Belize's December Weather: Sunny Days And Festive Nights

Belize in December is a popular time for tourists, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C. The weather is warm and sunny, with clear blue skies and cooler evenings. It is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, swimming, sailing and hiking. It is also a great time to visit Belize if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices for flights and accommodation.

Sunny days, warm temperatures, and high rainfall

Belize in December is a month of sunny days, warm temperatures, and high rainfall. With temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C, it's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkelling, swimming, sailing, and hiking. The warm climate and tropical sun make it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the cold winter months of North America.

The average daily temperature in Belize during December is around 29°C, with nights cooling down to a comfortable 22°C. This pleasant weather provides a vibrant and lively atmosphere, making it a popular time for tourists to visit. The rainfall in December is relatively high, with an average of 100 mm, and you can expect rain on almost half of the days in the month. However, the rain usually comes in short bursts, and the sunny weather prevails.

December is an excellent time to visit Belize as it offers a unique combination of warm temperatures and tropical vibes. The weather is perfect for exploring the country's beautiful beaches and enjoying water sports such as snorkelling, sailing, and swimming. The Caribbean Sea provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Additionally, the rain brings relief from the heat and creates a vibrant and lush landscape.

The dry season in Belize runs from February to May, with lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. However, December offers a unique charm with its sunny days and warm temperatures. The rainfall in December can be a welcome change, providing a chance for the landscape to flourish and offering a break from the heat. The wet season in Belize is also known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, with the local Garifuna communities taking to the streets to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with traditional dances, music, and parades.

Overall, December in Belize offers a mix of sunny days, warm temperatures, and high rainfall. It's a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, explore the country's natural beauty, and immerse yourself in the local culture and festivities. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking a tropical escape during the winter months.

Christmas traditions, including the Jankunu dance

Belize is a great place to spend Christmas, with average temperatures in December ranging from a mild 22°C to 27°C—perfect weather for a tropical Christmas vacation. The climate is comfortable and consistent year-round, with cooling coastal sea breezes and vast tracts of jungle and rainforest. Even in the hottest summer months, the weather is never too hot, and in winter it rarely gets colder than 16°C.

Christmas in Belize is celebrated throughout the month of December, with many unique traditions kept alive by locals. Here are some Christmas traditions in Belize that make the holiday season a special and cultural experience:

Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas season officially begins with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, which takes place at Mule Park. Everyone gathers to watch the Mayor light the tall Christmas tree, kicking off the festive season.

The Christmas Bram

The Christmas Bram is a celebration native to the Belize Kriol culture, specifically from old Belize City and the surrounding villages. It is similar to caroling, with people singing and playing Brukdong music while dancing through the streets and going from house to house, spreading cheer.

Garifuna Jankunu and Charikanari Dance

During Christmas and New Year, the local Garifuna communities take to the streets to enjoy the traditional Jankunu and Charikanari dances. The Jankunu dancers wear white long-sleeved shirts and pants with shell belts tied around their knees, along with pink masks bearing European features to imitate their former slave masters. The Charikanari dance is a dramatization of a hunting scene, with participants wearing cowhead attire and masks. Both dances involve roaming the streets and going from house to house, accompanied by traditional drummers.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a nine-day tradition celebrated in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo, starting on December 16th. It involves prayers, music, songs, dances, and food. A procession with statues of Mary and Joseph, known as the Santos, is taken from the Church through the streets with marimba music, candles, and fire displays. When they reach a preselected home, they reenact the Bible story of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, and a novena (prayers) takes place.

Traditional Christmas Foods

Belizeans prepare delicious traditional foods for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including turkey with all the trimmings, rice and beans, potato salad, black fruitcake, and white relleno (a soup with pork-stuffed chicken and raisins). Rum popo, the Belizean version of eggnog, is also a popular treat.

Easy to get to, with direct flights from the US and Canada

Belize is a great choice for a December vacation, with average temperatures ranging from a mild 22°C to 27°C—perfect weather for a tropical Christmas getaway. The days are warm and the nights are comfortably cool, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. And getting to Belize is easy, with direct flights available from several major cities in the US and Canada.

Direct Flights from the US to Belize

Several major US airlines offer direct flights to Belize, making it a convenient destination for American travellers. United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska Airlines all provide direct, non-stop flights to Belize. Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers direct flights from Houston, Denver, and Fort Lauderdale, while Jet Blue provides direct service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. With so many options, you're sure to find a flight that suits your travel plans.

Direct Flights from Canada to Belize

For Canadian travellers, getting to Belize is also a breeze. Air Canada offers year-round direct flights from Toronto to Belize, now twice weekly. Additionally, WestJet provides direct, non-stop seasonal flights (from November to April) from both Toronto and Calgary. With these convenient flight options, Canadians can easily escape the cold winter and enjoy a warm and sunny holiday in Belize.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip to Belize, it's a good idea to book early, especially if you want to take advantage of direct flights during the busy Christmas and New Year holiday season. By booking in advance, you can secure the lowest airfares and ensure a stress-free start to your tropical getaway. Keep in mind that flight prices can vary, so it's worth checking different websites and being flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals.

Access to world-renowned sites, like Maya ruins

Belize boasts a range of world-renowned sites, including the ancient Maya ruins, which are easily accessible in December. The average temperature in December in Belize falls to a comfortable 71°F (22°C) low and an average high of 80°F (27°C), making it an ideal time to explore the country's rich cultural and historical offerings.

One of the most notable Maya ruin sites is Lamanai, located in northern Belize. Lamanai is renowned for its well-preserved temples and structures, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. The site dates back to at least 2000 BC and was a hub for traders travelling between Mexico and Guatemala. As a result, the artefacts found at Lamanai are diverse and unique, including jade, mica, gold earrings, pottery, ceramics and agricultural tools.

Another impressive site is Caracol, situated on the edge of the Maya Mountains within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is an active dig site, and the highlight of this ruin is Canaa, also known as Sky Place, a towering 140-foot-tall pyramid. In addition to the monuments, Caracol also features a cleverly engineered Mayan reservoir, showcasing the advanced engineering capabilities of the ancient civilisation.

For those interested in the mystical, Lubaantun, also in southern Belize, is renowned for the famous crystal skull legend. Nim Li Punit, located nearby, is another site that offers a unique perspective on Maya governance, rituals and artistry. The intricately carved stelae depict rulers and other significant figures, and the site includes a well-preserved ball court and several plazas.

In western Belize, the ancient Maya site of Cahal Pech, or the "Place of Ticks," offers a different experience. Here, visitors can explore 34 ancient structures spread over two acres, dating back to when Mayan society flourished from circa 1000 BC to 800 AD.

With comfortable weather and easy access to these remarkable Maya ruin sites, December is an excellent time to visit Belize and explore the rich cultural heritage of this ancient civilisation.

Perfect weather for snorkelling, swimming, sailing, and hiking

Belize in December is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, sailing, and hiking. With temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C, the weather is warm and pleasant, providing the ideal climate for outdoor activities. The sea temperature is also around 27°C, making it a great month to swim and enjoy the beach.

December is one of the most popular times to visit Belize, as it offers a break from the cold winter months in North America. The weather is sunny and mild, with temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. It is the perfect time to explore the country's beautiful beaches and enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, sailing, and swimming. The clear, warm waters of the Caribbean Sea are especially inviting during this month.

The dry season in Belize runs from December to May, and this period sees lower rainfall and more comfortable temperatures compared to the rainy season. December is the beginning of the dry season, and while it can still be wet, it is a great time to visit as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. The rainfall in December averages around 100 mm, and there are still plenty of sunny days with approximately 192 hours of sunshine throughout the month.

Belize is known for its comfortable tropical climate, and even in December, the temperatures are mild and pleasant. The coastal sea breezes and the large tracts of jungle and rainforests provide a cooling effect, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. The humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85%, which is higher than in the hottest summer months.

In addition to water sports, December is also a great month for hiking and exploring Belize's natural attractions. The weather is cool enough to comfortably explore the country's rainforests, Maya ruins, and waterfalls. The Bocawina Rainforest Resort, located in the heart of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, is a perfect base for those who want to discover the rainforest and enjoy outdoor activities.

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