Belize's Best-Kept Secret: The Perfect Months To Visit

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which falls between December and May. During this period, rainfall is low, and temperatures are mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as water sports and exploring the country's jungles and Maya ruins. February to April are particularly good months to visit, as the weather is dry and warm, and there are fewer crowds than in January.

However, Belize is a year-round destination, and even during the wet season from June to November, there are still plenty of sunny days. The wet season is also the low season for tourism, so you can take advantage of fewer crowds and lower prices.

Dry season (December to April/May)

Dry Season in Belize: December to April/May

The dry season in Belize runs from December or January to April or May. This is the best time of year to visit Belize, with low rainfall and warm temperatures. However, it is also the country's peak tourism season, so expect crowds and higher prices.

Weather

December to April is the dry season in Belize, with clear blue skies and warm temperatures. In December, January and February, the temperature is mild, with cool breezy days and lots of sunshine. From March onwards, it gets hotter, with little to no cloud cover.

Activities

The dry season is the perfect time for outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures. It's also the best time to visit Belize's Maya sites, as well as explore the country's impressive barrier reef. The dry season is also ideal for birding, with migratory birds arriving from North America.

Holidays and Events

December is a festive time in Belize, with parades, parties, concerts, shopping sprees and horse racing events. It's also the start of the dry season, so it's a great time to visit if you want to escape colder weather.

In February, there's the week-long Fiesta de Carnaval, with parades, live music and dancing.

March is a popular month to visit Belize, with the least amount of rain and rising temperatures. It's also the start of the cashew harvest, which continues through to June.

In April, temperatures increase and brief showers keep conditions pleasant. This is a good time to spot manatees.

Travel Tips

The dry season is high season in Belize, so it's best to book well in advance, especially if you're visiting over Christmas or Easter.

Wet season (June to November)

The wet season in Belize runs from June to November, with the rainiest months being June, July, September, and October. August typically offers a brief respite from the rain, with a short dry season known as the "little dry" or "mauger". The wet season is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but intense rainfall. Tropical storms and hurricanes are possible, particularly from August to October, and travel insurance is recommended. Some businesses may close during this period, and tours to outdoor attractions such as snorkelling and caving may be cancelled due to flooding. However, the wet season is a great time to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.

June marks the beginning of the wet season, with temperatures remaining high and frequent afternoon showers. The Caribbean Sea provides a fresh breeze, and lobster season begins, with Lobsterfest taking place in mid-June in San Pedro. July is the wettest month of the year, with storms lasting several days. In August, the rainfall lessens, and the "little dry" season begins, providing a break from the summer rains. September is the height of the rainy season and the hurricane season, with increasing rainfall in the early mornings and overnight. However, days are often sunny and warm, and it is a fun month to visit due to the annual Carnival celebration.

October is the wettest month of the year, with heavy rainfall and occasional "northers", multi-day storms centred around the Maya Mountains. Wet cave tours may be unsafe during this time due to high water levels. November is the beginning of winter for locals, but temperatures remain warm and sunny for travellers. It is a great time to visit before the busy holiday season in December. Garifuna Settlement Day, a public holiday commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people, takes place on November 19.

Weather and climate

Belize has a comfortable subtropical climate that is suitable for travel all year round. The average yearly temperature is about 80°F with humidity hovering around 85%. The coolest winter temperatures can reach the low 60°F range, while the hottest parts of summer can reach the mid-90°F range on the mainland.

Belize has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which is also the high season for tourism, and the wet season, which is also known as the rainy season or the "green season". The dry season typically occurs between December and 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 cooler temperatures. In March and April, temperatures rise and rainfall is scarce.

The wet season in Belize runs from June to November, with the rainiest months being September and October. During this time, the rainforest and wildlife come to life, with trees and flowers in bloom. The hurricane season formally coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the most active period for tropical storms being from late August to mid-October.

The dry season is the best time to visit Belize for most people. From December to April, rainfall is low and temperatures are mild. This is also the best time to visit Belize's Maya ruins, as well as for activities such as birding, sunbathing, swimming, and diving. The dry season is also the high season for tourism, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

The wet season in Belize is the low season for tourism, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Despite the rain, the weather is still warm, and there is plenty of wildlife to see. The little dry season in August offers a brief respite from the rains, with slightly drier weather.

Peak tourist season

The peak tourist season in Belize runs from November to mid-April, with the heaviest rush of visitors occurring from mid-December to mid-January.

November

The peak season starts in November, with the arrival of Thanksgiving tourists. The weather is warm and sunny, and it is the beginning of winter for locals. The month features:

• Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, which is a public holiday with parades, street music, and traditional dancing.
• The transition between the rainy season and the dry season.
• The Belize International Film Festival, which showcases talent from Belize and Central America.
• The Garifuna Music Festival, celebrating the distinct Garifuna culture with dancing, music, and food.

December

December is the most popular month for tourists, with the arrival of Christmas and New Year holidaymakers. The dry season begins, and the weather is warm and sunny, with clear blue skies. The month features:

• Christmas and New Year celebrations, including parades, parties, concerts, shopping sprees, and horse race events.
• The San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade, with colourfully lit boats sailing along the shore.
• The Love FM Christmas Parade in San Pedro.
• The End of the World Marathon in Placencia, raising money for high school scholarships.
• The Placencia Mistletoe Ball, with music, dancing, raffles, and food.

January

January falls within the peak tourist season, with travellers visiting Belize for the winter holidays. It is the driest month of the year, with optimal temperatures for sun-worshippers. The month features:

• New Year's Day celebrations, including restaurants offering brunch or dinner specials.
• Kwanzaa celebrations, honouring African heritage.
• The start of the dry season, with mild temperatures and less rainfall.
• The Fiesta de Carnaval in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, with group dancing, street parades, and other festivities.
• Valentine's Day specials and romantic deals for couples.

February

February is another peak month, with travellers taking advantage of the dry season. The weather is warm and tropical, with sunny skies. The month features:

• Fiesta de Carnaval, a week-long party with parades, live music, and dancing.
• Excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities.
• Good visibility for snorkelling and diving.
• Access to outer atolls by catamaran.

March

March is the driest month of the year and the last month of the peak season for tourism. The weather is warm, with rising temperatures. The month features:

• Baron Bliss Day on March 9, with horseracing and sailing events honouring Baron Bliss of Portugal, a benefactor of Belize.
• The Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree Village.
• Excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities.
• Good visibility for snorkelling and diving.
• Access to outer atolls by catamaran.

April

April is a great month to visit, as the weather remains dry and warm, and prices drop after the spring break tourist influx. The month features:

• Easter Week celebrations, including public holidays and events such as the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycle Race.
• The National Agriculture and Trade Show in Belmopan, Cayo District.
• Whale shark viewing, especially around the full moon.
• Excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities.
• Good visibility for snorkelling and diving.

Annual events and festivals

Belize is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from January to May. The dry season is also Belize's tourism high season, so expect crowds and higher prices. The wet season, from June to December, sees fewer tourists and discounted prices, but travel can be challenging, and there is a low risk of hurricanes.

Belize has some of the most festive celebrations in Central America and the Caribbean, and many travellers plan their visits around certain festivals and events. Here is a month-by-month list of annual events and festivals in Belize:

• January: New Year's Day celebrations include the Krem New Year's Cycling Classic, a single-day road race held annually since 1992. Horse racing is also popular during the New Year period, with races taking place in Burrell Boom, which has the largest racetrack in Belize.
• February: Carnival Week, or Fiesta de Carnaval, is held the week before Lent. The most vibrant festivities take place in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, and include a traditional flour fight, singing, dancing, parades, and a painting competition.
• March: Baron Bliss Day is a public holiday honouring Baron Bliss, a kind-hearted man who left two million dollars to Belize in his will. The day features fishing, races, and a harbour regatta. La Ruta Maya River Challenge is a four-day, 179-mile canoe race along the Macal and Belize Rivers.
• April: Punta Gorda in the Toledo District holds its annual Chocolate Festival, with a week of events celebrating chocolate-making, cacao beans, and local crafts.
• May: The Cashew Festival in Crooked Tree Village celebrates the cashew harvest season with live music, cashew wine, Caribbean dishes, and games.
• June: Lobster season starts in mid-June, and is marked by lobster festivals in San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker.
• July: Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta is a multi-day celebration that begins on July 1 with religious celebrations, followed by carnival rides, pageants, parades, live music, and a firework show.
• August: The International Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is a five-day event that brings together music, dance, food, and other cultural celebrations from five Central American countries. The Deer Dance Festival is a uniquely Belizean event held in the Mayan village of San Antonio in the Toledo District. It features a ritualised dance emulating deer hunting, followed by locals attempting to climb a greased pole.
• September: St. George's Caye Day commemorates Belize's 1798 victory over the Spaniards in battle. The country celebrates with street festivals, parades, and a reenactment of the battle. Belize Independence Day follows soon after, with more colourful parades and processions.
• November: Garifuna Settlement Day, on November 19, celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize in 1832. The day is marked by religious, cultural, and parade activities, with the main events taking place in Southern Belize.
• December: Christmas and New Year are very festive times to be in Belize. For the whole month, Belizeans celebrate with parades, parties, concerts, shopping sprees, and horse-racing events.

Frequently asked questions