Belize's Independence From The Fourth Of July

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking the country's official independence from Great Britain. It is celebrated with festivities such as fireworks, parades, and barbecues.

While the Fourth of July is a significant holiday in the US, it is not a widely celebrated event in Belize. However, July is considered one of the best months to visit Belize due to favourable weather, fewer crowds, and discounted rates on accommodations and airfare. Belize offers a range of attractions and activities during this month, including the Belize Lobsterfest, exploration of ancient Mayan ruins, snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and diving at the Belize Blue Hole.

Belize's July weather

July is one of the rainiest months in Belize, with rainfall averaging over seven inches. However, the rain mostly comes in the form of morning showers or overnight thunderstorms, so it doesn't hinder outdoor activities. The weather is ideal for swimming, sailing, snorkelling, and other water activities. The eastern breezes also help to cool off the mainland, as inland temperatures can reach around 88°F (31°C).

Wildlife

Belize in July is an excellent time for nature treks to spot exotic birds, such as macaws and toucans, as well as monkeys, tapirs, and jaguars on land. You can also spot sharks, rays, dolphins, and green sea turtles in the water.

Lobster Season

July is a great time to visit Belize if you're a fan of lobster. By this time, the country is well into its lobster season, and there are many festivals celebrating the opening of the season in towns like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.

Maya Ruins

With drier afternoons, July is a great time to visit Belize's famous Maya ruins. The biggest site is Caracol, located in the southwest of the country near the border with Guatemala. It covers 65 square miles and is known for its pyramids, royal tombs, and ball courts.

San Ignacio Town

San Ignacio Town is the bustling cultural and entertainment capital of Belize's western Cayo District. The town's farmer's market is a popular destination for tourists and locals due to its rich mix of foods, handicrafts, handmade clothes, and traditional medicines. Beyond the town, you can explore some of the most popular Maya ruins in Belize, including Cahal Pech, Caracol, El Pilar, and Xunantunich.

Belize's July discounts

July is a great time to visit Belize, with fewer crowds and resorts and hotels offering deep discounts. Here are some of the best deals and money-saving tips for a July holiday in Belize.

Air Travel

With increased competition from America's biggest airlines, airfares to Belize are at an all-time low. Carriers offer affordable rates on direct flights from several major US cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago, and Houston.

Accommodation

Top resorts in Belize offer summer specials in July. For example, the award-winning Chabil Mar Villas in Placencia offers luxurious villas and gourmet seafood dining. The Black Orchid Resort, just 15 minutes from Belize International Airport, is ideally situated for exploring the north and central parts of the country. For those interested in exploring Maya ruins, the Cahal Pech Village Resort, located near San Ignacio Town, is a perfect base.

Activities

July is the opening of the lobster season in Belize, so it's a great time to attend lobster festivals in towns like Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. There are also many other festivals and events in July, such as the local fair in Benque Viejo del Carmen, which honours the town's patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with live music, rides, cultural presentations, and delicious food and drink.

Belize has plenty to offer in terms of natural beauty and historic sites. The ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are a must-see, as is the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. With reduced airfares and summer specials on lodging, July is the perfect time to explore all that Belize has to offer.

Belize's July festivals

Belize is a small country with a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through a variety of festivals, events, and holidays throughout the year. While the 4th of July is not among them, here is a list of festivals that take place in Belize during the month of July:

Benque Fiesta

The Benque Fiesta, held in the middle of July, is a 3-day festival in honour of the community's patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Benque Viejo del Carmen. The festivities include rides and activities for children, parades, music, and food.

Lobster Festivals

Belize is known for its love of lobsters and seafood, and during the months of June and July, there are several lobster festivals across the country. These include the San Pedro Lobster Fest, Placencia Lobster Fest, and Caye Caulker Lobster Festival. Each festival features a variety of lobster dishes, from kabobs and tacos to fresh-out-of-the-shell lobsters, accompanied by music, dancing, and cocktails.

Benque Viejo Del Carmen Fiesta

The Benque Viejo Del Carmen Fiesta is a multi-day celebration commonly known as "Benque" and typically begins on July 1. It includes a series of religious celebrations called Las Aboradas, followed by 15 days of carnival rides, pageants, parades, live music, and a fireworks show to close out the festivities.

Costa Maya Festival

The Costa Maya Festival, held in early August, is the largest Mayan festival, bringing together Mayans from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye. This festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the Mundo Maya countries, including Belize, with music, dance, cuisine, and other cultural traditions.

Belize's July attractions

Belize is a great place to visit in July, with plenty of sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, and fabulous food. Here are some of the top attractions to enjoy during this time:

Lobster Festivals

July marks the opening of lobster season in Belize, and there are lobster festivals galore to celebrate! Head to towns like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia to indulge in all things lobster. From classic steamed lobster with drawn butter to more exotic dishes like lobster curry and spicy lobster soup, there's something for every taste. And with lobster dishes on menus everywhere, including breakfast, you'll be spoilt for choice!

Mayan Ruins

Belize is home to some spectacular Mayan ruins, including Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, once mighty states during the ancient Maya Empire. Beyond San Ignacio Town lie Caracol, El Pilar, and Xunantunich, some of the most popular Maya ruins in Belize. And just over the border in neighbouring Guatemala is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal, home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins ever discovered.

Snorkelling and Diving

Belize is a snorkelling and diving paradise, boasting the second-longest barrier reef on Earth. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, encompassing thousands of acres of the Belize Barrier Reef, is a natural cut in the reef that attracts a vibrant array of marine life, from sea anemones and sponges to sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. For a truly unique diving experience, don't miss the Belize Blue Hole, a natural circle encompassed by the Lighthouse Atoll that is consistently ranked among the top diving sites globally.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserves

Belize is known as the wildlife capital of the Caribbean, and for good reason. With over 600 species of birds, it's a bird-watcher's paradise. Man-O-War Caye, just half a mile from Coco Plum Caye, is a designated bird sanctuary, home to Pelicans, Brown Booby birds, and Magnificent Frigate birds. Beyond birds, Belize is committed to protecting endangered wildlife, and you may even spot a gentle manatee while snorkelling or diving.

San Ignacio Town

San Ignacio Town is the bustling cultural and entertainment capital of Belize's western Cayo District. Its farmer's market is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a rich mix of foods, handicrafts, handmade clothes, and traditional medicines. It's also a great base for exploring nearby nature parks and Maya ruins, including the Cahal Pech Mayan ruins just outside of town.

Belize's July travel tips

Weather

Belize in July is warm and humid, with daytime highs of around 86°F (30°C) and nighttime lows of 79°F (26°C). While it's one of the rainiest months of the year, rainfall tends to come in the form of morning showers or overnight thunderstorms, so you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy the sun. The rain also means the jungle is lush and green, and the temperatures are cooler than in the hurricane months of September and October.

Nature and Wildlife

July is a great time to spot wildlife in Belize. Head to nature reserves and national parks, such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park, to see exotic birds like macaws and toucans, as well as monkeys, tapirs, and jaguars. You can also spot sharks, rays, dolphins, and green sea turtles in the water. The Belize Zoo is another great option for seeing a variety of animals, including jaguars, ocelots, and spider monkeys.

Water Activities

Despite the rainfall, conditions for water activities in July are good, with great visibility and eastern breezes that cool off the mainland. Go snorkelling or diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Glover's Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also swim with nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley or take a boat tour to spot manatees off the coast of Placencia.

Food Festivals

July is the perfect time to indulge in Belize's food festivals, especially those celebrating the start of lobster season. Head to towns like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia for delicious lobster dishes, from classic steamed lobster to exotic curries and soups. It's also the season for creamy avocados, sweet mangoes, and spicy habaneros.

Cultural Events

Belize is a country with many cultural celebrations and festivals, and July is no exception. One of the biggest events is the local fair in Benque Viejo del Carmen, which honours the town's patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with marimba music, amusement rides, cultural presentations, dances, and plenty of food and drink. The festival culminates with a church service and fireworks show on July 16.

Travel Practicalities

July falls during the low season in Belize, so you can take advantage of discounted prices on hotels and excursions. It's also easier to find last-minute bookings as the crowds have died down. However, it may be harder to find catamaran tours to the outer atolls during this month. With increased competition among airlines, airfare to Belize is also more affordable.

Frequently asked questions