Belize's Daily Downpour

Belize's weather is characterised by two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season, also known as the wet season, usually lasts from May or June to October or November. During this period, the country receives an average of 50 to 180 inches of rainfall, with the southern regions experiencing more rain than the northern regions. While it does tend to rain almost every day during the rainy season, these are typically short bursts, and they usually occur at night.

Belize's rainy season is from June to November

Belize's Rainy Season

Belize's rainy season runs from June to November, with the transition from dry to rainy weather being very sharp. The country experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The onset of the rainy season begins in the early months of May in Toledo, progressing north to the Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk District in late May, followed by Corozal District in early June.

Rainfall

During the rainy season, annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches (1524 mm) in the north to 160 inches (4064 mm) in the south. The southern regions experience the most rainfall, with the wettest month being July. The central regions have two peak rainfall months, June and September, with the rainfall being significantly less than in the south. The northern region is the driest, receiving only a third of the rainfall of the far south.

Weather

The rainy season sees high humidity, heavy rain, and the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. However, it is rare for there to be a full day of rain at any time of the year. The rain usually falls in short bursts during the afternoon or at night. The temperature during the rainy season ranges from an average maximum of 88.3°F (31.3°C) to an average minimum of 68.9°F (20.5°C).

Travel

The rainy season can make travel challenging, with some businesses closing during this time. However, travel is still possible until early August, and the rainy season is the low tourist season, so you can save money and avoid crowds. The heaviest rains begin to ease in November, and by December, visitors return to Belize in great numbers.

The country's rainfall is variable from year to year

The onset of the rainy season varies across the country, starting in the early months of May in the south, and progressing northwards, reaching the Corozal District in the north in early June. The transition from the dry to the rainy season is very sharp, and during the rainy season, about 60% of the country's annual precipitation occurs. This is mainly due to tropical systems such as tropical waves and occasional tropical cyclones.

The southern region of Belize experiences the highest amount of rainfall in the country, with a yearly average of 160 inches (4064 mm) in Punta Gorda, the southernmost part of the country. In contrast, the northern region of Belize, including popular areas like Corozal, receives significantly less rainfall, with an average of only 60 inches (1524 mm) of rain per year. This variation in rainfall between the north and south is due to the influence of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and orographic lifting over steep slopes in the south, which enhances rainfall activity.

While the rainy season sees more variable rainfall from year to year, even the dry season, which lasts from November to May, experiences some variation. The dry season can be further subdivided into a cool transition period from November to February, characterised by the incursion of frontal systems, and a warm, dry period from March to May, influenced by high-pressure systems in the Atlantic. The dry season is generally the high tourism season in Belize, as it offers mild temperatures and minimal rainfall.

The onset of the rainy season varies across the country

The onset of the rainy season varies across Belize. The southern district of Toledo, where the annual rainfall is highest, sees the rainy season begin in early May. The season progresses north to Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk District in late May, followed by Corozal District in early June.

The rainy season in Belize is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain, usually at night, and storms. However, it is rare for there to be a full day of rain at any time of the year. The country's weather is influenced by tropical waves, tropical storms and hurricanes, which can bring heavy rain and strong winds.

The transition from the dry to the rainy season is very sharp, and the rainy season exhibits a notable break in late July or August, known as the "Mauga" or "Little Dry" season. This break is not evident in the Toledo district, however.

The onset of the rainy season can also be influenced by the arrival of a significant tropical system, which can bring an early start to the rains for the entire country. There can also be false starts to the rainy season, with the real onset not appearing until mid or late June.

The average temperature during the rainy season is 79-86°F (26-30°C)

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a wide variety of weather and terrain. The country experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season in Belize typically lasts from May or June to October or November, with the transition from dry to rainy being very sharp. During this time, the country receives an average of 50 to 180 inches of rainfall, with the southern regions receiving the highest amounts.

The average temperature during the rainy season in Belize is 79-86°F (26-30°C). This is a relatively warm period, with occasional thunderstorms and showers providing some relief from the heat. The tropical sea breeze is mostly warm during the daytime, and the temperature can sometimes drop to 50°F or lower due to sudden showers. The wettest months are usually from May to October, with the southern regions of the country receiving the most rainfall.

The rainy season in Belize is characterised by frequent rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly during the nights. The country experiences short bursts of rain, usually lasting for an hour or two in the afternoon or evening. The northern regions of the country, such as Corozal, are generally drier and cooler, receiving only a third of the rainfall of the far south. The southern regions, like Punta Gorda, are known for their lush landscaping and robust Maya influence.

The temperature in Belize can vary by region, especially in the coastal areas due to the trade winds from the Caribbean coast. The Mountain Pine Ridge area, for example, experiences a noticeably cooler climate year-round. Overall, the seasons in Belize are differentiated more by rainfall and humidity than by temperature. The rainy season is also the hurricane season, with September and October being the most active months for hurricanes and tropical storms.

The dry season in Belize, from November to May, is considered the high tourism season. The average temperature during this period is slightly lower, ranging from 73 to 82°F (22-27°C). This season offers plenty of sunny days and fun activities, including aquatic sports and jungle adventures. The months of February to May are particularly popular among tourists, as they provide mild temperatures and very little rainfall.

The wet season is also hurricane season

Belize's wet season, which runs from June to November, is also hurricane season. The country is not often hit directly by hurricanes, but it does occasionally experience tropical storms, which may bring heavy rains and strong winds. The most frequent rainfall usually occurs in June or July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the "little dry" or "Mauger season". During this time, the country receives an average of 50 inches to 180 inches of rainfall.

September and October are the most active months for hurricanes in Belize. Tropical waves, tropical storms, and hurricanes are the main synoptic features that influence Belize's annual rainfall trends. Tropical waves can be active or inactive systems, with peak activity occurring in June and July. Tropical storms and hurricanes peak in September and October, although they vary in number from year to year.

The wet season in Belize is characterised by heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean, usually in the late afternoons. The country's weather is influenced by cold fronts that progress southeastward from the Continental USA into the Northwest Caribbean. The effect of frontal activity on rainfall distribution and climatic conditions begins in October and ends in April, peaking in December and January. A cold front moves across the country about once every 10 days.

The onset of the rainy season in Belize is very sharp. The rainy season starts in the south in mid-May and reaches the north around mid-June, lasting until November. Most areas experience a brief, roughly ten-day dry spell in August. During the rainy season, about 60% of the annual precipitation occurs, primarily due to tropical systems such as tropical waves and occasional tropical cyclones.

The wet season in Belize is considered the low tourist season. Being in Belize during this time means sunny days may see occasional rainfall. However, unless there is a tropical storm or hurricane, rain showers are brief, usually lasting an hour or two in the afternoon or evening. Higher ground, such as the Cayo District, is a great place to weather tropical storms or hurricanes.

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