Belize In November: A Tropical Paradise Unveiled

Belize in November is a great time to visit, with balmy temperatures, sunny skies, and affordable deals. The dry season is just beginning, so rainfall is rare, and temperatures are mild, with highs of 84°F (28°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). It's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, and sailing, without the peak season crowds and prices. November also falls in the middle of important fishing seasons for king conch and spiny lobster.

Weather in November

November in Belize is a transition month, marking the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry season. It is also when the high tourism season starts, with Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November, being the time when overnight tourists begin to arrive. However, it is still a good time to visit to take advantage of the pleasant weather and affordable deals on tours, transportation, and lodging.

The weather in Belize during November is generally warm and sunny, with clear skies and mild temperatures. The average daytime temperature is 82° F to 84° F (27° C to 28° C), with nighttime temperatures averaging around 72° F to 75° F (22° C to 24° C). The humidity level is around 83%, and the winds are mild, providing a refreshing breeze. Brief morning or afternoon showers are still common, but rainfall is quite low, with only 2.4% of November days experiencing any rain.

The long, sunny days and clear skies make November an ideal time for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing, and sailing. It is also a great time to explore the jungle and experience the rich cultural heritage of Belize, such as the Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th, which celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize.

With its balmy temperatures, sunny skies, and lower humidity, November is the perfect time to visit Belize and enjoy its natural beauty and cultural offerings without the peak season crowds and prices.

Garifuna Settlement Day

Belize in November is the perfect time to visit, with balmy temperatures, sunny skies, and affordable deals. The beginning of the dry season, November is also the start of the tourist season, but you can still avoid the crowds.

One of the most important holidays in Belize, Garifuna Settlement Day, falls on the 19th of November. This public holiday celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people onto the shores of Belize in 1802. The Garifuna ethnic group traces its ancestry to West African and indigenous Arawak people. The celebrations last for a whole week, with parades, live music, drumming, dancing, and traditional Garifuna food. The first landing of the Garifuna is re-enacted with boats coming ashore carrying cassava sticks, plantain suckers, and sugarcane—representing the food the Garifuna people brought with them. Traditional Garifuna dishes such as serre (fish boiled in coconut milk), hudut (mashed plantain), and cassava in various forms are also a significant part of the festivities.

The celebrations occur throughout Belize, but especially in the town of Dangriga, the spiritual capital of the Garifuna people, where the first Garifuna people landed. The holiday was created by Belizean civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos in 1941 and was recognised as a public holiday in the southern districts of Belize in 1943. It was declared a national holiday in 1977.

Battle of the Drums Festival

Belize in November offers a range of exciting activities and festivals, making it an excellent time to visit. One of the highlights is the annual Battle of the Drums Festival, a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people. Here is some essential information about this vibrant festival:

History and Culture

The Garifuna people have a unique and fascinating history. They are descended from a mix of African slaves and native Carib islanders who settled in Belize over 200 years ago. The Battle of the Drums Festival is an important cultural event that showcases the vibrant traditions and resilience of the Garifuna community.

Location

The festival takes place in Punta Gorda, the capital of Belize's southern Toledo District. This town becomes a vibrant hub of cultural activity during the festival, attracting visitors from all over.

Dates

The Battle of the Drums Festival usually occurs in mid-November. In 2023, it was held on November 10, and in 2018, it took place on November 17-18. The festival begins in the evening, running through the night until the early morning hours.

Drumming and Music

The main attraction of the festival is, of course, the drumming! Troupes from Belize and neighbouring countries like Guatemala and Honduras compete in five different genres of Garifuna drumming. This style of drumming blends traditional African instruments with indigenous Caribbean rhythms, resulting in hypnotic and high-energy rhythms. The competition showcases the skill and passion of the drummers, with performances lasting through the night until winners are declared.

In addition to the drumming competition, the festival also features traditional Garifuna dancing and singing. Performers take to the stage to exhibit their mastery of various styles, including Punta, Hungu, Paranda, Chumba, and Wanaragua. The Belize Garifuna Song Competition Awards and Concert, introduced in 2023, added another layer of excitement to the event.

Food and Culture

The Battle of the Drums Festival is about more than just music; it's a celebration of Garifuna culture and cuisine. The "Food Fete" is a culinary experience where exotic Garifuna dishes take centre stage. Visitors can indulge in traditional cassava bread, hudut (a hearty fish stew made with coconut), and sweet cassava pudding. The "Taste of Garifuna" cooking competition highlights the creativity and culinary skills of Garifuna chefs.

Other Attractions in November

While the Battle of the Drums Festival is a highlight, there are other attractions that make November a great time to visit Belize. The country celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, honouring the arrival of the Garifuna people with street parades, traditional food, and drumming. Additionally, November marks the beginning of the dry season, offering long, sunny days and pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and hiking.

Affordable resorts

Belize in November is the perfect time to visit, with balmy temperatures, sunny skies, and affordable deals on lodging.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

Ranked as the #1 Best Value of 35 Cheap Resorts in Belize by TripAdvisor, Pelican Reef offers spacious and clean condos, delicious breakfast, and reasonably priced drinks. Located in Ambergris Caye, it provides a strong sense of value with beautiful grounds and accommodations.

Mystic River Resort

Described as charming and cozy, Mystic River Resort is a boutique resort nestled in the rainforest. It features a highly-rated farm-to-table restaurant with excellent food and a good selection for vegetarians. The resort is located 5 miles from San Ignacio, providing a convenient base to explore the area.

Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages

Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages in Caye Caulker offers accommodations at an affordable price of $25 for a week. It provides a bargain for those seeking a comfortable and clean stay, with cable TV, Netflix, and great wifi.

Laru Beya Resort & Villas

Laru Beya Resort & Villas is an isolated and well-maintained facility with a convenient bar and restaurant. It offers an all-inclusive package, which includes excursions, ensuring a worry-free and budget-friendly vacation. The resort is located in Placencia, providing a safe and tranquil getaway.

Caribbean Villas Hotel

Caribbean Villas Hotel provides comfortable beds, effective air conditioning, and reasonably priced spa services. They also offer kayak rentals and catamaran tours, making it a great option for those seeking a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities.

Xanadu Island Resort

Xanadu Island Resort is located in a quiet and convenient area, with drinking water and a well-equipped kitchen. The rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. It is a great choice for a relaxing and fun getaway.

Belizean Shores Resort

Belizean Shores Resort, located 3 miles north of Ambergris Caye, offers a fun and affordable vacation for families. It provides a peaceful island oasis, with a short boat ride away from the sights and sounds of San Pedro Town.

Cahal Pech Village Resort

Cahal Pech Village Resort, located in San Ignacio, features a gourmet restaurant, a fully-stocked bar, three swimming pools, and charming thatched-roof cabanas. It is a great option for those seeking a fabulous November vacation in Belize, with easy access to the eco-capital of Belize and its surrounding attractions.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

The award-winning San Ignacio Resort Hotel offers modern luxuries and access to the wild and untamed Cayo District. It provides a great opportunity to experience the authentic Belize, with favorable exchange rates and generous discounts during the season.

Rainbow Hotel

Rainbow Hotel in Caye Caulker is a cheap hotel option, providing easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef and various tours and adventures, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking.

Miramar Apartments

Miramar Apartments in Placencia offers affordable accommodations in a vibrant town with a predominantly Creole culture. Placencia boasts relaxed vibes, colorful houses, and excellent restaurants and bars. It is also known for its beautiful beaches and various tours, such as swimming with Whale Sharks and the Monkey River and Manatee Watch tour.

With these options, you can enjoy a fantastic and affordable stay in Belize during November, taking advantage of the wonderful weather and cultural experiences the country has to offer.

Fishing seasons

Belize is a great destination for fishing, with world-class game fishing that is only now being discovered by anglers. The country has a neotropical climate, with temperatures varying less than 10°F (5.5°C) year-round. While there are no distinct seasons, there are micro-climate changes, with the occasional cold front in the winter months.

Belize is home to a diverse range of fish species, including tarpon, bonefish, permit, barracuda, snook, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, red snapper, marlin, sailfish, giant grouper, and tuna. The country's fishing seasons vary depending on the species.

Bonefish are present in equal numbers throughout the year, and there is no clearly defined season for bonefishing. However, the allowed season for bone fishing is from April to October. Bonefish can be found in the mangrove-lined lagoons and flats on the interior of the Belize Atolls.

Permit are also present in Belizean waters year-round. Permit fishing is generally more predictable when the prevailing winds are most consistent, typically in the winter, spring, and summer. However, good permit fishing can also occur in the fall if the weather is not affected by cold fronts.

Tarpon fishing is more seasonal, as tarpon are migratory. Tarpon numbers begin to increase in April and May and start to drop off in September or October. The peak tarpon months are June, July, and August, but some resident tarpon can be found year-round.

In addition to these species, there are also fishing seasons for king conch and spiny lobster, which occur during November.

Overall, Belize offers excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year, with calm seas and pleasant weather. The country's diverse marine life and favourable environmental conditions make it a top destination for anglers and sport fishermen alike.

Frequently asked questions