The Seasons Of Belize: A Tropical Paradise

Belize has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. However, some locals recognise a third season, the Norte season, characterised by occasional strong winds from the north. The dry season, which lasts from December to May, is the country's peak season for tourism. The rainy season, which lasts from June to November, is also known as the green season and is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but intense rainfall.

Belize's dry season

Belize has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it's hot and humid. The country has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. However, some locals recognise a third season, 'Norte', which is a transition period between rainy and dry.

The dry season in Belize typically occurs between December and May, and is the high season for tourism and cruising. The weather is warm to hot, with sunny days, cooling trade winds and little rain. From December through February, strong northerly winds called 'nortes' can blow in from the US and Mexico, bringing thick clouds and cool nights.

March and April are idyllic, with little rain, pleasant temperatures and calm, clear water. The dry season is the best time for aquatic sports and jungle adventures. It's also a good time for bird and wildlife watching, with excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving.

In May, temperatures remain hot, especially inland. Rain increases, usually falling as light showers in the morning, with the occasional thunderstorm at night. This is the end of the dry season, so there are often fewer travellers, and prices for accommodations and tours are lower.

Belize's rainy season

Belize has two seasons—dry and rainy—but some claim that there are three seasons, with the addition of the Norte season. The rainy season, also known as the wet season, runs from June to November, with the early months of May and June being a good time to travel to Belize to escape the tourist rush and take advantage of lower hotel rates.

The rainy season in Belize sees the highest rainfall of the year. The rainfall can cause muddy dirt roads, which may impede visits to remote areas. Heavy rainfall can also cause flooding in the south, with some public highways temporarily closing. Some caves, especially those used for cave tubing, may be unsafe and are sometimes closed by authorities during these conditions. However, air transportation is readily available throughout the year.

During the rainy season, rain showers can be heavy, and Ambergris Caye and the islands are generally avoided by tourists. The country's water temperature ranges from 79 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is also Belize's hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November, with September and October being the most active months. The country is not often hit directly by hurricanes but does occasionally experience tropical storms, which may bring heavy rains and strong winds. Higher ground, such as the Cayo District, is a great place to weather these storms.

The rainy season in Belize is the low tourist season, and some resorts actually close down for a couple of months due to slow business. However, Belize can be attractive for those seeking a summer break, as there are fewer visitors, and you can find more privacy in areas such as the beaches, caves, and Maya Ruins.

The best time to visit Belize

Belize has three seasons: dry, rainy, and Norte. The dry season lasts from December to May, and the rainy season lasts from June to October, with the Norte season in November and February. The best time to visit Belize depends on your interests and budget.

The dry season is the country's peak season for tourism, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to attractions. From December to April, the weather is dry and cool, with sporadic gusts of wind in the coastal areas. In March and April, the temperatures are idyllic, and the azure waters are calm and perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. The dry season is also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures.

However, the dry season is the most expensive time to visit, with hotels and resorts charging their highest rates. The single biggest wave of tourists is between December 15 and January 15, and during the weeks around Easter in April. If you want to save money, it is recommended to visit outside of the peak season.

The rainy season, from June to November, is the low season for tourism. During this time, you can expect fewer crowds and discounted rates on hotels and tours. However, some businesses may be closed during this period, and travel can be challenging due to muddy roads and flooding. The early months of the rainy season, from May to early August, can be a good time to visit as you can still enjoy warm temperatures and take advantage of lower prices.

The Norte season, in November and February, brings strong cold northern winds, and the temperature drops slightly. In February, you can enjoy some of the country's finest weather, with more choice in hotels and lower airfares.

The impact of climate change on Belize's seasons

Belize has three seasons: dry (March to May), rainy (June to October), and Norte (November to February). The dry season coincides with spring, and the rainy season with summer. The Norte season, which is characterised by strong cold winds blowing in from Mexico, is the "coldest" time of year in Belize.

Belize has a tropical monsoon climate, which means that it is hot and humid. The mean annual temperature ranges from 23–27°C, with the coast generally exhibiting hotter temperatures than the interior. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) heavily influences Belize’s climate, as does the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). El Niño produces warmer conditions during June to August, while La Niña produces wetter conditions associated with tropical Atlantic cyclones.

Belize is prone to hurricanes as it lies in the direct path of most Atlantic storms. Storms are becoming more intense and more frequent, disrupting economic activities and severely impacting the lives of local communities. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season had a record 30 named storms. Sea temperatures are rising every year, resulting in coral bleaching and reduced fish catch, both of which significantly impact local livelihoods.

Climate change is already affecting Belize's seasons. Mean annual temperatures have increased by 0.45°C at an average rate of 0.10°C per decade since 1960. The frequency of hot days and nights has increased by 67 days per year, while the frequency of cold days and nights has decreased by 21 days per year between 1960 and 2003. The magnitude of maximum 5-day rainfall shows an increasing trend of 5.37 mm per decade over the period 1960–2006.

Belize has developed several important climate policy frameworks, including the National Climate Resilience Investment Plan, Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy 2014–2017, and a National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan (2015–2020). The government, supported by the World Bank, has also implemented the five-year Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Project (MCCAP), which aims to strengthen the climate resilience of the Belize barrier reef.

How Belize's seasons compare to temperate seasons

Belize has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it is hot and humid. The country experiences three seasons: dry, rainy, and Norte. The dry season lasts from March to May, with only a few rainy days and temperatures reaching up to 31°C (88°F) during the day. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October, with frequent heavy rains and high temperatures. The Norte season, from November to February, brings strong cold northern winds from Mexico along the Gulf of California.

In contrast, temperate climates occur in the middle latitudes, typically between 23.5° and 66.5° N/S of the Equator. These regions generally have wider temperature variations throughout the year and more distinct seasonal changes than tropical climates. Temperate climates can be further divided into several smaller climate zones, such as the subtropical zone and the cool temperate zone.

The subtropical zone includes humid subtropical and Mediterranean climates. Humid subtropical climates feature long, hot, and humid summers with frequent showers, while Mediterranean climates have dry summers and wet winters. The cool temperate zone includes oceanic and continental climates. Oceanic climates have mild summers and cool winters, with relatively even humidity and precipitation throughout the year. Continental climates, on the other hand, have more extreme temperature variations, with hot summers and cold winters.

Compared to temperate seasons, Belize's seasons have less variation in temperature and precipitation. The dry season in Belize is similar to the summer in temperate regions, with high temperatures and minimal rainfall. However, the rainy season in Belize brings more frequent and intense rainfall than typically experienced during a temperate autumn. Additionally, the Norte season in Belize brings cold winds, similar to the winter in temperate regions, but without the same level of temperature extremes. Overall, Belize's seasons are influenced by its tropical monsoon climate, resulting in hot and humid conditions throughout the year, with distinct dry and rainy periods.

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