Belize In March: A Tropical Escape Amidst The Shoulder Season

Yes, March is a great time to visit Belize. It's during the country's dry season, which runs from December/January to April/May, and is known for its fantastic weather. You can expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and very little rainfall. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as water sports and exploring the lush landscape, including the tropical rainforests and mountain peaks.

March is also a popular time for festivals and celebrations, including La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, Baron Bliss Day, and Easter. These events bring lots of energy and excitement to the country, making it a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture.

However, it's important to note that March is part of the high season for tourism, so you may encounter larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

Weather

Belize's dry season runs from December to May, with the period from January to April being the country's high tourism season. This is when the country experiences less rainfall and more moderate temperatures.

March is the driest month to visit Belize, with prolonged periods of warm sunshine, particularly in the north and central regions. The average daytime temperature is around 83°F (28°C), and nights are pleasantly cool, with temperatures of around 74°F (23°C). It rarely rains in March, and the country experiences refreshing breezes at night. The weather in March is described as "almost perfect", with "long, sunny days" and "fantastic weather".

The dry season is the best time for outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures. The calm waters during the summer months are also ideal for scuba diving. However, if you want to dive with whale sharks, March is the tail end of the season for doing so, with opportunities available from March to June.

The dry season is also when the country experiences the highest number of tourists, and accommodation prices are at their highest. If you're looking for a quieter and more affordable time to visit, the early summer months of May and June might be a better option, as the country experiences fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. However, some dirt roads may be muddy, and visits to remote areas may be curtailed.

The wet season in Belize runs from June to November/December, with the rainiest months being September and October. During this time, a sunny day can unexpectedly turn rainy, and there is a low risk of hurricanes. However, the rain usually only lasts for one to two hours, and there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, such as exploring the country's caves and Maya ruins.

Activities

March is a great time to visit Belize, with its fantastic weather and many high-energy festivals and celebrations. Here are some activities you can do during your visit:

• Explore the outdoors: With minimal rain and humidity, March is perfect for outdoor activities. Wear lightweight and breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat during the day. Don't forget your insect repellent if you plan to explore the Belizean jungle.
• Coastal and Marine Tourism: Visit the Belize Barrier Reef, which runs along the country's coast and is filled with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. March is an excellent time for boat trips, fishing expeditions, diving, and snorkelling.
• Visit Mayan Ruins: Belize was once the heart of the ancient Mayan empire, and it is home to dozens of ruined cities and huge stone pyramids that visitors can climb and explore.
• Cave Tubing: Experience the unique thrill of tubing through a series of spooky caves.
• Zip Line: Swing down a zip line high above the canopy of a lush tropical rainforest for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
• Swimming: Take a dip in the lovely waters of the Mopan and Macal Rivers and enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings.
• Festivals and Events: Attend popular festivals such as La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, Baron Bliss Day, and Easter celebrations. La Ruta Maya is a four-day canoe race from San Ignacio to Belize City, while Baron Bliss Day celebrates one of the country's national heroes with sailboat and horse races. Easter in Belize is a four-day holiday with religious processions, colourful displays of arts and handicrafts, and a bicycle race.
• Explore Caves: Visit the amazing ATM cave in the Cayo District, known for its ancient relics and Mayan history.
• Scuba Diving: Go scuba diving with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the deep, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Explore More Mayan Ruins: Discover the ruins of the lost Mayan cities of Xunantunich or Cahal Pech, and learn about the rich history and culture of this ancient civilisation.
• Relax on the Beach: Unwind on the warm sands and splash in the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Wildlife

Belize is home to a stunning array of wildlife all year round. The country's lush rainforests are inhabited by monkeys, big cats, tapirs, iguanas, crocodiles, and the elusive jaguar. The best time for wildlife spotting is during the wet season from June to November, when hungry animals gorge on blooming trees and flowers.

March is a great month for wildlife spotting in Belize. It is the height of the dry season, and wildlife spotting opportunities abound. Here are some of the wildlife-focused activities you can enjoy:

• Birdwatching: With over 570 bird species, Belize is a bird-watcher's paradise. March is an excellent time to spot birds, especially in the lowland lagoons, where large numbers of wading birds flock. Keep an eye out for the jabiru, northern boat-billed heron, and snail kite, as well as countless herons, ibis, storks, spoonbills, and waterfowl.
• Scarlet Macaws: In March, you can spot these vibrant birds at their seasonal feeding grounds near Red Bank.
• Howler Monkeys: Listen for the distinctive calls of howler monkeys in the rainforests of Belize.
• Sea Turtles: March is the best time to view sea turtles, including hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles.
• Whale Sharks: While April and May are the peak months for whale sharks, March is still a good time to catch the tail end of the season. These majestic creatures can often be spotted near the full moon.
• Sharks, Rays, and Dolphins: Belize's waters are home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and dolphins, which can be spotted year-round.
• Reptiles: The warm temperatures of March make it an ideal time to spot reptiles, such as iguanas and crocodiles, basking in the sun.

In addition to wildlife spotting, March also offers the opportunity to explore ancient Maya ruins, go cave tubing and ziplining, and enjoy the country's diverse landscapes, from jungles and mountains to beaches and coral reefs.

Ancient ruins

Belize is home to dozens of ruined cities from the ancient Mayan empire. The country has more than 600 Mayan sites, including sacred temples, ceremonial pyramids, and ancient water reservoirs. The Mayan civilisation dominated much of Mesoamerica between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago, and Belize has the highest number and variety of Mayan ruins.

One of the most important sites is Caracol, tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest. Once a city of more than 140,000 people, it is now mostly lost to the jungle, but still covers 25,000 acres. The Canna ("Sky Palace") is a highlight, ascending 143 feet and housing four palaces and three temples. Caracol also features ball courts, an astronomic observatory, altars, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics.

Another site, Lamanai, is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize. To get there, you must travel to Orange Walk Town and then take a 26-mile boat ride up the New River. Lamanai features beautifully preserved Mayan ceremonial buildings, including the High Temple and the Jaguar Temple. The Mask Temple features a pair of 13-foot-tall limestone masks adorned with crocodile headdresses.

Altun Ha is one of Belize's best-excavated sites, located about an hour's drive north of Belize City. The site was excavated in the 1960s and features two main plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. A jade carving of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, is the most significant artifact found at Altun Ha.

Xunantunich, located across the Mopan River from San José Succotz, features the pyramid El Castillo ("The Castle"), which may have been used as an ancestral shrine for the ruling family. It is the second-largest building in Belize, after Caracol's Sky Palace.

Cahal Pech, located near San Ignacio and Santa Elena, features 34 ancient structures over two acres, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house. A royal burial chamber was discovered here, containing shell and bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects.

Other notable Mayan ruins in Belize include:

• El Pilar: A 100-acre site with 12 pyramids and 25 plazas.
• Cerros: The only Mayan ruins in Belize located along the coast.
• Santa Rita: Estimated to date back to 2000 BCE, featuring a large temple with burial chambers.
• Nim Li Punit: Features a large number of stelae, or stone slabs, with carvings offering clues about the ancient Mayan society.
• Lubaantun: A Late Classic ceremonial centre known for its unusual construction method of dressed stone blocks and organic materials without mortar.

Culture

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from the Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese communities. The official language of Belize is English, but Kriol (an English-based creole) is the most commonly spoken language, and Spanish is also widely spoken.

Belize has a rich cultural heritage, with many traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Music and dance are an important part of Belizean culture, with lively festivities held throughout the year, such as Carnival Week and Belize Carnival. The country also has a thriving art scene, with beautiful displays of arts and handicrafts showcased during Easter celebrations.

Belizean cuisine is a reflection of the country's diverse cultural influences, with a variety of delicious dishes available. The local cuisine offers interesting and tasty meals, as well as fresh seafood. In June, the country celebrates the opening of the local lobster season with the annual Lobster Fest, a two-week-long party featuring creative lobster dishes and cocktails.

Belize also has a strong religious culture, with a large Christian population. Churches hold midnight mass for Christmas, with festive songs, nativity scenes, and fireworks. Easter is also a significant holiday, with solemn religious processions and colourful displays of arts and handicrafts.

Belizeans are known for their hospitality and friendly nature, making it a pleasure to interact with the locals and learn about their unique culture.

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