Belize: January Or April?

Belize is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to go depends on what you're looking for. The dry season, from December to April, is the country's peak season, with warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to top attractions. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. If you're looking for quieter and cheaper options, the rainy season from May to November could be a better choice, with fewer crowds and discounted accommodation.

January falls within the dry season and is a transition month between the wet and dry seasons. It receives varying amounts of rainfall with mild temperatures, and it's the beginning of the high season for active vacations.

April, on the other hand, is one of the warmest and driest months in Belize. It brings increasing temperatures and brief refreshing showers, keeping conditions pleasant and humidity low. It's also the beginning of the high season for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing.

So, if you're looking for quieter options and don't mind the rain, April might be a better choice. But if you prefer warmer and drier weather and don't mind the crowds, January could be more suitable.

Weather in January vs April

Belize has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which lasts from December to May, and the wet season, which lasts from June to November. The dry season is considered the best time to visit Belize, with its warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to the country's top attractions. The wet season, on the other hand, is characterised by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and the risk of hurricanes.

January Weather in Belize

January falls within the dry season in Belize, which lasts from December to May. During this month, the country experiences varying amounts of rainfall with mild temperatures. Northern "norte" winds can bring clouds and cooler evenings. January is the beginning of the high season for tourism in Belize, with hotels, tours, and boats often sold out months in advance. The coastal temperature in Belize in January is typically between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, while the inland temperature ranges from 66 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great time for scuba diving and snorkelling. It is also a good time to view rainforest wildlife, including monkeys and migratory birds.

April Weather in Belize

April marks the transition from the dry season to the wet season in Belize. During this month, temperatures start to rise, and there are brief refreshing showers that keep conditions pleasant and humidity down. The coastal temperature in April is usually between 79 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, while the inland temperature can reach up to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal time for snorkelling and scuba diving. April is also one of the warmest and driest months in Belize, offering excellent visibility for underwater activities. It is also a great time for bird and wildlife watching, as well as viewing manatees and sea turtles.

Comparison

Both January and April offer pleasant weather in Belize, with mild temperatures and some rainfall. However, April tends to be warmer and drier than January, making it more suitable for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches. On the other hand, January may be preferable for those looking to escape the cold winter months in their home countries. It is also a good time to view active rainforest wildlife before the dry season sets in. Ultimately, the best time to visit Belize depends on individual preferences and the purpose of the visit.

Pros and cons of visiting in January vs April

January

Pros

• High season for travel, so hotels, tours and boats will be in full swing.
• The coolest weather of the year with rains diminishing.
• Active rainforest wildlife before the dry season.
• Fewer crowds than in December.
• Good visibility for snorkelling and diving.
• Access to outer atolls by catamaran.
• Escape cold winter weather in North America and Europe.

Cons

• Higher prices and more crowds than other months.
• Northern "norte" winds can bring clouds and cooler evenings.

April

Pros

• Best visibility for snorkelling and diving.
• Best whale shark viewing, especially near a full moon.
• Excellent bird and wildlife watching.
• April is among the warmest and driest months in Belize.
• Access to outer atolls by catamaran.
• Good time to view manatees.

Cons

• High season for travel, so prices will be higher and you'll need to book in advance.
• Easter in April includes the longest single holiday on the Belize calendar, so expect even more crowds.

Activities and events in January vs April

January in Belize is a transition between the wet and dry seasons, with the latter being the country's high season for tourism. The weather is balmy, with warm sunny skies and cool, refreshing breezes. It's a great time to enjoy the outdoors and explore the country's natural wonders, including its tropical rainforests and hundreds of Maya ruins. Bird watchers can marvel at the over 500 different tropical species, while adventure seekers can try zip-lining, tubing down the Caves Branch River, or snorkelling off the Belize Barrier Reef. New Year's Day celebrations are also a highlight, with dancing, parties, parades, and live music.

In April, Belize is one of its warmest and driest months, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural attractions. The Belize Barrier Reef and its azure waters are perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling. It's also a great time to visit the ancient Mayan ruins, as there are fewer tourists. The Easter holiday long weekend is a significant event, with religious celebrations, family gatherings, beach outings, and traditional foods. The Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic is another notable event, attracting cyclists from Belize and beyond.

So, whether you choose to visit Belize in January or April, you'll find a range of exciting activities and events to enjoy.

Hotel prices and availability in January vs April

Belize's dry season, which runs from December through May, is the high season for travel and cruising. January is the beginning of the high season for Belize active vacations, with hotels, tours, and boats selling out months in advance. As such, you can expect higher prices and more crowds in January.

In April, the dry season is still ongoing, and the weather is ideal for snorkelling and diving. April is among the warmest and driest months in Belize, so it is still a popular time to visit. However, there is a slight increase in rainfall in April, which is known as "iguana rains" by locals. This increase in rainfall may make April a better time to visit than January if you prefer milder temperatures.

In terms of hotel prices and availability, January is part of the peak season, so it is recommended to plan and book early to get the best choice of hotels and lodges. On the other hand, April is a popular time to visit, especially during Easter, so you will also need to book early if you plan to travel during this time. Overall, both months offer ideal weather conditions, but April may have slightly lower hotel prices and crowds if you take advantage of the drier weather before the Easter holidays begin.

Travel tips for January vs April

Belize is a year-round destination, but there are distinct advantages to visiting in January or April. Here are some travel tips for both months:

January in Belize

• January is the beginning of the high season for Belize active vacations, so book hotels, tours, and boats in advance.
• The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit.
• It is a transition month between the wet and dry seasons, so expect varying amounts of rainfall.
• Northern winds can bring clouds and cooler evenings.
• It is a great time to view rainforest wildlife, including monkeys, migratory birds, and scarlet macaws.
• The visibility is good for snorkelling and diving, and access to outer atolls is possible by catamaran.
• It is a good time to view sharks, rays, and dolphins.
• It is less crowded than December, as the number of tourists starts to decrease after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

April in Belize

• April is one of the warmest and driest months in Belize, with temperatures rising and welcome rains, known as "iguana rains" by locals.
• It is the beginning of the high season for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing, with calm seas and excellent visibility.
• It offers the best visibility for snorkelling and diving, especially for viewing whale sharks near the full moon.
• It is an excellent time for bird and wildlife watching, as large numbers of wading birds flock into lowland lagoons.
• It is a good time to view manatees.
• It is still mostly dry, with brief refreshing showers keeping conditions pleasant and humidity down along the coast and inland.
• It is a good time to view sharks, rays, dolphins, and sea turtles.
• It is the peak of the dry season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, especially during the Easter holiday week.

Frequently asked questions