Belize In December: A Tropical Escape Amidst The Holidays

December is a great time to visit Belize. With sunny days, warm temperatures and no chance of snow or cold winds, it's the perfect time for activities like snorkelling, swimming, sailing and hiking. It's also the dry season, so you can make the most of the country's Maya ruins, rainforests and barrier reef.

Belize is a nature lover's paradise, with over 400 islands and cays, including Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye and Half Moon Caye. It's also home to the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a must-visit for scuba divers and snorkelers.

December is a popular time to visit, so expect crowds and higher prices for hotels and resorts. But with Christmas and New Year celebrations in full swing, it's a great time to enjoy some old-fashioned holiday cheer.

Christmas traditions and festivities

December is a popular time to visit Belize, with tourists flocking to the country to enjoy the warm weather and take part in the Christmas festivities. The Christmas season in Belize is a month-long celebration, with Christmas songs and decorations popping up after Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th. The country's multicultural demographic is on full display during the Christmas season, with a mix of American Christmas traditions and local customs.

Christmas Bram

The Christmas Bram is a celebration native to the Belize Kriol culture, originating in the old city of Belize and the surrounding villages. Similar to Christmas carols, people dance through the streets from house to house, singing and playing Brukdong music. While it is not as widely celebrated in Belize City today, villages like Gales Point Manatee continue to partake in the Christmas Bram annually.

Garifuna Jankunu Dance

In Dangriga, Christmas afternoon is reserved for the Wanaragua or Jankunu dance. The dancers wear white long-sleeved shirts and pants with shell belts tied around their knees and pink masks bearing European features, imitating the slave masters. The dance became common during Christmas as it was the only time that families were free to gather and make fun of their European masters. Following Christmas, there is a Jankunu competition in Dangriga between senior dancers from Southern Belize.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a nine-day tradition celebrated in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo, beginning on December 16th. The celebration involves prayers, music, songs, dances, and food. Statues of Mary and Joseph are taken from the church through a procession of marimba music, candles, and fireworks to a preselected home. The participants reenact Mary and Joseph's request for lodging, and once they are welcomed inside, a novena (prayers) is held, followed by refreshments. The procession and novena are repeated in the days leading up to Christmas.

Christmas Tree Lighting

The Christmas tree lighting is an annual tradition in Belize City, now held in Mule Park. The lighting of the tree by the Mayor officially kicks off the Christmas season, with residents gathering to witness the event.

Midnight Mass

With a large Christian population, midnight mass is an integral part of Belizean culture. People dress in their finest outfits and head to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus with songs and prayers.

Food

Food plays a crucial role in Belizean Christmas celebrations. Traditional Christmas dishes include rice and beans, potato salad, turkey, breadcrumbs, cranberry jam, and ham garnished with pineapple. The Mestizo community often serves white chicken stuffing with stuffed pork and roasted olives with hot corn tortillas, while the Mayans typically enjoy chicken tamales. Candies and treats are prepared days in advance, infused with delicious Belizean rum.

Sunny weather

December is a great time to visit Belize if you're looking to enjoy sunny weather. With long, sunny days and warm temperatures, it's the perfect time for outdoor activities such as snorkelling, swimming, sailing, and hiking. The sun is always shining, and the weather is balmy and inviting, making it a popular choice for those looking to escape the cold winter months in North America.

The dry season in Belize runs from December to April, and this is when the country experiences the best weather. You can expect brilliant blue skies and plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and diving. The temperatures in December average around 80°F (27°C) during the day and 72°F (23°C) at night, providing pleasant weather for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the country's natural and cultural attractions.

Belize has over 200 miles of island coasts, coral atolls, and reefs, making it a paradise for water activities. The Belize Barrier Reef, with its vibrant marine life, is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The dry season is also ideal for exploring the country's famous Maya ruins, such as Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Caracol, as well as its extensive network of caves, including the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave.

December is a popular time for tourism in Belize, with many travellers taking advantage of the sunny weather. It is considered the high season, and accommodation prices tend to be higher during this period. If you're planning to visit during this time, it's recommended to book well in advance to secure your preferred accommodations.

The dry season in Belize offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the country's natural beauty and cultural attractions without the rain and humidity of the wet season. With sunny skies and warm temperatures, December is an excellent choice for those seeking a tropical getaway.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

Belize is a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving, and December is a good time to visit. The country's dry season runs from December to May, and the rainy season from June to November. The dry season is also the tourist high season, so you can expect higher prices and more crowds.

December is a good month for snorkelling and scuba diving because the water temperature is warm, at around 27°C (80°F) to 29°C (84°F). The air temperature is also pleasant, at around 22°C–28°C (71°F–82°F). There may be some light rain showers, but these are usually short and won't affect your underwater activities.

The water temperature in Belize remains relatively stable throughout the year, so you can snorkel and scuba dive at any time. However, if you're looking for the clearest visibility, April to June is the best time to visit. This is also the time when you can see whale sharks in Belize's tropical waters.

Belize is known for its famous Blue Hole, a favourite dive spot of Jacques Cousteau. The country is also home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, where you can see vibrant fish, sharks, rays, and dolphins.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider visiting Belize during the rainy season. Flight prices tend to be lower, and hotels and dive operators often offer discounts and promotions. However, keep in mind that there might be some disruptions to your plans due to heavy rainfall, such as flooded roads and closed caves.

Overall, December is a great month for snorkelling and scuba diving in Belize, offering warm temperatures, good visibility, and the opportunity to enjoy the festive season in a beautiful tropical destination.

Exploring ancient Maya sites

Belize is a great destination to explore ancient Maya sites. The area was once the heartland of the ancient Maya Empire, with the country home to over 2 million Mayas.

Caracol

Caracol is the historically most important site, located in western Belize, near the border with Guatemala within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. It was the centre of one of the largest Maya kingdoms and contains the remains of thousands of structures. The site features majestic temples that visitors can climb to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding forest. Caracol is an active archaeological site, with many treasures uncovered and more to be revealed.

Lamanai

Lamanai is located on the New River in the Orange Walk District and is known for being the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica. It was occupied from 400 BCE to 100 CE and was inhabited up to and through the Spanish colonisation. There are three Mayan temples in the Lamanai archaeological reserve: Mask Temple, High Temple, and Temple of the Jaguar, as well as ball courts. The site can be reached by boat from Tower Hill or by road through San Felipe.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is located in western Belize and was the first Maya ruin to be opened to visitors in 1950. It was once a prosperous city state and home to 200,000 people. The site features six plazas, over 25 temples and palaces, and a museum. Visitors can reach the site by crossing the Mopan River via a hand-operated ferry.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is located in the San Ignacio Cayo district and means "Place of Ticks" in modern-day Maya. The site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was discovered here, containing shell and bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is located 31 miles north of Belize City on the Old Northern Highway. The site was a major ceremonial and trade centre and features two principal plazas. The most significant find at Altun Ha is the Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Ahua. The area is also rich in wildlife, including armadillos, bats, squirrels, and white-tailed deer.

Cerros

The site of Cerros is located on Corozal Bay in northern Belize and is one of the earliest Maya sites, reaching its peak during the Late Preclassic period. Cerros was an important coastal trading centre, distributing salt and trading chert tools. Today, the site features five temples, plazas, and a canal system across three architectural complexes.

Birdwatching and hiking

December is a great time to go birdwatching and hiking in Belize. The warm weather and sunny days make it perfect for outdoor activities. With temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), it's a comfortable time to explore the country's diverse ecosystems.

Belize is home to a rich variety of avian species, with over 590 recorded birds. December marks the beginning of the dry season, when local resident birds are joined by migratory birds escaping the winter in North America. This makes it a great time to see both Central and North American birds. The dry season also makes it easier to access the more remote corners of the country, as the rains can make some areas difficult to reach.

Some of the best birdwatching spots in Belize include the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary. These locations offer the opportunity to see a wide range of species, from wading birds to colourful toucans and parrots.

In addition to birdwatching, December is also a great time for hiking in Belize. The country offers a variety of hiking trails through its rainforests, broadleaf forests, and jungles. The dry season makes it easier to hike through these areas, and the weather is perfect for exploring ancient Maya ruins and sacred caves.

So, if you're looking for an adventure-filled vacation with plenty of birdwatching and hiking opportunities, Belize in December is an excellent choice.

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