Belize In November: A Great Time To Visit?

November is a great time to visit Belize. It's the last month of the rainy season, so you can expect warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, with the occasional shower. It's also the perfect time to beat the tourist rush and bag a bargain, as the peak season starts in December. With fewer crowds, you can explore the country's highlights, including its Mayan sites, without having to navigate hordes of visitors. November is also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as island exploration and beach bumming, without the risk of sunburn.

The weather in November is warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities

Belize in November: Warm, Dry, and Perfect for Outdoor Activities

The Perfect Climate for Outdoor Activities

Belize in November is the ideal time for outdoor activities. The warm, dry weather is perfect for exploring the country's diverse natural offerings, from its beaches and islands to its rainforests and ruins. With temperatures peaking at around 80°F (26°C) on the coast and 82°F (27°C) inland, you won't have to worry about sunburn as you enjoy the sun and clear skies.

A Great Time for Water Activities

The warm weather in November is perfect for water activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving. The sea temperature is a pleasant 83°F (23°C), and the clear waters offer excellent visibility for exploring Belize's diverse marine life. November is also mating season for black groupers, so you may catch a glimpse of their fascinating courtship rituals.

Dry Season Advantages

November marks the end of Belize's rainy season and the transition to the dry season. This means you'll get to enjoy the improving weather and sunny skies without the crowds and peak prices of the high season, which starts in December. You can take advantage of lower costs and the ease of last-minute bookings, making it a great time for spontaneous travel plans.

Cultural Celebrations

November is also a culturally significant month in Belize. On November 19, the country celebrates Garifuna Settlement Day, commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people. This public holiday is filled with traditional drumming, dancing, parades, and delicious Garifuna cuisine. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Belize.

Nature Excursions

In addition to cultural celebrations, November offers the perfect weather for nature excursions. The mainland of Belize boasts incredible natural destinations, such as the Moho River in southern Belize, which is ideal for a kayak trip. You can also explore the ancient Maya archaeological site of Lubaantun, the largest in the region, with 11 structures, five plazas, and three ball courts.

So, if you're considering a trip to Belize, November is definitely a great time to go! With warm and dry weather, you'll be able to fully enjoy the country's outdoor activities, cultural celebrations, and natural attractions, all while avoiding the peak tourist crowds.

It's the start of the high season, so you can grab some good deals

Belize's high season runs from December to April, with most visitors arriving in March, followed by December, January, February, and April. However, November is the start of this high season, so you can grab some good deals.

November is the last month of the rainy season, and while it does get a fair share of rain, the weather is improving, with bright and sunny skies more often than not. The temperature cools down from the scorching 90s of summertime, but travellers from North America and Europe are unlikely to find anything chilly about 83°F (23°C) water.

November is a great time to grab some deals on package holidays for families and couples, and you won't have to book hotels so far in advance. You can also take advantage of the newly opened or renovated resorts and sites without having to deal with the masses of tourists that arrive for Christmas and New Year.

November is a good time to visit Belize if you want to take advantage of the pleasant weather and the deals on offer as the country transitions from the rainy season to the high season.

It's less crowded than the peak season, so you can enjoy attractions without the masses

Visiting Belize in November means you can enjoy the country's attractions without the tourist masses that arrive during the peak season. November is the last month of the country's low season, so you can take advantage of fewer crowds and discounted prices.

During the peak season, from December to April, Belize experiences an influx of tourists. This is the country's dry season, with warm temperatures and clear skies. As a result, popular attractions, such as Maya sites, can become crowded with visitors.

In contrast, November offers a quieter experience. While you may still encounter some rain, the weather is improving, with bright and sunny skies more often than not. The temperatures are balmy, reaching highs of around 84°F (29°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C). This pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, island exploration, and beach bumming without having to worry about sunburn.

The lower tourist numbers in November also mean you're more likely to find deals on package holidays and won't have to book your accommodation too far in advance. You can also take advantage of discounted tours, transportation, and lodging at top resorts and lodges.

November is also a great time to visit if you want to experience Belize's culture and traditions. The country's biggest national holiday, Garifuna Settlement Day, takes place on November 19. This holiday commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize and is celebrated with traditional drumming, dancing, parades, and tasty Garifuna foods like hudut (a fish stew made with coconut). You'll have the opportunity to witness and participate in these cultural festivities without having to navigate large crowds.

So, if you're looking for a more relaxed and affordable trip to Belize, with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's culture and enjoy its attractions without the crowds, November is a great time to visit.

It's the perfect time for water sports and jungle adventures

Belize is a great destination for water sports and jungle adventures, especially during its dry season from December to May. However, November, which is towards the end of the rainy season, can also be a good time to visit. Here are some reasons why:

Water sports

Belize is known for its stunning coastline and marine life, making it a prime location for water sports enthusiasts. In November, the country experiences pleasant weather with occasional rain and bright sunny skies. The temperature on the coast peaks at about 80°F (26°C) to 84°F (29°C), while water temperatures are around 83°F (23°C). These conditions are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling to explore the diverse marine life that Belize has to offer.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, is a natural paradise for snorkelers and divers, offering the opportunity to marvel at the colourful array of marine life. Glover's Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another excellent spot for water sports, with its protected waters being home to sea turtles, sharks, and other exotic species.

Jungle adventures

November is also a great time to explore Belize's lush rainforests and experience its rich wildlife. The country's inland temperatures reach about 82°F (27°C), providing a comfortable setting for jungle adventures.

One popular destination is the Moho River in southern Belize, which is ideal for a kayak river trip. The surrounding rainforest offers the opportunity to spot various wildlife species, such as howler monkeys and macaws. For those interested in cave tours, the Che Chem Ha system in western Belize is a fascinating option, as it was once used by the ancient Mayans for ceremonial practices and contains ancient artefacts.

Benefits of visiting in November

November is the last month of Belize's low season, so you can take advantage of lower costs and fewer crowds before the peak season starts in December. This means you can find great deals on package holidays and hotels, and you won't have to book your accommodations too far in advance.

November also offers the opportunity to experience local culture and traditions. For example, November 19th is Garifuna Settlement Day, a public holiday commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize. The country comes alive with traditional dancing, drumming, and parades, and tasty Garifuna cuisine like hudut, a fish stew made with coconut.

So, if you're looking for a mix of water sports and jungle adventures, November is indeed a perfect time to visit Belize!

You can celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day on 19 November

November is a great month to visit Belize. You can take advantage of the pleasant weather, with bright and sunny skies, and fewer crowds than in peak season. It's the perfect time to enjoy fabulous weather and take advantage of affordable deals on tours, transportation, and lodging.

On the 19th of November, you can celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, one of the most important and popular holidays in Belize. It is a national holiday that commemorates the arrival and settlement of the Garifuna people onto the shores of Belize in 1802. The Garifuna are a unique ethnic group descended from a mix of West African slaves and indigenous Arawak and Carib islanders. Over 200 years ago, they emigrated to Belize, and their rich cultural heritage is celebrated annually on this day.

The holiday was created by Belizean civil rights activist Thomas Vincent Ramos in 1941 and was recognised as a national holiday in 1977. The major festivities occur in the town of Dangriga, where the first Garifuna people landed, but celebrations take place throughout the country, especially in towns and villages with large Garifuna populations. The entire country turns out to celebrate with traditional dancing, parades, live music, drumming, prayers, and reenactments of the first Garifuna ships arriving in Belize.

Traditional Garifuna foods are also a significant part of the celebrations, with dishes like serre (fish boiled in coconut milk), hudut (a fish stew made with mashed plantain and coconut), and cassava served in various forms. If you're in Dangriga, you can also visit the Gulisi Garifuna Museum, which offers a multimedia experience to learn about the origins, history, and customs of the Garifuna people. It also has a working garden of traditional plants and herbs.

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