainfall than the rest of the year, and when rain does come, it is usually in mild, short bursts. The dry season is the high season for tourism, with warm temperatures across the country. The best months for guaranteed sun are March through May.

Rainy Season

The rainy season in Belize starts in May and lasts until November. The onset of the rainy season begins in early May in Toledo, the country's southernmost district, and progresses northwards throughout the month. By late May, the rainy season has reached the Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo, and Orange Walk districts, and by early June, it has reached the Corozal District in the north. The rainy season is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but intense rainfall. The most frequent rainfall usually occurs in June or July and is followed by a break in late July or August, known as the "little dry". The wettest months are typically September and October.

Regional Variations

The amount of rainfall varies considerably across Belize. Southern regions, such as Toledo, receive the highest annual rainfall, with up to 160 inches (4064 mm) per year. In contrast, northern regions, such as Corozal, receive significantly less rain, with annual rainfall ranging from 60 inches (1524 mm) to 150 inches (3800 mm). The central regions of Belize exhibit a mix of primary and secondary rainfall maxima, with lower overall rainfall than the south.

The country's weather is characterised by two seasons

The weather in Belize is characterised by two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, which is also the high tourist season, usually falls between December and May. The rainy season, or the low tourist season, then follows from June to November. The transition between the two seasons is very sharp.

During the dry season, the weather is warm to hot, with clear skies and cooling trade winds. Rainfall is rare, and when it does rain, it is usually in short bursts. The months of December, January, and February are the coolest, while April and May are the hottest.

The rainy season sees an increase in temperatures and humidity. Tropical storms and hurricanes are possible, although they are rare. The rainiest months are June, July, September, and October. The "little dry", also known as the "mauger" or "Mauga" season, is a short break from the rains that occurs in late July, August, or early September.

The onset of the rainy season varies across the country. In the southern district of Toledo, it begins in early May, progressing to the Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo, and Orange Walk districts in late May, and finally reaching the Corozal District in early June. The annual rainfall also varies, ranging from 60 inches in the north to 160 inches in the south.

The wet season is also hurricane season

The wet season in Belize runs from June to December, with the rainy season starting in the south in mid-May and reaching the north around mid-June. The wet season is also hurricane season, with the Atlantic hurricane season officially running from June 1 to November 30. The risk of hurricanes is low until August, with the most active period for tropical storms being from the end of August through mid-October.

Hurricanes rarely make landfall in Belize but can be serious when they do. Tropical waves, storms, and hurricanes move westward through the Caribbean from June to November, with tropical storms and hurricanes peaking in September and October. Tropical waves are active or inactive systems, with peak activity occurring in June and July.

The wet season is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rainfall. The amount of rainfall varies considerably by region, with southern Belize receiving more than 150 inches of rain per year, while the north rarely receives more than 50 inches. The wettest months are September and October, with July also being particularly wet.

The wet season is punctuated by a reprieve in late July and August known as the "mauger" or "little dry season". During the rainy season, about 60% of the annual precipitation occurs, primarily due to tropical systems such as tropical waves and occasional tropical cyclones.

The average temperature in May is 87°F (31°C)

May is one of the hottest months in Belize, with an average monthly temperature of 82°F (28°C). The average high temperature is 87°F (31°C), and the average low is 79°F (26°C). The temperature rarely falls below 73°F (23°C) or exceeds 90°F (32°C).

May is a great time to visit Belize if you enjoy warm and dry weather. The dry season falls between February and May, with significantly less rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain during this season, it is usually mild and short-lived. The dry season is the perfect time to explore the country's jungles, ruins, and beaches. However, it is also peak season, so planning and booking in advance are essential.

The weather in Belize varies depending on the region. The Cayo District and the Cayes, for example, experience predominantly dry weather in May, with clear and sunny days. In contrast, the Toledo District and Placencia have a more tropical climate, with the possibility of rain throughout the year. This rainfall contributes to the lush beauty of these regions.

Belize has a comfortable tropical climate with consistent temperatures year-round. The coastal sea breezes, along with the country's large tracts of jungle and rainforests, provide cooling relief during the hottest summer months. Even in winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F (16°C). The country experiences two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry, rather than the typical four seasons.

May is a good month for wildlife spotting

Belize is known for its comfortable tropical climate, with temperatures averaging 84° F (29°C) throughout the year. The country experiences two seasons: a dry season from February to May, and a wet season from June to December. While the dry season sees occasional rain, it usually comes in mild, short bursts.

May is a great month to visit Belize, as the country experiences high temperatures and the rainy season has not yet begun. This makes May ideal for wildlife spotting, as animals are easier to see without the obstruction of heavy rainfall.

Belize is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the world's only jaguar sanctuary, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This 125,000-acre preserve is operated by the Belize Audubon Society and offers well-marked hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and swimming holes. It is also a sanctuary for hundreds of bird species and Belize's other exotic animals, such as ocelots, pumas, and tapirs. May is a good time to visit this sanctuary, as the weather is dry and warm, making it more comfortable for hiking and exploring.

Another great spot for wildlife spotting in May is the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Preserve. This high-altitude preserve offers a cool escape from the hot tropical jungle of Belize's lowland areas. It is home to jaguars, ocelots, coatimundis, and other big cats, as well as rare bird species such as pine siskins, eastern bluebirds, and scarlet macaws. The dry weather in May makes it a good time to hike and spot these magnificent creatures.

For those interested in birdwatching, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. This vast wetland area is packed with thrilling birdlife, including the famous Jabiru Stork, which has a wingspan of up to 12 feet. The dry season, from November to May, is the peak time to spot some amazing birds in this sanctuary, so May is an excellent month to visit.

Belize is also home to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, located in the village of Bermudian Landing. This sanctuary is home to thousands of howler monkeys, which are free to roam over 20 miles of protected land. May is a great month to visit as the dry weather makes it easier to spot these vocal primates without the distraction of heavy rain.

In addition to these spots, the Belize Zoo, the Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio, and the Shark Ray Alley in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve offer great opportunities for wildlife spotting in May. The dry and warm weather creates ideal conditions for observing and interacting with a variety of animal species.

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