Belize In June: A Weather Snapshot

June is the start of the wet season in Belize, but that doesn't mean it's all doom and gloom. The rains are usually brief and refreshing, and they provide a lush, vibrant backdrop for your adventures. The average temperature ranges from 79°F to 87°F (26°C to 31°C), so you'll still have plenty of warm, tropical weather to explore the outdoors or relax on the beach.

The country experiences its highest rainfall of the year in June, with precipitation reaching 258mm (10.16.). The temperatures also drop slightly from the previous month, giving residents and tourists a break from the intense heat. Despite the rain, the lively vibe continues in Belize City's streets and markets.

The sea remains warm, appealing to tourists for enjoyable beach days. It's also a great time for diving and snorkelling, with perfect visibility. And if you're into wildlife spotting, you're in luck! Birds and animals come out more in June as flowers and food sources are more abundant.

June is the start of the wet season in Belize

Belize's Wet Season

Weather Conditions

Belize's wet season runs from June through December, with parts of the country receiving up to 150 inches of rain. The frequent rainfall usually occurs in June or early July, and the heavy, wild storms are often in the late afternoons. The good news is that the coast and islands are largely unaffected by the increased rain, and diving conditions remain ideal. The rain also brings a drop in temperature, providing a break from the intense heat of the previous months.

Nature and Wildlife

The wet season is a great time to spot exotic wildlife, as the birds and animals come out more due to the abundance of flowers and food sources. It's an ideal month for birdwatching, with migratory species joining the local avian population. Belize is home to over 500 bird species, including the Scarlet Macaw and the national bird, the Keel-billed Toucan. It's also a perfect time for fishing, as it marks the height of the "grand slam" season, where you can catch tarpon, permit, and bonefish all in one day.

Cultural Experiences

June is a great month to immerse yourself in Belize's rich cultural heritage. The Maya ruins and archaeological sites, such as Lamanai and Altun Ha, are must-visits. The former is the oldest Maya site in Belize, dating back to around 1500 BCE, while the latter reached its zenith around 900 CE. Beyond the ancient sites, you can explore the bustling local farmer's market in San Ignacio Town, where you'll find a rich mix of foods, handicrafts, handmade clothes, and traditional medicines.

Outdoor Activities

For thrill-seekers, there's cave tubing through the ancient Maya underworld or zip-lining above the rainforest canopy. If you're looking for a more relaxed pace, consider a river cruise down the Macal River, where you can spot howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds. Don't miss the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a geographical and archaeological marvel that takes you on a journey through crystalline waterways and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, alongside remnants of the Maya civilization.

Average temperatures range from 79°F to 88°F

June in Belize is warm, with average temperatures ranging from 79°F to 88°F. The daily high temperatures are around 88°F, rarely exceeding 90°F, while the daily low temperatures are around 79°F. The highest daily average low temperature is 80°F, which occurs on June 19. The average temperature in Belize City ranges from 79°F to 88°F on the hottest day of the year, August 28. On the coldest day of the year, January 14, the temperature range is 71°F to 81°F.

June is the start of the wet season in Belize, with the month experiencing the highest rainfall of the year at 258mm (10.16 inches). Despite the rain, the sea remains warm, and tourists can enjoy beach days and water activities such as diving and snorkelling. The rain also brings an abundance of flowers and food sources for birds and wildlife, making June a great time for spotting exotic wildlife on land and in the sea.

The warm temperatures and rainfall in June create a lush, vibrant backdrop for outdoor adventures. It is an ideal month for birdwatching, as migratory species join the local avian population. Belize is home to over 500 bird species, including the Scarlet Macaw and the national bird, the Keel-billed Toucan.

The warm temperatures in June also make it a perfect time for fishing. This month marks the height of Belize's "grand slam" season, where it is possible to catch tarpon, permit, and bonefish all in one day.

While June in Belize can be warm, constant trade winds and brief afternoon showers help to cool things off. The Caribbean breezes and the country's large tracts of jungle and rainforests provide cooling relief, ensuring that the climate remains pleasant for outdoor activities and exploration.

There's plenty of sun and fun to be had

Although June marks the start of the rainy season in Belize, there's still plenty of sun and fun to be had! The weather is hot and humid, with lots of sunshine and occasional rainfall—usually in the form of brief afternoon thunderstorms. The average daytime temperature is 88°F (31°C), with lows of 82°F (27°C) at night. The humidity is high, at an average of 80%, so it can feel muggy. But the constant trade winds and afternoon showers help to cool things off.

With sunny days and clear skies in between the showers, June is a great time to explore Belize's natural beauty and vibrant culture. Here are some fun activities to enjoy:

Snorkelling and Diving

Diving and snorkelling conditions remain good in June, with warm waters and excellent visibility. The Belize Barrier Reef, which stretches along the country's entire coastline, offers numerous breathtaking spots to explore. Don't miss renowned sites such as Hol Chan, Mexico Rocks, and the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Explore Mayan Heritage

Belize has a rich Mayan history, and June's hot weather is perfect for visiting historic Mayan sites. Plan a trip to iconic sites like Xunantunich, Caracol, ATM Cave, and Lamanai to immerse yourself in Mayan culture. Just remember to go early to avoid the midday heat and afternoon showers!

Venture into the Belizean Jungle

With over 60% of Belize covered in lush forests, there are plenty of national parks and nature reserves to explore. June's hot weather is perfect for hiking, and many trails lead to refreshing waterfalls. Check out Mountain Pine Ridge, Bocawina National Park, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lobster Festivals

June is the start of lobster season in Belize, so you'll find week-long lobster festivals in different parts of the country, with the biggest one in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. These festivals feature an abundance of fresh lobster, along with music, dancing, and other culinary delights. It's a great time to try a lobster burrito—a Belizean specialty!

Wildlife Spotting

The start of the rainy season in June brings an abundance of flowers and food sources for wildlife, so it's a great time to spot exotic birds and animals on land and sea. Head to the New River in northern Belize or the Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve to see howler monkeys, jaguars, crocodiles, herons, and storks.

So, while June may be the start of the wet season in Belize, there's still plenty of sun and fun on offer! From exploring ancient ruins to enjoying delicious lobster festivals, you're sure to have a memorable time.

It's a great time for birdwatching

June is a great time for birdwatching in Belize. The country is home to over 600 species of birds, thanks to its varied ecosystems and habitats, including tropical jungle, savannahs, wetlands, and atolls.

While the dry season from December to April is considered the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds visit the country, June is the start of the rainy season, and the increase in rain brings out the birds and wildlife. Flowers and food sources are more abundant, and the tradeoff is that birds are more active during this time.

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in the northwest of Belize is a great place to start. Covering vast wetlands, it is home to about 300 bird species, including wading birds like the jabiru stork, as well as parrots, woodpeckers, herons, storks, and black-collared hawks. The New River Lagoon, which can be reached via the New River, is another prime birdwatching location. The river's network of canals, streams, and marshlands is the perfect habitat for a wide range of bird species, including the black-collared hawk, northern jacana, and purple gallinule.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, the Mayan ruins of Caracol, in the Cayo District and Western Belize, are also a prime birdwatching destination. The surrounding forest is home to numerous tropical forest species, including keel-billed motmots, violaceous trogons, ocellated turkeys, crested guans, and great curassows. The harpy eagle, one of the largest eagle species in the world, has also been spotted here.

Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is another famous birdwatching spot, where you can spot laughing falcons, warblers, blue-black grosbeaks, great curassows, keel-billed motmots, and ocellated turkeys.

With its mix of ecosystems and abundant bird species, Belize in June is a birdwatcher's paradise, offering the opportunity to spot a wide variety of birds, from colourful toucans and parrots to majestic eagles and hawks.

Lobster festivals are in full swing

Belize in June

June is the start of the rainy season in Belize, but there's still plenty of sun and fun to be had. The country experiences its highest rainfall of the year at 258mm (or 8-9 inches), but the temperatures remain tropical, with an average high of 31.3°C (88.3°F) and a low of 24.7°C (76.5°F). The sea remains warm, and the lively vibe continues in the streets and markets.

It's a great time to visit Belize as it's the low season, so you can enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds. It's also the start of lobster season, and there are week-long lobster festivals in different parts of the country.

June is the perfect time to indulge in lobster delights as the lobster season in Belize is in full swing. The country celebrates with week-long lobster festivals in various locations, including Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia. These festivals are a savvy way to commemorate the opening of the lobster season, which runs from 15 June to 15 February.

The San Pedro Lobster Festival, held on Ambergris Caye, is one of the biggest and most extravagant. It features live music, discounted drinks, and, of course, an abundance of freshly caught lobster prepared in a myriad of ways. From grilled lobster tails to lobster ceviche and even lobster pizza, there's something for every taste. San Pedro's festivities run for a week, making the most of the delicious crustacean.

Caye Caulker, the birthplace of the Belizean Lobsterfest, offers the best all-around weekend entertainment. Prices are more affordable than San Pedro, and even boat rides to and from the island are heavily discounted. Caye Caulker takes its Miss Lobsterfest pageant very seriously, with teens showcasing their beauty and charm to win the coveted title.

Placencia also holds its own Lobsterfest, often on the same weekend as Caye Caulker's. It is judged by some to be even better than San Pedro's, as Placencia boasts the best beaches in Belize. Their legendary mega-beach party is a highlight, with all-day and night celebrations, including street fests, drinks, and live music.

Belize City's Lobsterfest, held in July at the iconic Bird's Isle, caters mainly to residents who want to indulge in lobster without leaving the city.

These Lobsterfests are not just about the delicious food; they are also about community, culture, and celebration. With raffles, contests, and live music, they offer a unique and fun experience for both locals and tourists alike. So, if you're planning a trip to Belize in June, make sure to include one (or more!) of these lobster festivals in your itinerary.

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