Belize In May: A Tropical Paradise Amidst The Wet Season's Start

May is the last month of Belize's dry season, with temperatures peaking around 91°F (32°C) on the mainland and 82°F (27°C) on the coast and islands. It's a great time to take advantage of diving, snorkelling, and water sports, as well as wildlife spotting and hiking around Maya ruins. While there may be some rain, it usually comes in the form of light morning showers with the occasional thunderstorm at night. The humidity is high at 79%, but the coastal winds pick up at around 12-15 knots, providing some relief.

The weather in Belize in May is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 91°F (32°C) on the mainland

Belize Weather in May

May is the last month of the dry season in Belize, so expect sunny weather with the occasional rain shower. The temperature on the mainland can reach 91°F (32°C), and the humidity is a potent 79%. The coastal areas are cooler, with temperatures peaking at 82°F (27°C).

Belize's weather in May is perfect for diving, snorkelling, and water sports. It's also a great time to explore the country's wildlife and hike around the Maya ruins. The rains are starting to arrive, but they usually manifest as light morning showers with the occasional thunderstorm at night.

The dry season in Belize is from February to May, with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. May is a hot month, and the humidity is high, but the coastal sea breezes and the large tracts of jungle and rainforest provide some relief.

With such high temperatures and humidity, lightweight and breathable clothing is a must. You'll also want to stay hydrated and be mindful of the sun, as the UV index is high.

Belize only has two seasons—the wet and the dry—and May is the transition month between the two. This means you'll want to make the most of the sunny weather before the frequent rains of the wet season arrive. So, be sure to pack accordingly and prepare for a mix of sun and rain.

Overall, May is a great month to visit Belize, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural and historical sites.

It is the last month of the dry season, so there is little rain

May is the last month of the dry season in Belize, so rain is infrequent. Typically, rain falls either overnight or in brief showers in the morning or afternoon. The rain usually clears quickly, and the rest of the day is sunny. The temperature in Belize in May is hot, with highs of 91°F (32°C) on the mainland and 82°F (27°C) on the coast and islands. The humidity is high, at 79%.

The dry season is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, and watersports, as well as exploring the country's wildlife and Mayan ruins. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve is a great destination to explore Belize's Barrier Reef, and the country has eight marine reserves in total.

Belize only has two seasons – the wet and the dry – and the dry season, which lasts from February to May, has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. The wet season, from June to December, sees more frequent rain and occasional hurricanes.

The dry season is a great time to visit Belize, with comfortable temperatures and little rain. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural and historical sites.

Rain usually falls as brief morning showers, with the occasional thunderstorm at night

May is the last month of the dry season in Belize, so it's your last chance to enjoy mostly sunny weather before the frequent rains arrive. The rains are starting to arrive in May, usually in the form of light morning showers with the occasional thunderstorm at night.

Morning showers in May are brief and quickly blow over. They are rarely all-day downpours, and even during the rainy season, all-day rain is uncommon. The rain falls in short, mild bursts, and the thunderstorms pass through fairly quickly.

The temperature in May peaks around 91°F (32°C) on the mainland, with an average high of 87°F (31°C) and a low of 79°F (26°C). The coast and islands are cooler, with temperatures peaking at 82°F (27°C). The humidity in May is around 79%, and the year-round average is 85%.

May is a great time to visit Belize's Barrier Reef and enjoy diving, snorkelling, and water sports. It's also a great month for wildlife spotting, with howler monkeys, kinkajous, iguanas, hawks, eagles, and crocodiles all visible.

The coast and islands are cooler, with temperatures peaking at 82°F (27°C)

Belize's Coast and Islands in May:

The coast and islands of Belize offer a cooler climate in May compared to the mainland, with temperatures rarely exceeding 82°F (27°C). This is a welcome relief from the higher temperatures and humidity experienced inland, which can reach up to 91°F (32°C). The coastal areas benefit from sea breezes, which provide a pleasant cooling effect, making it an ideal time to visit Belize's famous Barrier Reef.

Water Activities:

May is an excellent month for water activities such as diving, snorkelling, and water sports. The coastal winds pick up to around 12-15 knots, creating ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing. The water visibility is also impressive, ranging from 75 to 100+ feet, making it a perfect time to explore the marine life of Belize's reefs and atolls. The calm waters are also ideal for catamaran tours and charter cruises to the outer islands.

Weather Conditions:

As May is the last month of the dry season, it offers the last chance to enjoy sunny weather before the frequent rains arrive. The rainfall in May typically occurs in the form of light morning showers, with the occasional thunderstorm at night. The coastal areas experience lower rainfall compared to the mainland, making it a great time to visit before the wet season begins in June.

Wildlife and Nature:

The cooler temperatures and calm waters of the coast and islands provide an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife. Howler monkeys are abundant and can be seen frolicking in the trees along the Moho River. The jungles along the riverbanks are home to exotic animals such as kinkajous and iguanas, while hawks and eagles can be spotted soaring overhead. The marine life is also active, with manta rays, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, and dolphins commonly seen in the marine reserves and atolls.

Travel Advantages:

May is considered the high season in Belize, but towards the end of the month, tourist numbers start to decrease due to the rising temperatures and rainfall. This makes it a great time to visit as booking accommodations becomes easier, and you may even find good deals on rates. It's a perfect opportunity to explore Belize's coast and islands without the usual crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience.

It is a great time for outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting

May is the perfect time to visit Belize if you're looking to spend time outdoors and enjoy the country's rich natural beauty. With temperatures climbing to an average high of 87°F (31°C) and lows of around 79°F (26°C), the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, and wildlife spotting. Here's why:

Diving and Snorkelling

Belize is known for its stunning Barrier Reef, which runs across the country's entire coast. May is an excellent month to explore this natural wonder as the waters are warm and clear. The coastal winds pick up at around 12-15 knots, but visibility remains excellent at 75-100+ feet. The calm waters also make it a great time to go on catamaran tours and charter cruises to the outer islands and atolls.

Wildlife Spotting

May is an excellent month for wildlife spotting in Belize. Howler monkeys are out in force and can be seen all over the mainland. Take a boat or kayak tour down the Moho River, and you're almost certain to spot them frolicking in the trees. Beyond monkeys, the jungles along this riverbank are home to exotic animals like kinkajous and iguanas. You'll also spot hawks and eagles soaring overhead and crocodiles in the water.

Marine Life

Belize is home to an abundance of marine life, and May is the perfect time to go diving or snorkelling to spot them. As May is still technically the dry season, water conditions and visibility are ideal for observing manta rays, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, and more. Dolphins are also common sights, especially around the outer atolls, such as Lighthouse Reef.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

May is the best month to swim with whale sharks in their natural environment before they migrate during the rainy months. These gentle giants are most abundant off the coast of Placencia, a peninsula in southern Belize. Book a tour during a full moon, as whale sharks spend more time at the water's surface feeding on plankton during this time.

Exploring the Belizean Jungle

With over 60% of Belize covered in forest, the country is a nature lover's paradise. May's hot and dry weather makes it perfect for exploring the many national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Go on hikes that lead to refreshing waterfalls, or visit Mountain Pine Ridge, Bocawina National Park, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

Frequently asked questions