May's Magic: Ideal Sailing Conditions For Exploring Belize's Coastline

May is a great time to sail to Belize if you want to skip the crowds and experience comfortable temperatures with only a moderate increase in humidity. While you're likely to encounter some rain, it usually falls as light showers in the morning with the occasional thunderstorm at night. You'll also benefit from lower prices on accommodations and tours.

Belize has a subtropical climate, with year-round easterly trade winds and calm waters. The dry season runs from December to May, and the wet season from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season. However, hurricanes are rare in Belize. The water temperature ranges from 79–83°F (26–28°C), making it perfect for year-round swimming, diving, and snorkelling.

Belize is known for its pristine Caribbean coastline, unspoiled beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. It's also home to the world's second-largest coral reef, with an abundance of coral and tropical fish. This makes it a great place for sailing, diving, and snorkelling.

The weather in May

May is the last month of the dry season in Belize, with temperatures remaining hot, especially inland. The coastal temperature in Belize in May is 80-82°F (26-27°C), and the inland temperature is 74-91°F (23-32°C). The water temperature is 82°F (27°C). There is a moderate increase in humidity, and rain increases, usually falling as light showers in the morning with occasional thunderstorms at night.

The dry season in Belize is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. The trade winds blow along the coast, cayes, and reef most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant. The winds are ideal for sailing, and the reef helps to protect the sailing grounds.

May is a good time to visit Belize if you want to avoid crowds and are looking for lower prices on accommodations and tours. The calm waters in May are also perfect for catamaran charter cruises, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

Belize is a great sailing destination all year round, with its unspoiled coastline, pristine rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and cultural diversity. It is home to the second-largest coral reef globally, with an abundance of coral and tropical fish, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.

The dry season in Belize, from December to May, is the high season for travel and cruising, with higher prices and more crowds. So, if you're looking for a quieter and more affordable option, May is a good time to consider visiting Belize.

Sailing conditions

Belize is a great place to sail, with year-round easterly trade winds that blow between 10 and 15 knots most days, although some sources put this range at 15 to 22 knots. The winds keep temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, although mid-August until mid-September can get a little sweaty. The reef helps to protect the sailing grounds, and calm waters with short passages are almost always guaranteed. Clear, calm waters, sandy beaches, and secluded anchorages make Belize an excellent sailing destination.

The best time to sail in Belize is between June and November, coinciding with the wet season and hurricane season. Hurricanes rarely make landfall in Belize but can be serious when they do. The wet season, also known as the "green season" or "low season", is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rain. The rainforest and wildlife are in full bloom during this time, making birds and wildlife more accessible to travellers.

The dry season, considered the "high season" for tourism, runs from December to May and is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. From December to February, strong northerly winds called "nortes" can blow in, bringing thick clouds and cool nights.

The water temperature in Belize ranges between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius (79 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit), perfect for year-round diving, swimming, and snorkelling.

Belize is home to the second-largest coral reef globally, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Mesoamerican Reef runs 350 nautical miles from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico down the coast of Belize and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. The reef and the surrounding waters are perfect for sailing, diving, and snorkelling, with some claiming that the underwater scenery is equal to the best locations anywhere in the world.

The sailing conditions in Belize are considered ideal, with minimal waves inside the barrier reef and calm waters. However, sailing in Belize requires a certain level of experience due to the maze of coral reefs, sandbanks, and small islands, making it a tricky destination to navigate. Most bareboat charters are only allowed with experienced and qualified sailors, and running aground on the reef can result in significant penalties.

Avoiding crowds

Belize is a popular sailing destination, known for its impressive aquatic ecosystem, UNESCO-listed barrier reef, and hundreds of mostly uninhabited islands. The best time to visit Belize depends on what you want to do.

If you want to avoid crowds, late May to early June is a good time to visit Belize. This is the beginning of the wet season, which lasts from June to November. During this time, you can expect some rainfall, but it won't put a big damper on your plans. The early months of the wet season are a good time to travel to Belize as you can escape the tourist rush and take advantage of lower hotel rates.

However, keep in mind that some dirt roads may become muddy during this time, which could curtail visits to remote areas. Additionally, heavy rainfall may cause temporary closures of portions of some public highways and some caves. While ground travel may be impacted, air transportation is readily available throughout the year.

If you're looking for the best sailing conditions, the months of June to November are considered the best time for sailing in Belize. During these months, you'll experience top-notch sailing conditions, with southeast trade winds blowing at an average of 10-13 knots and minimal waves within the barrier reef.

To completely avoid the crowds, consider visiting Belize during the shoulder season in September and October. These months fall within the hurricane season, so there is a higher risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. However, you'll find fewer tourists and more affordable prices.

Overall, Belize offers a unique and varied terrain and culture, making it a great choice for a sailing vacation. With its impressive marine life, remote islands, and tranquil waters, Belize is the perfect antidote to Caribbean over-tourism.

Safety at sea

May is a good time to sail to Belize, as it is the beginning of the country's low season for tourism. You can expect thinner crowds and comfortable temperatures, with only a moderate increase in humidity. However, showers typically pass through in the afternoons and overnight during this time.

• Be aware of your surroundings: It is important to maintain good visibility and pay close attention to your equipment and the conditions around you. Stay alert for open hatches, slippery patches, or unguarded railings where accidents could occur.
• Use proper safety equipment: This includes life jackets, life rafts, safety harnesses, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). All ships are required to have essential safety equipment, and the crew must know how to use them properly.
• Follow safety procedures: Be familiar with safety protocols and procedures, such as how to operate communication equipment and how to respond to maritime injuries. Stay within designated swim areas and follow the instructions of lifeguards.
• Handle cargo and tools with care: All heavy cargo containers must be securely tied at all times. When carrying portable equipment and tools, use both hands and take advantage of tool belts or carry them across your body to ensure a firm grip.
• Avoid swimming alone or at night: Never swim too far from shore or alone, especially at night. Stay close to others and refrain from night swimming to minimise the risk of encountering dangerous marine life, such as box jellyfish or barracudas.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: The constant motion of the waves can cause dehydration, so remember to step out of the ocean periodically and drink plenty of freshwater. Apply sunscreen generously, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
• Be cautious of rip tides: Rip tides, or rip currents, are powerful currents that flow away from the shore and can quickly pull swimmers out to sea. Look out for signs of potential rip currents, such as fewer breaking waves or objects floating out to sea. If caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the shore, not against the current.
• Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of drowning. Do not drink alcohol when swimming or operating boats or other watercraft.
• Know your limits: Consider your swimming abilities and the conditions before entering the water. The sea can be very different from a pool, and it is important to recognise your limitations.
• Have an emergency plan: Discuss water safety with your companions and create an emergency management plan. Know how to access emergency resources, important documents, and medications if needed.

By following these safety guidelines, you can help ensure that your sailing trip to Belize or any other maritime destination is enjoyable and safe.

Annual sailing events

May is a good time to sail to Belize if you want to skip the crowds. The wet season in Belize begins in June, and the country experiences the rainy season from June to November. However, the southeast trade winds blowing at an average of 10-13 knots make for top-notch sailing conditions.

If you're looking for annual sailing events, Belize has a few events you might be interested in:

• Baron Bliss Day (March): Held in honour of Sir Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the fourth Baron Bliss of the Kingdom of Portugal, who left two million dollars to the country in his will. This Belize City holiday features a sailboat race, horse races, and kiting competitions. You can also visit the Baron Bliss Memorial Lighthouse and Park and see the late Baron's tomb under the lighthouse.
• Belize Lobster Festivals (June and July): Lobster season starts in mid-June with the San Pedro Lobsterfest, followed by the Placencia Lobsterfest in the south, and the Caye Caulker Lobsterfest in early July. These festivals feature lobster dishes like kabobs and tacos, along with music, dancing, and cocktails.
• San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival (August): Formerly known as the Sea & Air Festival, this five-day event in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, celebrates the culture and cuisine of the five "Mundo Maya" countries: Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
• St. George's Caye Day (September 10): Marking Belize's 1798 defeat of the Spaniards, this day is celebrated with street festivals and a reenactment of the battle. Other events include the crowning of Miss San Pedro, a children's bicycle race, a fishing tournament, and a tug-of-war competition.
• Belize Independence Day (September 21): Following St. George's Caye Day, Belize continues the festivities with colourful parades, processions, and events to commemorate its independence from England in 1981. "The Expo" is a highlight of this celebration, attracting 15,000 people with local vendors, food, dancing, and singing.

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