Belize In May: A Tropical Paradise Unveiled

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. The humidity is high at 79%, and there's a chance of light morning showers and the occasional thunderstorm at night.

The weather in Belize in May is hot and humid

On the mainland, temperatures peak at around 91°F (32°C) and humidity sits at a potent 79%. The coastal areas are reliably cooler, with temperatures peaking at around 82°F (27°C). This is a great time to visit Belize's Barrier Reef and enjoy the famous diving and snorkelling the country has to offer.

Although it is the dry season, rain does start to arrive in May, usually in the form of light morning showers with the occasional thunderstorm at night.

The weather in May is ideal for wildlife spotting. Howler monkeys are out in force and can be seen all over the mainland, particularly when taking a boat or kayak tour down the Moho River. Beyond monkeys, the jungles along the riverbank are havens for exotic animals like kinkajous and iguanas.

With temperatures so high, May is a great time to take a dip in the sea or a swimming pool. It's also the perfect month to swim with whale sharks before they migrate during the rainy season. They are most abundant off the coast of Placencia, a peninsula in southern Belize.

May is a great time to visit Belize if you want to avoid the peak of tourist season. The hot weather combined with the rain means tourists are starting to arrive less often, so it's easier to book a trip and find hotels that aren't booked up.

It's the last month of the dry season

May is the last month of the dry season in Belize, which means it's your last chance to enjoy the sunny weather before the frequent rains arrive. The dry season in Belize falls between February and May, with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. So, if you're looking for sunny weather, now is the time to visit!

Weather Conditions

During May, temperatures on the mainland can peak around 91°F (32°C), with high humidity of around 79%. The coastal and island areas offer cooler temperatures, with highs of approximately 82°F (27°C). The coastal winds pick up at this time, ranging from 12-15 knots, but the waters remain calm enough to enjoy various water sports and activities.

Rainfall

While May is the dry season, some rain does start to arrive, usually in the form of light morning showers, with the occasional thunderstorm at night. On average, it rains on about one out of four or five days during this month. So, while there is some rainfall, it's not as frequent or intense as during the rainy season, which starts in June.

Advantages of Visiting in May

One advantage of visiting Belize in May is that it's technically still the high season, but things are starting to wind down. The combination of hot weather and more frequent rain means tourist numbers begin to drop, making it easier to find accommodation and even score good deals on rates. It's a great time to take advantage of diving, snorkelling, and water sports, as the water conditions and visibility are ideal for spotting Belize's abundant marine life.

Labour Day Celebrations

May also has some exciting celebrations, including Labour Day on May 1st, a holiday honouring the working people of Belize, with barbecues and fun on the beach. So, if you're planning a trip to Belize in May, you can look forward to sunny days, ideal water conditions, and some fun cultural experiences!

There are fewer crowds in May

Belize in May: Fewer Crowds

May is a great month to visit Belize, as it is considered part of the "off-season" for tourists. This means you can enjoy the country's top sites, like the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, and the Belize Barrier Reef, without the crowds.

Weather

The weather in Belize in May is fabulous. With temperatures in the 80s °F (20s °C) and little rainfall, you can take advantage of the warm sunshine and dip into the Caribbean Sea, explore the country's waterfalls, or go on a cruise.

Attractions

Belize has a lot to offer in May. It is the last month of the dry season, so you can enjoy outdoor activities such as diving, snorkelling, and water sports without worrying about rain. It is also a great time to spot wildlife like howler monkeys and explore the Maya ruins.

Discounts

As May is considered the off-season, you can find special discounts on accommodations, tours, and vacation packages. This makes it more affordable to visit popular attractions and take advantage of the great weather.

Events and Festivals

There are also several events and festivals in May, such as the Cashew and the Chocolate Festivals. The Annual Cashew Festival highlights the many products of the cashew tree, while the Chocolate Festival in Toledo is a three-day celebration of chocolate, held every Commonwealth Day Holiday Weekend in late May.

The "off-season" in Belize starts in May, as it is the last month of the dry season before the frequent rains arrive during the wet season. This transition period sees fewer tourists, making it a great opportunity to take advantage of the weather and explore the country's attractions without the usual crowds.

It's a great month for water sports

May is the last month of Belize's dry season, with temperatures on the mainland peaking at 91°F (32°C) and humidity at 79%. The coastal areas are cooler, with temperatures peaking at 82°F (27°C). This makes May a great month for water sports, as the waters are calm enough to enjoy a range of activities. Here's why:

Diving and Snorkelling

Belize is known for its spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling sites, including the world-renowned Belize Blue Hole and the country's Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. May is an ideal time to explore these underwater wonders, as water conditions and visibility are optimal. With clear waters and calm seas, you can dive or snorkel among manta rays, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, and more. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve, for example, offers shallow, clear waters ideal for snorkelling and spotting marine life.

Sailing and Boating

Belize's calm sailing conditions and clear waters attract sailing enthusiasts from around the world. You can sign up for catamaran tours, ideal for beginners, or opt for an overnight sailing trip to explore the remote locations of the Caribbean waters. Hobie Cat sailboats are also available at some resorts, allowing experienced sailors to visit nearby cayes.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a popular activity in Belize, especially in areas like Turneffe Atoll, which boasts stunning ecological diversity with over 25 species of birds. Guided kayak tours can take you through mangroves, uninhabited cayes, and coral gardens, offering a unique perspective on the country's natural beauty.

Other Water Sports

In addition to the above, Belize offers a range of other water sports, including jet skiing, paddle boarding, and fishing. Paddle boarding, in particular, has gained popularity due to its ease of learning and suitability for all ages.

So, if you're looking for a water sports adventure, May is indeed a great month to visit Belize. With its warm temperatures, calm seas, and diverse marine life, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the country's stunning waters and create unforgettable memories.

You can spot wildlife like howler monkeys

May is the last month of Belize's dry season, so it's your last chance to enjoy sunny weather before the frequent rains arrive. This is the month to take advantage of diving, snorkelling, and water sports. It's also a great time to spot wildlife like howler monkeys and explore the Maya ruins without worrying about the rain.

Howler monkeys can be seen all over the mainland in May. You'll almost certainly spot them frolicking in the trees when you take a boat or kayak tour down the Moho River. Beyond monkeys, the jungles along this riverbank are havens for exotic animals like kinkajous and iguanas. Often flying overhead are hawks and eagles, and in the water, you'll probably spot a crocodile or two.

The treetops provide food for troops of black howler monkeys, and they can be heard up to 3 miles away. The male's loud howl marks their territory to neighbouring troops, and they are usually heard between dusk and dawn.

Belize is home to a rich variety of wildlife, thanks to its unique position between North and South America, and a wide range of climates and habitats for plant and animal life. The country's low human population and large areas of undistributed land provide an ideal home for over 5,000 species of plants and vast numbers of animal species, including several hundred vertebrates such as armadillos, snakes, and monkeys.

Belize has two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry. The dry season falls between February and May, with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When rain does come, it is usually in mild, short bursts. The wet season runs from June to December, with parts of the country receiving up to 150 inches of rain and experiencing heavy storms associated with the Caribbean.

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