Belize In Late September: Worth Visiting?

Belize is a great place to visit in late September if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the odd shower. It's the tail end of the rainy season, so you can expect plenty of sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 77-86°F (25-27°C). It's also a good time to visit if you're looking for discounted rates on flights, accommodation, and tours. Plus, with Independence Day on 21 September, you'll get to join in on the month-long celebrations of Belize's national heritage and history.

Good weather and fewer crowds

September is a great month to visit Belize if you want to avoid crowds. It's the one month of the year when crowds don't flock to the country, meaning you'll have more room to spread out and enjoy the attractions.

The weather in September is also very pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It's the tail end of the green season, so you'll still get plenty of sunshine, but the showers usually arrive late at night or in the early morning.

You'll also find that September accommodations, attractions, and amenities are less expensive than during the high season. This is because September is on the cusp of the tourism season, so you can enjoy the same experiences for less money.

If you're looking for a more relaxed and affordable trip to Belize, with plenty of opportunities to celebrate with the locals, then late September is a great time to visit.

Weather

Belize has a comfortable subtropical climate, with an average yearly temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity hovering around 85%. The dry season is typically from December to May, and the wet season from June to November. However, rain can occur at any time of year, and the dry season is characterised by brief bursts of rain.

September falls within the wet season, but it's not as rainy as the months of July and October, which are the wettest. The early months of the rainy season, May and June, are a good time to travel to Belize as you can escape the tourist rush and take advantage of lower hotel rates.

Crowds

The tourism high season in Belize coincides with the cool and dry seasons, from December to April. The single biggest wave of tourists is between December 15 and January 15, and during the weeks around Easter in April.

September, on the other hand, is the low season for tourism in Belize. This is when you'll find fewer crowds and more affordable prices. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the saturated tourist hotspots and have a more relaxed and intimate experience.

Celebrations

Despite the lower tourist numbers, September is actually a month of vibrant celebrations in Belize. The country celebrates its Independence Day on September 21, with fireworks, bands, parades, and pageants. It's a month-long celebration of national heritage and history, with live musical concerts, food fairs, street dancing, and Carnival.

September is also a great time to visit if you want to join in the St. George's Caye Day celebrations. This national holiday commemorates a crucial naval battle won by the British over the Spanish navy near the island of St. George's Caye on September 10, 1798.

So, if you're looking for good weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant cultural experiences, late September is a fantastic time to visit Belize. You'll be able to enjoy the country's natural beauty and attractions without the peak season rush, and you'll have the added bonus of joining in the local celebrations.

Competitive airfares and accommodation discounts

September is within the tourism "low season" in Belize, so it's a great time to find competitive airfares and accommodation discounts.

Belize is a popular destination for tourists, with the high season for tourism coinciding with the cool and dry seasons of December to April. During this period, hotels and resorts have high rack rates, and lodges charge top dollar.

However, travelling outside of the high season can result in lodging discounts of 25% or more, with similar savings on airline ticket prices. One source suggests that rates start falling from around May 1st and remain relatively low until November.

For example, a round-trip flight from Atlanta (ATL) to Belize City (BZE) can be found for $1,883 per person, including a non-stop flight. A similar package from New York (JFK) to Belize City (BZE) is advertised for $1,444 per person.

In terms of accommodation, there are over 2,300 hotels in Belize, starting at $102 per night. For example, the Golden Bay Belize Hotel in Belize City is available for $102 per night, and the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza will cost you $144 per night.

If you're looking for a package deal, Travelocity offers vacation packages to Belize from $913.

So, if you're looking for competitive airfares and accommodation discounts, September is a great time to visit Belize. You'll be able to take advantage of the low season rates and have more spending money for all the activities Belize has to offer!

A month-long celebration of Belize's history and heritage

September is a great time to visit Belize, especially if you want to join in with the month-long celebrations that take place. With the country's Independence Day falling on 21 September, the whole month is a party, with fireworks, bands, parades and pageants.

Weather

Belize has a temperate climate all year round, but September is a particularly good time to visit weather-wise. With temperatures averaging 81°F (27°C), and highs of 86°F (30°C), it's warm but not too hot. While September is still officially in the rainy season, most of the rainfall occurs in the early morning or at night, so it won't get in the way of your plans.

Tourism

September is a great time to visit Belize if you want to avoid the crowds. It's the low point of the year for tourism, so you'll have plenty of space to explore ancient Maya sites, beaches and other attractions.

History and heritage

As well as Independence Day, Belize also celebrates the Battle of St George's Caye on 10 September, which helped establish the homeland. This is a great opportunity to learn about the country's history and heritage, and to join in with the celebrations.

Affordability

September is a great time to visit Belize if you're looking for a bargain. Accommodations, attractions and other amenities are less expensive than during the high season, so your dollar will go further.

The people

Belizeans are known for their friendliness, hospitality and easy-going nature, and the month-long partying that takes place in September is a great example of this. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know the locals and join in with the celebrations.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Belize is a great place to visit in late September as it is the tail end of the green season, when rainfall is less frequent. It is also the start of the lobster season, so you can enjoy some tasty lobster dishes. September is also the anniversary of Belize's independence, so you can expect fireworks, bands, parades and pageants.

Zone A includes the inside and outside of the reef (part of the Belize Barrier Reef). No fishing is allowed in this area, but snorkelling and diving are permitted for a fee. Zone B covers the seagrass beds inside the reef, where commercial and sport fishing are allowed with a licence. Zone C covers the mangrove swamps of southern Ambergris Caye, where no commercial fishing is allowed but sport fishing may be carried out under licence. Zone D is the adjoining area of Shark Ray Alley, a second charged snorkelling area where commercial and sport fishing are permitted in some parts under licence.

The Hol Chan Cut is a natural break in the reef, approximately 23m wide and 9m deep, and is rich in marine life. Over 160 species of fish have been recorded in the reserve, along with forty types of coral, five species of sponge, two seagrasses, three species of sea turtle and three marine mammals. The mangrove forests act as nurseries for many fish species, and the seagrass beds are home to parrotfish, hogfish, and occasional turtles.

The reserve is managed by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Trust Fund Committee, which replaced the informal advisory committee that ran the reserve until 1994. The majority of the funds for the park's upkeep is generated from the fees charged to visitors for access to Zones A and D.

The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Belize is a great place to visit in late September if you want to avoid the crowds and the peak tourism prices. The weather is usually nice, with temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are plenty of celebrations to enjoy, including Belize's Independence Day on the 21st.

Now, here's some detailed information on The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave:

The cave contains an extensive collection of skeletal remains, ceramics, and stoneware left behind by the ancient Maya civilisation. One of the most famous discoveries is "The Crystal Maiden," believed to be the skeleton of a 17-year-old boy whose bones have crystallised over time. The ceramics found here are marked with "kill holes," indicating their ceremonial purpose, and many artefacts are completely calcified to the cave floor.

The cave is also home to a diverse range of animal life, including bats, large freshwater crabs, crayfish, catfish, and various tropical fish. Invertebrates such as amblypygi and predatory spiders can also be found within its depths.

Exploring the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is a unique and physically challenging experience. Visitors can expect to hike through the jungle, swim through underground rivers, climb over rocks, and squeeze through tight spaces. The cave is only accessible through licensed tour operators, and visitors are required to remove their shoes and wear socks to protect the delicate artefacts and remains.

The journey to the cave is an adventure in itself, with a pleasant walk through the subtropical rainforest. The cave's upper passage is located about 1/3 of the way in from the lower entrance, where 14 skeletal remains and ancient Maya pottery have been discovered.

A visit to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave promises an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the ancient Maya world and a chance to explore a natural wonder filled with historical treasures.

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