Belize In July: A Tropical Escape Amidst The Rainy Season

July is a great month to visit Belize. With fewer crowds and resorts offering deep discounts, it's a wonderful time to explore the country's natural beauty and experience its unique culture. The weather is generally sunny, with temperatures ranging from 82-86°F (28-30°C) during the day and 75-79°F (24-26°C) at night. While July is part of the rainy season, which runs from June to November, the showers are usually short and help cool down the temperatures, making the landscape even more beautiful.

Belize, located under Mexico's Quintana Roo state on the east coast of Central America, is a nature lover's paradise. With 400 islands and cays, it offers a diverse range of adventures along its roughly 240 miles of Caribbean coastline and within its jungle interior. The country boasts stunning coral reefs, ideal for snorkelling and diving, as well as ancient Maya sites and vibrant wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, and ocelots.

July is also the perfect time to indulge in Belize's delicious food festivals, such as the Lobster Fest, which celebrates the opening of the local lobster season. Whether you're looking for exciting activities or a romantic getaway, Belize in July promises an incredible adventure with its beautiful weather, fantastic scenery, and cultural experiences.

Lobster festivals

Belize is a great place to visit in July, with warm weather, beautiful scenery, and delicious food festivals. It's the perfect time to take advantage of amazing travel deals and fewer crowds. And if you're a foodie, you're in for a treat with the Lobster Festival!

The Lobster Festival, or Lobsterfest, is an annual event that coincides with the start of the official lobster season, which runs from mid-June to mid-February. This festival is a foodie's dream, with an abundance of fresh lobster prepared in a variety of mouth-watering ways. From grilled lobster to lobster tacos, kabobs, and even lobster chowder, your taste buds will be in for an unforgettable journey.

The festival takes place in three main locations: San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. Each location offers its own unique twist on the celebration. San Pedro is known for its extravagant and lively festivities, with live music and endless parties. Caye Caulker, the birthplace of Lobsterfest, offers a more sentimental experience with better prices. Placencia, on the other hand, is renowned for its legendary mega-beach party, which is considered a local favourite.

The Lobster Festival is not just about the delicious food; it's also a celebration of the local culture. You can expect wacky beauty pageants, drinks, reggae and Belizean music concerts, beach parties, and street festivals. It's a time when the community comes together to share their love for lobster and create lasting memories.

So, if you're planning a trip to Belize in July, make sure to include the Lobster Festival on your itinerary. Indulge in the delicious lobster dishes, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and create unforgettable memories. With amazing weather, stunning scenery, and this incredible food festival, July is undoubtedly one of the best times to experience all that Belize has to offer!

Snorkelling and diving

There isn't a bad time for snorkelling and diving in Belize, but there are certain times of the year when you're more likely to have a great experience. The summer months are generally considered the best time to visit Belize if you want to snorkel or dive, as the waters are calm and warm, and it's the off-season for tourism, so it's less crowded and more affordable. The summer months are also a great time to spot whale sharks, with a few choice days at the end of April and May being the best time to see these creatures.

The rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, and while this can bring some fantastic storms, it also means that underwater visibility is reduced. That said, you can still expect good visibility at off-shore dive sites, and with fewer tourists, you can enjoy the best of Belize with fewer crowds. The water temperature doesn't fluctuate much, but it's warmest from June to November, so you'll be nice and toasty as you explore the reefs.

If you're looking for the very best underwater visibility, then the months of March to June are your best bet. The dry season in Belize is from December to May, and while this is peak season for tourists, it also means that the waters are clear and perfect for snorkelling and diving. April to June is also a great time to visit Belize if you want to avoid the crowds, as the tourist crowds start to die down, and you can take advantage of lower prices for flights and accommodation.

Belize is home to the famous Blue Hole, a favourite dive spot of Jacques Cousteau, and with good reason. The country boasts the second-largest barrier reef in the world, teeming with vibrant fish, sharks, rays, and dolphins. So, whenever you choose to visit Belize, you're sure to have a fantastic snorkelling and diving experience.

Mayan ruins

Belize is a great place to visit in July if you want to explore Mayan ruins. The country is home to the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America. The weather in July is warm and humid, with occasional rainstorms, but the rain showers are usually short and help to cool down the temperatures.

One of the most popular Mayan ruins in Belize is Xunantunich, located just outside of San Ignacio in the Belize River Valley. To get to Xunantunich, you'll need to take a free ferry from the village of San Jose Succotz across the Mopan River. Xunantunich was once a prosperous city-state during the Classical Maya era, home to 200,000 people, and today it offers a wealth of historical information about the Mayas. The site includes six plazas and remnants of over 25 palaces and temples.

Another impressive set of ruins is Caracol, located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is the largest Maya archaeological site in Belize and was once one of the most powerful cities in the Maya world, home to about 120,000 people. Here, you can explore 30 square miles of thick jungle, five plazas, and an astronomical observatory. The highlight of this ruin is the Caana pyramid, the tallest man-made building in Belize.

For those looking for an easier walk, Altun Ha is the closest set of ruins to Belize City, with flat grassland and two large central plazas and pyramids. This site is so beloved by Belizeans that it is featured on the national currency and beer bottles.

In the Toledo District, you'll find Nim Li Punit, a smaller Mayan site known for its large stone columns (stelae) intricately carved with Maya hieroglyphs and pictures.

In the Orange Walk District, you can explore Lamanai, one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in Belize, situated in a spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon.

With so many Mayan ruins to discover, July is a great time to visit Belize and take advantage of the warm weather, delicious food festivals, and the opportunity to explore this fascinating ancient culture.

Affordable rates

Belize is generally considered to be more expensive than other Central American countries, such as Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. However, there are still ways to experience Belize on a budget.

Accommodation

If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Belize, here are some options to consider:

• San Ignacio:
• Cheap hotel: Cahal Pech Village Resort
• Cheap jungle campsite with amenities: Belize Rainforest Retreat
• Cheap hostel: Bella's Backpackers
• Caye Caulker:
• Cheap hotel: Rainbow Hotel
• Cheap seaside cabins: Colinda Cabanas
• Cheap hostel: Yumas House
• Placencia:
• Cheap hotel: Miramar Apartments
• Cheap seaside cabins: Harry's Cozy Cabanas
• Cheap hostel: Anda Di Hows

Transportation

During July, air carriers in the United States offer affordable rates on direct flights to Belize from several major American cities.

Activities

While activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking can be pricey, ranging from $65 to $100 per person, there are ways to save money. Locals sometimes get together and hire a boat and captain, splitting the cost of an official tour. If you have a car, exploring the mainland and visiting tourist sites such as Xunanunich can also be more affordable. At these sites, you can hire a tour guide on the spot for a lower price than organised group tours.

Food

Belize's national meal is stewed chicken, rice, and beans, which is cheap to prepare and filling. It can be found for $6 to $8 at roadside stands. Eating like a local and shopping at local markets and vegetable stands can also help keep food costs down.

Warm weather

July is a great month to visit Belize if you're looking for warm weather. Daytime highs average between 82 and 86°F (28-30°C), with temperatures on the coast and inland in July reaching 80-83°F (27-28°C) and 74-88°F (23-31°C) respectively. The warm weather, combined with the clear and calm waters, makes July perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun.

The warm weather in July is also ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking through the jungle, exploring ancient Maya sites, or going cave tubing. Belize has hundreds of islands and a long coastline on the Caribbean, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather and take a dip in the sea.

The warm weather in Belize in July is due in part to the rainy season, which usually runs from June to November. However, the rain showers are usually short and help to cool down the temperatures, making the weather even more pleasant. The morning rain showers and overnight thunderstorms also help to wash away the humidity, and trade winds from the Caribbean keep conditions ideal for swimming, sailing, and snorkelling.

In addition to the warm weather, July in Belize offers the opportunity to experience some unique food festivities. The Lobster Fest on Ambergris Caye, for example, is a celebration of the local delicacy and a great way to savour some of the best seafood in Belize.

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