Belize In May: Is It A Bad Time?

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, but it has an unfortunate reputation for being unsafe. The country has a high crime rate, with violent crimes and gang activity being a serious problem, especially in Belize City. However, tourists are rarely the target of such crimes. The country also struggles with issues of drug and human trafficking.

Despite these issues, Belize remains a popular tourist destination, especially during the dry season from December to May, when the weather is warm and pleasant. May is considered part of the off-season, so resorts and tour companies offer discounts on accommodations, tours, and vacation packages. The weather is warm, and there are endless activities to enjoy, such as scuba diving with whale sharks, exploring caves, bird watching in the rainforest, and visiting the beaches.

However, it is important to note that May is the beginning of the rainy season in Belize, and while the rainfall is usually mild and short-lived, there is a higher chance of thunderstorms at night. Additionally, some dirt roads may become muddy and difficult to traverse, and certain caves may be closed due to safety concerns.

Overall, Belize in May can be a great choice for travellers looking for warmer weather and fewer crowds, but it is essential to stay informed about the country's safety concerns and take necessary precautions.

Belize's weather in May

May is the last month of Belize's dry season, which means it's your last chance to enjoy sunny weather before the frequent rains arrive. It's a great month to take advantage of diving, snorkelling, and water sports.

Weather Overview

Rainfall

May is the dry season in Belize, so rain is not expected to be a major factor. However, the rains do start to arrive in May, usually in the form of light morning showers with the occasional thunderstorm at night.

Cloud Cover

May experiences rapidly increasing cloud cover, with the chance of overcast or mostly cloudy conditions increasing from 51% at the start of the month to 79% by the end.

Daylight Hours

The length of the day gradually increases over the month, with the shortest day being May 1st, offering 12 hours and 47 minutes of daylight, and the longest day being May 31st, with 13 hours and 6 minutes of daylight.

Outdoor Activities

May is an excellent month for outdoor activities in Belize. The warm weather and calm waters make it perfect for catamaran tours and charter cruises to the outer islands and atolls. It's also a great time to go hiking around the Maya ruins without worrying about rain.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife spotting is at its best in May. Howler monkeys are out in force, and you can spot them all over the mainland, especially on boat or kayak tours down the Moho River. The jungles along this riverbank are also home to exotic animals like kinkajous and iguanas, with hawks and eagles soaring overhead.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

May is the best month to swim with whale sharks before they migrate during the rainy months. They are most abundant off the coast of Placencia, a peninsula in southern Belize.

Pros and Cons of Visiting in May

May is considered part of the "off-season" for foreign visitors, so you can take advantage of special discounts on accommodations, tours, and vacation packages. The downside is that it can be very hot and humid, with the occasional thunderstorm, which may deter some tourists.

Overall, May is a great month to visit Belize, offering warm, sunny weather, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting. It's your last chance to enjoy the dry season before the frequent rains arrive, and you may even score some good deals on accommodations and tours!

Crime rate and safety

Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes, and the presence of gangs. The country is ranked consistently high worldwide when it comes to violence, due to border tensions with Guatemala and increased drug and human trafficking into Mexico. The crime rate in Belize is 59.05, which is considered moderate but just short of being classified as high.

Belize has around 40 active gangs operating throughout the country, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most gangs are concentrated in Belize City, which is considered the major crime centre in the country. The Southside of Belize City is particularly dangerous and is best avoided by tourists, as it is the battlefront for frequent inter-gang conflict.

Other dangerous areas in Belize include the Mayan ruins of Caracol, the Guatemalan border, and the Honduras border. Generally, anything north of Belize City is considered risky due to gang activity, and police in these areas have the right to stop and search without warning.

Despite the high crime rate, tourists are rarely the target of violent crimes in Belize. However, in recent years, crimes have been increasing in tourist areas, believed to be due to the large disparity between rich and poor. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is one of the main dangers for tourists.

To stay safe in Belize, it is recommended to travel in groups and avoid deserted areas, especially at night. It is also important to not flash any valuables and to be cautious when using ATMs. Taking a taxi after dark is a good idea, as they are inexpensive and safe.

Belize is considered safe to travel to, but it is important to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Natural disasters

Belize is susceptible to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and tropical storms. The country is located in the path of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, making it vulnerable to hurricanes and associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The low-lying terrain of Belize exacerbates the impacts of flooding and sea level rise, and the country is ranked 8th out of 167 countries for climate risk.

The hurricane season in Belize typically lasts from June to November, and historically, the country has experienced several significant hurricanes and tropical storms. Since 1930, 16 hurricanes have made landfall or passed close enough to cause damage, with the 1931 hurricane being the deadliest, claiming approximately 2,500 lives. Other notable hurricanes include Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which led to the relocation of the capital city to Belmopan, and more recent hurricanes such as Keith in 2000, Iris in 2001, and Arthur in 2008.

Belize is also at a lower risk of earthquakes compared to hurricanes, but tremors from earthquakes in neighbouring countries can occasionally be felt. Landslides are rare in Belize, but flooding is frequent, especially in the western and southern regions, which experience a high number of rainy days and excessive rainfall.

To mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, Belize has implemented several policies and established organisations like the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Belize Red Cross Society. The country has also taken steps to create safer settlements and relocate vulnerable communities, such as the establishment of Hattieville and the relocation of the capital to Belmopan.

Things to do

May is a great month to visit Belize, with warm and sunny weather, affordable prices, fewer tourists, and lots of exciting events and festivals. Here are some of the top things to do:

• Scuba diving and snorkelling: May is a great time to go scuba diving and snorkelling in Belize, with warm and clear waters. The Belize Barrier Reef runs across the country's entire coast, offering countless spots to explore, including Hol Chan, Mexico Rocks, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, and the atolls.
• Visit the Maya Sites: Belize was once the heart of the ancient Maya civilisation, and the dry weather in May makes it a great time to explore these historic sites. Some of the top Maya sites to visit include Xunantunich, Caracol, ATM Cave, and Lamanai.
• Explore the Belizean Jungle: With over 60% of Belize covered in forest, the country is filled with national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. In May, the hot and dry weather makes it perfect for hikes that often lead to refreshing waterfalls. Popular destinations include Mountain Pine Ridge, Bocawina National Park, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.
• Festivals: There are several festivals in May, including the Chocolate Festival of Belize in Toledo, which celebrates the country's rich chocolate history. Another is the Crooked Tree Cashew Festival, which celebrates the cashew harvest season with live music, Caribbean dishes, and cashew wine. There's also the Monkey River Festival in Southern Belize, which includes traditional games and cultural performances.
• Birdwatching: May is a great month for birdwatching in Belize, and one of the top places to go on a birding tour is El Pilar Mayan Ruins.
• Waterfalls and swimming: With the warm weather in May, it's a great time to enjoy a dip in the Caribbean Sea or one of Belize's top waterfalls like Big Rock and Rio on Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

Where to stay

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches and amazing water sports. It covers an area of 22,800 square kilometres and is divided into six districts, which are further subdivided into 31 constituencies.

The best place to stay in Belize depends on what you want to do and experience during your vacation. The towns and cities in mainland Belize are great for ecotourism and jungle adventures, while the islands and coastal villages are perfect for sun, sand and sea activities.

• San Pedro – the main city on the country's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is the best place to stay for first-timers. It has a lively downtown with lots of nice restaurants and beach bars, incredible caves, beautiful beaches, and lagoons with mangroves. It also offers world-class diving and snorkelling, with the Belize Barrier Reef less than a mile away. San Pedro is an hour-and-a-half ferry ride from Belize City.
• San Ignacio – located in the far west of Belize, near the border with Guatemala, San Ignacio is the best town to stay to discover Mayan culture and historical sites. It is home to the Mayans and offers amazing historical sites, including Mayan ruins in at least three archaeological sites: Xunantunich, Cahal Pech Archaeological Reserve, and Caracol. It also offers spectacular landscapes perfect for hiking, such as Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Actun Tunichil Muknal.
• Caye Caulker – this island, located off the east coast of Belize, can be reached from Belize City by plane or water taxi and ferry. It offers one of the best diving and snorkelling spots, stunning reefs, and amazing marine life. It has a laid-back vibe, fewer accommodation options, and relatively cheap prices, making it a great option for budget travellers.
• Placencia – located off the east coast of Belize, Placencia is a laid-back fishing village and one of the safest places to stay in Belize. It offers beautiful beaches, excellent local seafood restaurants, and family-friendly hotels for all budgets.
• Hopkins – just an hour's ride from Belize City, Hopkins is a small village and a great place to experience the richness of Belize's culture. It is one of the main cities in which Garifuna people live. Hopkins also offers nice beaches, such as Hopkins Beach, and is close to beautiful national parks like Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Belize City – the largest city in Belize, located on a small peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It is home to major cultural and historical landmarks, nice shops, and delicious Belizean restaurants. It is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the airport for your departure. Belize City is also home to most hotel chains, such as Best Western and Ramada.
• Corozal – located on the mainland, Corozal is the northernmost district in Belize. It is a small and friendly town, popular with expats, offering a laid-back lifestyle and easy access to nearby Chetumal in Mexico. Attractions include Mayan sites, Shipstern Nature Reserve, and the simple life of small fishing villages.

Frequently asked questions