Belize In July: A Tropical Paradise Unveiled

Belize in July is hot, humid, and rainy—but don't let that put you off. The rain showers are usually short and sharp, and they help to cool things down. With temperatures averaging 85°F (29°C) during the day and 75°F (24°C) at night, July is a great month for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. It's also the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. Plus, with lobster season in full swing, you'll be able to sample this delicacy at its very best.

Lobster festivals

The San Pedro Ambergris Caye Lobster Festival is a two-week affair, with the 2024 dates falling in July from the 1st to the 13th. It is one of the biggest and most ostentatious festivals, with many establishments offering free live music and discounted drinks and lobster.

The Caye Caulker Lobster Festival, which takes place over a long weekend, is the birthplace of the Belizean Lobsterfest. It usually falls on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of July, but in 2016, it was held from July 1st to 3rd. Caye Caulker puts on the best all-around weekend entertainment, with better prices than San Pedro, and even discounted boat rides to and from the island. It takes its Miss Lobster pageant tradition very seriously, with teens showcasing their beauty and charm to win the title.

The Placencia Peninsula Lobster Festival is another popular event, with some claiming it to be better than San Pedro or Caye Caulker. It often falls on the same weekend as Caye Caulker's, but in 2024, it was postponed from its original dates of July 5th, 6th, and 7th due to inclement weather. The new dates were July 19th, 20th, and 21st.

Belize City also holds its Lobster Festival in July, usually the second week, at the famous Bird's Isle. This festival caters mainly to residents of Belize City who don't want to travel out of town.

These Lobster Festivals are a fusion of spices and freshly caught lobsters, complemented by the enchanting view of turquoise waters. They offer a variety of fun activities, including:

• Miss Lobster pageants
• Lobster-eating competitions
• Live cultural and musical performances
• "Biggest lobster catch" competitions
• Beach parties
• Street fests
• Wacky beauty pageants (with some contestants dressing as lobsters)
• Reggae and Belizean music concerts

Wildlife and nature

July is a great time to visit Belize if you're interested in wildlife and nature. Falling in the summer for the northern hemisphere, temperatures in Belize are not much hotter than the rest of the year, with daytime highs of around 86°F (30°C) and nighttime lows of 79°F (26°C). The weather is usually sunny, with scattered showers, and the dense jungle begins to return to its vibrant green hue.

Belize is called the wildlife capital of the Caribbean, and for good reason. It 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 country is also filled with medicinal plants and waterfalls.

Belize is only the size of Vermont, so it's easy to see a lot of nature in a short amount of time. On the mainland, you can visit many national parks and protected areas, such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park in southern Belize, where you can spot exotic birds, wildlife, and waterfalls. You can also take trips down the Moho and New rivers to see native wildlife, just be sure to plan around the rain.

Belize is also home to the second-longest barrier reef on Earth, which is composed of hundreds of islands home to a diverse population of sea turtles, fish, birds, dolphins, sharks, and other marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is divided into seven different protected marine parks and nature areas. There are many great snorkelling spots along the reef, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye, where you can swim around exotic corals and spot rays, moray eels, groupers, barracudas, and more. Glover's Reef is another fantastic protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you're interested in birds, head to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Belize, a protected wetland that is home to water birds like herons, storks, and limpkins. Belize is a roosting or fly-over point for over 600 species of birds, and dedicated bird watchers can spot some rare species. Man-O-War Caye, located just half a mile from Coco Plum Caye, is another designated bird sanctuary, home to indigenous bird species like Pelicans, Brown Booby birds, and Magnificent Frigate birds.

July is also a great time to see rainforest wildlife, as the hungry animals gorge on the blooming trees and flowers. You can spot monkeys, coatimundi, iguanas, scarlet macaws, and blue morpho butterflies, among other creatures. The best time of day to view wildlife in the rainforest is early in the morning, before sunrise, or at night.

Water sports

Belize is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts, with its Caribbean seas, ecological diversity, crystal clear waters, and surrounding beauty of rainforests and mangroves. Here is a list of water sports activities you can enjoy in Belize in July:

Scuba Diving

Belize is known for its spectacular scuba diving sites, including the Belize Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and the Belize Barrier Reef. The country's warm Caribbean waters offer a unique opportunity to witness migrating sharks near Gladden Spit. Other popular scuba diving locations include the wreck of Miss Pamela, South Water Caye, and Turneffe Atoll.

Snorkelling

Belize is home to some of the world's most diverse and scenic marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkelling. You can snorkel right off the beach or join a guided tour to explore the coral reef system and spot a variety of reef fish, rays, eels, conch, and possibly manatees.

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is a thrilling way to explore the unexplored Cayes of Belize and experience the beauty of the Caribbean waters. You can bring your own jet ski or rent one from the onsite rentals. Guided jet ski tours are also available for beginners.

Kayaking

Kayaking in Belize allows you to explore the country's ecological diversity up close. Turneffe Atoll, with its rich bird life and dolphin sightings, is a popular destination for kayakers. Guided kayak tours are available and can take you to various locations, including mangroves, uninhabited cayes, and coral gardens. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Sailing

Belize's calm sailing conditions and clear waters attract sailing enthusiasts from around the world. Catamaran tours are ideal for beginners, while overnight sailing trips along the cayes offer access to remote Caribbean waters. For a more adventurous experience, you can try skippered or bareboat sailing, staying within the vicinity of the reef for safety.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding has gained popularity in Belize due to its suitability for all ages and low impact on the body. It allows you to enjoy the serenity of the sea while exploring the surrounding nature and marine life.

Fishing

Belize offers a surprising array of sport fishing experiences, with its numerous lagoons and freshwater rivers. The diverse range of marine life makes it an angler's paradise, and the consistent temperatures mean you can fish all year round. Fly fishing is a popular option, and Tarpon Caye offers optimal casting positions for those who want to wade through the waters.

Belize truly is a water sports paradise, offering something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping activities to more relaxed and scenic experiences.

Weather

July is part of the rainy season in Belize, which typically runs from June to November. However, the rain showers usually come in short bursts and don't last long. You can expect warm, humid weather with the occasional rainstorm. The average temperature is around 85°F (29°C) during the day and 75°F (24°C) at night.

It's rare to have sustained cloudy weather and rain in Belize. Usually, it's a quick storm in the afternoon or throughout the night. The rain can be refreshing, cooling down the temperatures, and it makes the landscape even more beautiful. The morning rain showers wash away the day's humidity, and trade winds from the Caribbean keep the weather ideal for swimming, sailing, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the beach.

The weather in July is perfect for snorkelling and diving, as the water is warm and clear. The calm waters are also ideal for swimming. However, river-based activities might be affected by flooding.

The temperature in July is also perfect for exploring the jungles and rainforests of Belize and discovering the many waterfalls. The humidity can be high, similar to Florida weather, but the rain blows in and out, and it doesn't rain all day.

Overall, July is a great month to visit Belize, with beautiful weather and fantastic scenery.

Travel deals

July is a great month to visit Belize, with fewer crowds and great deals on offer.

Flights

The increased competition from America's biggest airlines means that airfare is at a historic low. You can find affordable rates on direct flights from several major US cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and Houston.

Hotels and Resorts

July is part of the "low season" in Belize, so budget travellers can take advantage of discounts of up to 40% on lodging. Some of the top resorts in Belize also offer summer specials in July, including:

• Black Orchid Resort
• Cahal Pech Village Resort
• Victoria House
• Chabil Mar Villas
• Villa Massis

Tour Packages

You can save money by booking tour packages that bundle flights, hotels, and activities. For example, Travelocity offers vacation packages to Belize from $913, and Expedia offers vacation packages from $836. These packages allow you to customise your trip and include options for car rentals, tours, and more.

Frequently asked questions