Lexi Webster
August is a great month to visit Belize. Falling in the middle of the country's
August is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of off-season rates and discounts on tours and accommodation. It's also a great month for scuba diving and snorkelling, with good underwater visibility.
Festivals to look out for in August include La Costa Maya, the biggest festival in Belize, with musicians travelling from across the Americas to perform, and Tres Pescados Fishing Tournament, where anglers compete to catch three species of fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Low season for tourism; rainy season |
| Weather | Daytime highs of 86-89 F (30-31 C); nighttime lows of 78 F (25-26 C); brief bouts of rain and long sunny days; refreshing offshore breezes |
| Prices | Discounts of up to 40% on lodging, transportation, and tours |
| Crowds | Fewer tourists |
| Wildlife | Good time to view rainforest wildlife including monkeys, manatees, hammerhead sharks, hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, and sharks, rays, and dolphins |
| Water Activities | Good visibility for snorkelling and scuba diving |
| Fishing | Grand slam fishing season |
| Events | La Costa Maya, Tres Pescados Fishing Tournament, Belize Lobster Fest |
What You'll Learn
Weather in August
August is a great month to visit Belize, with balmy weather, lots of sunshine, and fewer crowds. It's the perfect time to take advantage of off-season rates and enjoy premium resorts without the peak-season rush.
August falls in the middle of the green season in Belize, which is characterised by overnight showers, brief morning rain, and long sunny days. The average daytime temperature is 89°F (31°C), with overnight lows of 78°F (25°C). The sea temperature is 85°F (29°C). You can expect refreshing offshore breezes, too.
Known locally as the "Little Dry", August sees a slight reprieve from the summer rains, as westerly winds replace the easterly sea breezes, drying the country out a little. However, there is a higher possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes at this time of year.
August is a great month for snorkelling and scuba diving, with good visibility in the water. It's also the perfect time for fishing, with the chance to catch bonefish, tarpon, and permit fish.
The weather in August is ideal for swimming, sailing, and simply relaxing on the beach. It's also a good time to explore the country's Maya ruins, try adventure activities, and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
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Pros and cons of visiting in August
Pros and cons of visiting Belize in August
Pros
August is a great month to visit Belize, especially if you're looking to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the off-season rates. It's also a good time to go if you want to experience the country's culture and enjoy its natural beauty without the scorching temperatures found in most of the United States.
Belize enjoys lovely weather in August, with daytime highs of just 86°F (30°C) and nighttime lows at a perfect 78°F (26°C). The country also experiences a brief respite from the rainy season in August, known locally as the "little dry" season, with reduced precipitation and abundant sunshine.
It's also a great time to take advantage of the many discounts offered during the low season, with savings of up to 40% on lodging, transportation, and tours.
August is a good month for fishing, and it's also the perfect time to visit the southern Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing.
Cons
August is the height of the rainy season in Belize, with high humidity, heavy rain, and the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. Some businesses and lodges may be closed during this time, and travel can become challenging as the season progresses.
The wet season runs from June to November/December, and while travel is still possible until early August, there is a low risk of hurricanes.
The dry season in Belize, from December to May, is considered the high season for tourism, with clearer and warmer weather.
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Discounts and deals
August is a great month to visit Belize, with "little dry season" offering a reprieve from the rains and plenty of discounts and deals to take advantage of.
During August, which is considered the "low season" for tourism, you can find discounts of up to 40% on lodging, transportation, and tours. This is the perfect time to take advantage of off-season rates and enjoy a premium luxury resort experience without the crowds.
- The Watermark Belize Hotel: An extra 15% off on top of the already reduced summer rates until August 31st, 2024.
- Blue Marlin Beach Resort: 10% discount on the Full Board Package, which includes accommodations, meals, and outdoor activities. Deal deadline: August 31st, 2024.
- Bocawina Rainforest Resort: 20% off rooms for guests staying a minimum of two nights. Deal deadline: August 30th, 2024.
- Caribbean Breeze Tours: 15% discount on all sea tours.
- Chabil Mar Villas Guest Exclusive Resort: Military Discounts of 15% off villa rates year-round, and the Spring Free Special, where you get a free night for every four nights booked.
- Coco's Beachfront Cabanas: Discounted rates of $115 USD/night for a minimum of two nights. Deal deadline: October 26th, 2024.
- Island Expeditions: Three packages with $200 off each, including the Rainforest & Reef Paradise package with meals and adventures like snorkelling and zip-lining. Deal deadline: November 30th, 2024.
- Ray Caye Island Resort: 20% off for stays of four nights or more. Deal deadline: November 1st, 2024.
- SunBreeze Hotel and SunBreeze Suites: 10% and 15% off, respectively, on various packages for seven nights. Deal deadline: October 31st, 2024.
- Table Rock Jungle Lodge: 50% off rooms with a minimum stay of three nights. Deal deadline: November 20th, 2024.
In addition to these deals, August is a great time to enjoy the vibrant festivals that Belize has to offer, such as the International Costa Maya Festival, the Tres Pescados Fishing Tournament, and the celebrations for Belize Independence Day on September 21st.
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August events and festivals
August is a great time to visit Belize, with balmy weather, lots of sunshine, and fewer crowds. It's also the perfect month to take advantage of off-season rates and enjoy the country's beautiful beachfront villas and luxury resorts.
La Costa Maya
La Costa Maya is the biggest festival in Belize, with musicians travelling from across the Americas to perform. Held in Ambergris Caye, the festival features pageants, music, and dance events.
International Costa Maya Festival
The International Costa Maya Festival is a five-day celebration that brings together music, dance, cuisine, and other cultural elements from five "Mundo Maya" countries: Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. This festival is held in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and is a highlight of the island's entertainment year.
Deer Dance Festival
The Deer Dance Festival is a unique Belizean experience held in the Mayan village of San Antonio in the southern Toledo District. It features a ritualised dance that emulates the hunting of a deer, followed by locals attempting to climb a greased pole.
Fiesta de Carnaval
Although this festival is held in February, it's worth mentioning as it's one of the most vibrant celebrations in Belize. The Fiesta de Carnaval, or the Belize Carnival, takes place the week before Lent. The most exuberant festivities occur in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, and include a traditional flour fight, singing, dancing, parades, and a painting competition.
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Activities and attractions
August is a great month to visit Belize, with balmy weather, lots of sunshine, and fewer crowds. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to enjoy during your visit:
- Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: Hike through the jungle, swim through crystal-clear spring-fed waters, and explore a cave filled with ancient Maya artifacts and sacrificial remains.
- Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This natural reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, anemones, rays, sharks, and hundreds of species of fish. It's an ideal spot for scuba diving and snorkelling.
- Xunantunich Maya Ruins: Discover one of the largest Maya sites in Belize, with ongoing excavations revealing new insights into this ancient civilisation. In 2016, archaeologists uncovered a grand tomb of a Maya ruler beneath the main temple.
- Green Iguana Conservation Project: Visit this conservation project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, which aims to protect and educate about the endangered Green Iguana species.
- Cave Tubing: Relax and cool off by tubing along underground rivers, surrounded by ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
- Fishing Adventures: August is an excellent time for fishing in Belize, with an abundance of snapper, grouper, barracuda, and permit. Cast your line from the shore or join a deep-sea fishing excursion.
- Belize Zoo: The first nature destination in Belize accessible to people with physical disabilities, this zoo cares for over 150 native wildlife species and promotes conservation, education, recreation, and research.
- Green Hills Butterfly Ranch: With thousands of live butterflies on display in a 4,000-square-foot walk-in flight area, this ranch offers a unique opportunity to witness the full metamorphosis from egg to adult butterfly.
- The Maya Ruins of Caracol: Explore this 30-acre complex, the largest Mayan ruin in Belize, featuring several dozen surviving structures and a museum.
- Lamanai Archaeological Reserve: Visit this well-preserved historical park and climb the pyramids for stunning views and a glimpse into the past.
With its mix of natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural experiences, Belize offers a range of attractions to suit different interests.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, August is a great month to visit Belize. It falls during the "low season" when there are fewer tourists, making it the perfect time to take advantage of discounts on lodging, transportation, and tours.
August in Belize is filled with balmy weather and lots of sunshine. Daytime temperatures average around 86°F (30°C) and nighttime lows are around 78°F (25-26°C).
There are plenty of things to do in Belize in August, including visiting the ATM Cave, snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and exploring ancient Maya sites like Xunantunich. It's also a great time to take advantage of off-season rates at luxury resorts and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
August is considered the low season for tourism in Belize, so you can expect fewer crowds and more advantageous discounts on tours and lodging.
August is a great time to enjoy the local lobster season and attend food festivals such as Lobster Fest, where you can try exotic dishes like lobster curry and spicy lobster soup.
