Belize In November: A Tropical Escape To Remember

Belize in November is a tropical paradise. With warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, it's the perfect time to visit this magnificent country. The transition from the rainy season to the dry season brings pleasant weather, with highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring ancient Maya ruins.

November is also a month of cultural significance in Belize, with the country celebrating Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th. This special holiday commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people, a unique blend of African slaves and native Carib islanders, with traditional drumming, dancing, and delicious Garifuna cuisine.

It's the perfect time to beat the tourist crowds and take advantage of affordable deals on tours, transportation, and lodging. So, if you're looking for a sun-soaked getaway before the holiday madness, Belize in November is the place to be!

Weather in November

November in Belize is a transition month between the rainy season and the dry season. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures in the low to mid-80s °F (20s °C) during the day and lows of 75°F (24°C) at night. There is still some rain, but it mostly occurs at night and doesn't last long into the morning.

November is a great month to visit Belize if you want to avoid the tourist crowds and high prices of the December holiday season. It's the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing, and sailing. The sea temperature is a pleasant 83°F (23°C), so it's a good time to take advantage of the many water sports on offer.

Belizeans consider November a cold month, but visitors from North America and Europe are unlikely to find the temperatures chilly. In fact, the cooler weather makes it an ideal time to do outdoor activities that might be too much in the scorching summer sun, such as island exploration and beach bumming.

The weather in November is also perfect for exploring Belize's many Maya archaeological sites. You can hike the ruins of pyramids without having to navigate crowds of tourists. It's also a good time to go on a cave tour, as many of Belize's cave systems were used by the ancient Mayans for ceremonial practices and contain ancient artefacts.

So, if you're looking for a tropical holiday with plenty of sun, affordable prices, and exciting activities, Belize in November is an excellent choice!

Garifuna Settlement Day

History

The Garifuna people are descended from a mix of West African slaves and indigenous Arawak people. In the 17th century, two Spanish ships carrying enslaved West Africans to North America were wrecked near St. Vincent in the West Indies. Over the next 150 years, the settlers intermarried, and the Garifuna ethnic group was formed. In 1797, the Garifuna were deported from St. Vincent by the British, eventually settling in Belize (then British Honduras) from 1802 onwards.

The Celebrations

The celebrations centre on the town of Dangriga, where the first Garifuna people landed, but festivities take place across the country. The Gulisi Garifuna Museum in Dangriga, which celebrates Garifuna culture and history, is well worth a visit.

Belize's high season

November is a great time to visit Belize. It marks the start of the high season, so you can take advantage of the last few weeks of the slower season, with restaurants and tour operators opening up again and offering deals on tours, transportation, and lodging.

The weather is balmy, with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. The average daytime temperature is 82° F (27° C), and it rarely drops below 68°F (20°C) at night. There is very little rain, and the precipitation that does fall usually occurs overnight.

November is a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing, and sailing. It is also a good time to explore the country's many Maya archaeological sites, as the crowds have not yet arrived.

Belize is easily accessible in November, with several airlines offering direct flights from Canada and the US.

Garifuna Settlement Day

One of Belize's biggest national holidays, Garifuna Settlement Day, takes place on November 19th. The entire country celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Garifuna people, who are descended from a mix of African slaves and native Carib islanders. The week leading up to the 19th is filled with parades, live music, drumming, dancing, and traditional Garifuna food.

Activities and tours

November is a great month to visit Belize, with pleasant weather and plenty of activities and tours to enjoy. Here are some ideas to make the most of your time in this beautiful country:

Explore the Outdoors

With sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, November is perfect for outdoor adventures. Go snorkelling or scuba diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a natural paradise just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, where you can marvel at the colourful marine life. Glover's Reef Atoll is another excellent spot for diving and snorkelling, with over 700 coral patches and a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring its protection.

If you're looking for a unique land-based experience, consider a cave tour. The ancient Maya used these cave systems for ceremonial practices, and you can find ancient artefacts within them. The Che Chem Ha system, located in the rainforests of western Belize, is a good place to start.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the rivers on the mainland are a great option. The Moho River in southern Belize is ideal for a kayak trip, and you can also explore the nearby Lubaantun ruins, the largest ancient Maya archaeological site in the region. The Maya village of Santa Theresa also offers a cultural experience, where you can share a traditional meal with a local indigenous family.

Festivals and Cultural Events

November is a vibrant month in Belize, with several cultural events and festivals taking place. One of the most notable is the Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th, a national holiday commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize. This holiday is celebrated with traditional Garifuna drumming, delicious food like hudut (a fish stew made with coconut), street dancing, and parades. The Battle of the Drums Festival in Punta Gorda, Belize's southern Toledo District, is another highlight, featuring athletic demonstrations and hypnotic traditional rhythms.

Relax and Indulge

If you're looking for a more relaxed pace, Belize also offers plenty of opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. Stay at one of the country's top resorts, such as Chabil Mar in Placencia, the offshore island resort of Coco Plum, or Cahal Pech Village Resort in the Cayo District. Enjoy the sun, swim in resort pools, indulge in spa treatments, and savour delicious meals without having to lift a finger.

Belize for Adventure Seekers

For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, Belize has plenty to offer. Hopkins Village is a great base for snorkelling, diving, fishing, and exploring wildlife refuges and ancient Maya ruins. If you're feeling particularly daring, try out some of the more extreme tours available, such as caving tubing, rappelling, and zip-lining.

With a range of activities, from cultural celebrations to outdoor adventures and relaxing resort stays, November in Belize has something for everyone.

Thanksgiving

Belize in November is a great time to visit, with pleasant weather and plenty of cultural activities. While it is the last month of the low season, it is also the perfect time to enjoy fabulous weather and affordable deals on tours, transportation, and lodging.

Belize does celebrate Thanksgiving, usually in November, although it is not a national holiday. It is believed that the country adopted this tradition due to the influence of American media or religion. Many resorts and restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals and celebrations, making it a great time to visit and enjoy a holiday with a tropical twist.

• Chabil Mar in Placencia: Enjoy the lush scenery and luxury accommodations while indulging in a memorable Thanksgiving meal.
• Yok Ha Belize Island Resort in Water Foot Caye: Spend your Thanksgiving on a three-acre island, offering stunning views of the Belize Barrier Reef and a unique island-style turkey dinner.
• Cahal Pech Village Resort in San Ignacio: This intimate resort requires reservations, but it is a popular choice for U.S. expats, offering a picturesque setting overlooking the Belize River Valley.
• Victoria House in Ambergris Caye: This resort has been a fond memory for many travellers, with one guest recalling their stay over a decade ago as their "huge part of my fondness for Belize."
• Turneffe Island Resort in Turneffe Atolls: Indulge your senses with traditional fare like turkey, paired with seafood delights, and a variety of activities at this resort.
• Thatch Caye Island Resort in Thatch Caye: Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal under the sheltering thatched roof of the resort's onsite restaurant, with chefs trained in all manner of culinary artistry.
• Bocawina Rainforest Resort in Stann Creek: Immerse yourself in the wild and stay at this eco-lodge, offering plush rooms and the Wild Fig Restaurant, where "farm-to-table" dishes make this holiday extra special.
• Hopkins Bay Resort in Hopkins Village: Live drumming, Garifuna dances, and a customized Thanksgiving menu at the Rhum Shack will make your holiday unforgettable. Plus, they offer a 40% discount on accommodations throughout November!
• Ka'ana Luxury Resort in San Ignacio: Choose between the well-appointed La Ceiba Restaurant, known for its authentic Belizean cuisine, or The Wallace Bar & Lounge at this resort. Their ingredients are sourced from their two-acre organic garden, ensuring a fresh and delicious Thanksgiving feast.
• Pelican Reef Villas in Ambergris Caye: These roomy, self-catering condos are perfect for families who want to prepare their own traditional Thanksgiving meal in the tropics. The hosts will guide you on where to find all the necessary ingredients.

So, if you're looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Thanksgiving, Belize offers a range of options, from luxurious resorts to eco-lodges, all while enjoying the country's pleasant weather and cultural festivities.

Frequently asked questions