The Sweltering Secrets Of Belize: Unveiling The Country's Hottest Days

Belize is hot and humid all year round, with a subtropical climate and distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature rarely drops below 50°F, and can sometimes reach 96°F in the peak of the afternoon. The hottest months are May to September, with an average temperature of 81°F. The coolest months are December to March, with an average of 75°F. The high season for tourists is from December to April, when the weather is dry and warm, and the seas are calm and clear.

Belize's temperature range

Belize has a subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature in Belize varies by only about 4°C between the coolest part of the year (December to March) and the hottest months (May to September). The annual mean temperature is 79°F, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 95°F.

The dry season in Belize typically occurs from December through May, with the driest months being February and March. The temperature then peaks in April and May, with temperatures reaching the mid-90°Fs on the mainland. The wet season runs from June through November, with the rainiest months being September and October. The wettest months in Belize are from May to October, during which the country receives an average of 50 inches to 180 inches of rainfall. The northern region receives less rainfall than the extreme south, with around 50 inches per year in the north and up to 190 inches in the south.

The temperature range in Belize is influenced by factors such as altitude and proximity to the coast. In the uplands, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains, temperatures can fall by about 3°C for every 1000ft rise in altitude. The Cayo District and other inland destinations tend to be slightly cooler than the coastal regions. The coastal areas, on the other hand, experience temperatures in the 70s to 80s (°F) for most of the dry season, occasionally reaching the 90s during April and May.

The water temperature in Belize also remains relatively constant, with an average between 79 and 86°F. The best time for guaranteed sun and fun is generally considered to be March through May.

The hottest months

Belize is a Central American country with a hot and humid climate all year round. The temperature varies by only about 4°C between the coolest part of the year (December to March) and the hottest (May to September). The hottest months in Belize, therefore, are May, June, July, August, and September.

In May, the average maximum temperature is 32°C, making it the hottest month of the year. The temperature is generally around 87°F (31°C) during the day and falls to around 79°F (26°C) at night. There are occasional thunderstorms at night and light showers in the morning.

June is one of the warmest months in Belize, with a monthly average temperature of 86°F (30°C). The days are warm, with an average daytime high of 84°F (29°C), and the nights are also warm at around 80°F (27°C). There are frequent afternoon showers and fresh trade winds off the Caribbean Sea.

July is the heart of summer in Belize, with daytime highs averaging around 86°F (30°C) and nights staying pleasantly warm at an average of 79°F (26°C). There are frequent rain showers in the early morning and thunderstorms during the night.

August is known locally as the "Little Dry" month. The weather stays warm, with daytime highs of about 86°F (30°C) and nights remaining balmy at 78°F (26°C).

In September, the temperature averages around 81°F (27°C) during the day and 77°F (25°C) at night. The rain returns, especially early in the morning and during the night, but most days stay sunny and clear.

The daily temperature range is around 10°C from the hottest part of the day to the coolest part of the night. In the uplands (Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains), temperatures fall by about 3°C for every 1000ft rise in altitude, providing a more comfortable climate.

The coolest months

While Belize is hot and humid all year round, the coolest months are November to February, with average temperatures of 75°F (24°C).

November

November is the coolest month in Belize, with temperatures ranging from 69°F to 82°F (21°C-28°C). It is considered the beginning of winter for locals, but most visitors will still find it warm and sunny. It is a great time to visit Belize before the busy Christmas and New Year holiday season.

December

December is the most popular month for cruise passengers to visit Belize. The average high temperature is 81.7°F (28°C), with a low of 67°F (28°C). The month usually starts with plenty of rain, but the dry season begins towards the end of the month.

January

January is a transition month between the wet and dry seasons, with varying amounts of rainfall and mild temperatures. The coastal temperature ranges from 75°F to 78°F (24°C-26°C), while inland temperatures can be as low as 66°F (19°C) and as high as 80°F (27°C). It is a popular time for tourists, particularly those escaping the colder winter weather in North America and Europe.

February

February is another dry month, with very little rainfall and temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C-27°C). It is a great month to visit the rainforests, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights.

March

March is a popular month to visit Belize, with the least amount of rain and rising temperatures. The coastal temperature ranges from 77°F to 79°F (25°C-26°C), while inland temperatures can reach 88°F (31°C).

April

April is the beginning of the rainy season, with slightly higher temperatures and brief refreshing showers. It is a good month to visit for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy warmer weather, with average highs of 87°F (31°C).

The Dry Season

The dry season in Belize typically occurs from December to May, with the coolest months being from December to February. This period sees warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain.

The Wet Season

The wet season, also known as the rainy season or green season, runs from June to November and is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but intense rainfall. This is the low season for tourism, and some resorts may close down during this period. However, it can be an attractive time to visit Belize for those seeking a summer break, with fewer crowds and lower prices.

The wettest months

Belize has a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, also known as the rainy season or hurricane season, runs from mid-May to November in the south and from mid-June to November in the north. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall, with the southern region receiving up to 150-180 inches of rain per year compared to around 50 inches in the north.

The wet season in Belize is the low tourist season, as it coincides with the Atlantic Hurricane Season. September and October are the most active months for hurricanes and tropical storms, and even though Belize is less frequently hit than neighbouring Caribbean islands due to its geographical position, it is still important to be cautious and prepared.

Despite the rain, the wet season in Belize has its advantages. It is the perfect time to enjoy summer savings and take advantage of the numerous discounts offered on tours and accommodations. You can also avoid the crowds and have a more exclusive experience of the country's attractions. Additionally, the jungle canopy and the country's western interior provide cooling relief from the balmy summer temperatures.

So, if you're planning to visit Belize during the wet season, make sure to pack accordingly! Bring waterproof shoes, a waterproof backpack, and a lightweight rain jacket. Don't forget the bug spray, as mosquitoes love still water, which is plentiful during this time. With these essentials, you'll be able to enjoy all that Belize has to offer, rain or shine.

The impact of altitude on temperature

Belize has a hot and humid climate all year round, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 95°F. The temperature varies by only about 4°C between the coolest and hottest parts of the year. The uplands, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge and the Maya Mountains, experience a fall in temperature of about 3°C for every 1000ft rise in altitude.

The relationship between altitude and temperature can be explained by the concept of atmospheric pressure. As you increase in elevation, there is less air above you, and therefore the pressure decreases. As the pressure decreases, air molecules spread out, and the temperature drops. This is in accordance with the temperature altitude equation, which states that the variation of temperature with altitude is given by the equation T = T0 – λ h (2.4), where T0 is the sea-level temperature, T is the temperature at altitude h, and λ is the temperature lapse rate.

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