Belize In May: A Tropical Escape

May is a great month to visit Belize. It's the beginning of the low season for tourism, so you can take advantage of huge discounts on accommodations, tours, and all-inclusive vacation packages. The weather is warm and dry, with temperatures averaging between 80°F and 89°F, and there are endless activities to enjoy, such as scuba diving with whale sharks, exploring caves, bird watching in the rainforest, and visiting the country's top sites like Mayan ruins and the Belize Barrier Reef with fewer crowds.

Weather in May

May is a great month to visit Belize. It is the last month of the dry season, which means balmy weather and high humidity. The average temperature is around 82°F or 28°C, with highs of 87°F or 31°C, and lows of 79°F or 26°C.

The dry season in Belize usually runs from December to May, with the wet season starting in June. May is a good time to visit as it is the beginning of the low season for tourism, so you can take advantage of discounts on accommodation and tours. There are also fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the top attractions without the crowds.

The weather in May is warm and sunny, with temperatures remaining hot, especially inland. There is a chance of light showers in the morning, and the odd thunderstorm at night. The seas are calm, making it a great time for catamaran cruises, snorkelling and scuba diving. It is also a good time to spot wildlife, including monkeys, and birds, as May marks the peak migration for birds.

If you're looking for a tropical getaway with warm weather, fewer tourists, and the chance to spot wildlife, then Belize in May is a great choice.

Fewer tourists

May is a great time to visit Belize if you want to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices. As it's the last month of the dry season, you'll still get sunny weather, but the rising temperatures and occasional rain mean there are fewer tourists. This means you can enjoy the top attractions without the rush, and you won't have to book your trip too far in advance.

The beginning of the low season in Belize's tourism industry means you can take advantage of huge discounts on accommodations, tours, and all-inclusive vacation packages. You'll also have a better chance of finding availability in hotels, which tend to get booked up in the high season.

The weather in May is hot, with temperatures on the mainland peaking around 91°F (32°C) and humidity at 79%. The coastal and island weather is cooler, with temperatures peaking at around 82°F (27°C). The coastal winds pick up at around 12-15 knots, but the waters remain calm enough to enjoy catamaran tours and cruises.

With fewer tourists, you can explore Belize's Barrier Reef without the crowds. The South Water Caye Marine Reserve is a great destination, with beautiful islands like Tobacco Caye and sheltered lagoons. The water visibility is excellent, at around 75-100+ feet, making it perfect for diving and snorkelling.

You can also visit the various Maya ruins without worrying about rain. Lubaantun, the largest archaeological site in southern Belize, is a highlight, with the ruins of 14 major limestone structures.

Wildlife spotting is also excellent in May. Howler monkeys are out in force, and you can spot them on boat or kayak tours down the Moho River. Beyond monkeys, the jungles along this riverbank are home to exotic animals like kinkajous and iguanas, as well as hawks, eagles, and crocodiles.

May is the best month to see whale sharks before they migrate during the rainy season. They are most abundant off the coast of Placencia, a peninsula in southern Belize. Book a tour during a full moon, as this is when whale sharks spend more time at the water's surface feeding on plankton.

Affordable tours and accommodation

May is a great month to visit Belize as resorts, hotels, and tour companies offer discounts on accommodations, tours, and vacation packages. The weather is fantastic, and there are endless activities to enjoy, such as scuba diving with whale sharks, exploring the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, bird watching in the rainforest, and visiting waterfalls like Big Rock and Rio on Pools in the Mountain Pine Ridge.

• Visit during the shoulder season: Accommodation prices can be up to 50% lower during the shoulder season, which falls right after the Easter break (late April or May) until early June, and late October to November before the Christmas holiday rush.
• Fly to Cancún and travel overland to Belize: Flying to Cancún and then taking an overnight bus to Belize City can save you up to BZ$500 on airfare. The bus ride is comfortable and affordable, costing around BZ$140.
• Seek out lesser-known destinations: Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula are more expensive. Consider staying in San Ignacio Town or the Cayo District, where you can find budget-friendly options like Midas Resort and Cahal Pech Village Resort. Caye Caulker is also a more affordable alternative to Ambergris Caye.
• Explore the Belize District: The Belize District, including areas like Crooked Tree and Bermudian Landing, offers budget-friendly options and a chance to experience the country's Afro-Caribbean culture.
• Eat like a local: Local restaurants, food trucks, and street food offer delicious meals for less than BZ$20. Try panades, tostadas, rice and beans, tamales, and soups.
• Drink local alcoholic beverages: Local drinks like Belikin beer and rum-based cocktails are significantly cheaper than imported options, costing around BZ$4-5 at a bar.
• Use public transportation: Taking the bus or water taxi is a budget-friendly way to get around Belize. A round-trip water taxi ticket to Caye Caulker from Belize City costs BZ$75, while bus fares range from BZ$10 to BZ$40.
• Visit national parks and protected areas: Belize has 17 national parks and over 100 protected areas with budget-friendly activities like hiking, birding, and snorkeling, with entrance fees as low as BZ$10.
• Plan your itinerary wisely: Instead of trying to see everything in one trip, focus on immersing yourself in specific areas to reduce transportation and tour costs.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a fantastic vacation in Belize during May while staying within your budget.

Chocolate Festival

Belize is a great place to visit in May, and one of the main attractions is the annual Chocolate Festival. This three-day event is held every Commonwealth Day Holiday Weekend (late May) in the Toledo District, in the town of Punta Gorda. The festival is a celebration of chocolate and the history and culture of Southern Belize. It was designed to raise awareness of the Toledo District as a responsible tourism destination.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is a great opportunity to learn about the history of cacao, which was used by the Mayan civilisation, and to sample some of the world-renowned local chocolate produced in the Toledo District. The festival features chocolate in all its forms, from traditional chocolate desserts to chocolate soap and even chocolate beer! There is also a musical competition, cultural displays, exhibitions, and a street fair with art, music, and local foods.

The Chocolate Festival is also a great opportunity to take a tour of nearby cacao plantations and to kayak or canoe down local rivers to experience the natural beauty of the Toledo District. There are also jungle adventures and cave tours, as well as a chance to explore the Uxbenka archaeological site and Rio Blanco National Park.

The festival is easily accessible, with domestic flights, intercity buses, and cars connecting Punta Gorda with the rest of the country.

Waterfalls

Belize is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in Central America, and many of them are conveniently located inside the country's national parks. Here is a list of waterfalls to visit in Belize, especially during the pleasant month of May:

Big Rock Falls

A gorgeous 150-foot waterfall on the Privassion River in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Belize and is massive at 60 feet, with the water falling into a small pool at the bottom and flowing into a bigger cenote that leads to a creek. The pool below is easily accessible and a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Antelope Falls

Located in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, Antelope Falls is a challenging hike, usually only attempted by experienced hikers. The steep terrain leads to impressive waterfalls, and after a 1.5-hour hike, you can reward yourself by taking a dip in the emerald pools and enjoying the views of the rainforest and the Caribbean Sea.

Tiger Fern Falls

Located in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Fern Falls is a moderately difficult hike through the jungle. The trail features sloped, easy-to-follow terrain, and halfway through, you'll find yourself atop a mountain with breathtaking views of the forest. The waterfall is actually called Tiger Fern Double Falls, as there are two waterfalls at the end of the trail. Keep an eye out for exotic wildlife, including jaguars!

Thousand-Foot Falls

Despite its name, this waterfall measures closer to 1,600 feet, and is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It is considered the highest waterfall in Central America and is definitely worth a visit. The hike in is long and moderately difficult, but the sheer size and beauty of the falls make the effort worthwhile.

Butterfly Falls

Butterfly Falls is located on private property within the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. The hike takes about 30 minutes and leads to a waterfall that drops about 80 feet, surrounded by lush forests and greenery. The secluded setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and connecting with nature.

Rio Blanco Falls

Located in the Rio Blanco National Park, about 30 miles north of Punta Gorda, this waterfall features a series of cascades and smooth slabs of mudstone and sandstone, perfect for swimming and adrenaline-pumping jumps into the cold water below. The surrounding limestone boulders allow for easy exploration, and the area is supported and enjoyed by the local indigenous community.

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