Belize's High Season: Sun, Sea, And Adventure

Belize's high season, or peak tourism season, typically runs from mid-November to the end of May, with the busiest period being between mid-December and mid-January, and around Easter. During this time, the weather is dry, warm and pleasant, with clear skies and calmer waters. It is the perfect time for outdoor activities and adventures, and to enjoy the beaches, water sports and jungle expeditions. It is also a great time to experience local culture and festivities, such as Christmas, New Year and Easter celebrations, as well as the Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. However, it is important to note that prices for flights and accommodations are usually higher during this period, and attractions tend to be more crowded.

Weather conditions

Belize's weather is characterised by two distinct seasons: the dry season, which lasts from December to May, and the wet season, which lasts from June to November.

The dry season is the country's high season for tourism, with the busiest time being between mid-November and the end of May. During this time, temperatures are warm, skies are clear, and there is little rain. The dry season is the perfect time for outdoor activities, such as water sports and jungle adventures. However, it is also the most expensive time to visit, as hotels and resorts take advantage of the high demand.

December, the beginning of the dry season, is a popular month for tourists, as it offers an escape from the cold winter weather in North America and Europe. The month is marked by festive celebrations, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. The weather in December is typically cooler, with temperatures ranging from 67-81°F inland and 76-79°F on the coast.

January and February are transition months between the wet and dry seasons, with varying amounts of rainfall and mild temperatures. Strong northerly winds, known as "nortes", can bring clouds and cooler evenings. Despite being part of the high season, these months offer a good opportunity to view rainforest wildlife, including monkeys and migratory birds.

By March, the dry season is in full swing, with balmy temperatures and little rain. This is the peak of the high season, with high prices and crowds, but it offers excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities. The water temperatures are also ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling.

April marks the end of the dry season, with increasing temperatures and brief rainfall. It is one of the warmest and driest months in Belize, making it a popular time for outdoor activities. The calm seas and clear waters make it a great time for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing.

May is the transition month between the dry and wet seasons. Temperatures remain hot, and rain starts to increase, with light showers in the morning and thunderstorms at night. This is the end of the high season, so prices may start to drop, and there are fewer travellers.

The wet season in Belize, also known as the rainy or green season, is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but intense rainfall. The rainforest and wildlife come to life, making it a great time for birdwatching. June, the first month of the wet season, is the start of the lobster season, and the country hosts the annual Lobster Fest. Temperatures remain high, but breezes and afternoon showers keep the weather pleasant.

July is the wettest month of the year in Belize, with frequent storms and overnight thunderstorms. However, the rain typically occurs in predictable morning showers, and easterly breezes provide relief from the heat.

August offers a brief respite from the rainy season, with slightly drier weather and a small break from the summer rains. The wet season then continues in September, with increasing rainfall in the early mornings and overnight. However, the days are often sunny and warm, and the rain usually lasts for only one to two hours.

October is the wettest month of the wet season, with heavy rainfall and occasional "northers", which are two- to three-day storms. The wet season comes to an end in November, which is the coolest month in Belize. Despite this, travellers will still find warm and sunny days, making it a great time to visit before the busy holiday season in December.

Tourism numbers

Belize's high season for tourism runs from mid-November to the end of May, with the peak period between mid-December and mid-January, and during the weeks around Easter in April. During this time, the country's dry season, warm temperatures and clear skies attract thousands of tourists. The dry season is also the best time for scuba diving and snorkelling, with calm and clear waters.

The high season coincides with the winter months in North America, so many visitors are looking to escape the cold. The Christmas and New Year period is particularly popular, with many social events and parties. Belize's Christian population also means that Christmas is a big celebration, with midnight mass, fireworks and festive songs.

The dry season is also the best time for outdoor activities, with perfect weather for water sports and jungle adventures. The Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, a four-day canoe race, takes place in March.

However, the high season does mean that prices are higher, and hotels and attractions are more crowded.

The low season for tourism in Belize is during the rainy season, from May/June to November. This period sees fewer tourists, and some resorts close down for a couple of months. However, it can be an attractive time to visit for those seeking a more authentic experience, with fewer crowds and lower prices. The early months of the rainy season, May and June, are a good time to travel to Belize, as it is still the dry season in some parts of the country, and hotel rates are lower.

The wettest months are July, September and October, and hurricanes can be a risk from June to October.

Belize's shoulder season, the transition months between the dry and wet seasons, are May, June, July and November. During these months, prices are cheaper than the high season, but there are still other tourists around.

Events and festivals

Belize is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its people are lively and energetic, always looking for an opportunity to celebrate. The country's festivals and events showcase a mixture of Mayan, Catholic, and Caribbean culture. Here is a list of some of the events and festivals that take place during the high season in Belize:

December

The month of December marks the beginning of the high season in Belize, and the festivities kick off with Christmas celebrations. Belizeans celebrate the holiday season with parades, parties, concerts, shopping sprees, and horse race events.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

Belizeans love to dance, and what better way to bring in the New Year than dancing the night away? Major bars and nightclubs also host parties on New Year's Day. On January 1st, there is a full day of celebrations in Burrel Boom, with horse racing being a popular attraction.

February: Belize Carnival (Fiesta de Carnaval)

The Belize Carnival is held the week before Lent, and it is a boisterous celebration. The most exuberant festivities take place in San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, with a traditional flour fight, singing, dancing, parades, a painting competition, and special group dances called "comparas".

March: Baron Bliss Day

This day honours Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, who left a substantial amount of money to Belize in his will. It is celebrated with a festival of fishing and sailing, including a sailboat race, horse races, and kiting competitions.

March: La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge Race

La Ruta Maya is a challenging, multi-day canoe race across Belize. The route runs west to east along the Macal and Belize River and is open to both professional and leisure racers.

June: Lobster Festivals

Lobster is a beloved seafood in Belize, and the country celebrates with several lobster festivals in San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker. These festivals feature an array of lobster dishes, including kabobs, tacos, and fresh-out-of-the-shell lobsters. The festivals also include music, dancing, and cocktails.

June: El Día de San Pedro

San Pedro is the capital of Ambergris Caye, and Saint Peter is the patron saint of fishing, a traditional occupation on the island. During El Día de San Pedro, local schools hold dance recitals to honour the town's fishermen.

July: Benque Fiesta

Benque Viejo del Carmen holds a three-day festival in honour of its patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The festivities include rides, parades, music, food, and activities for children.

August: Costa Maya Festival

The Costa Maya Festival is the largest Mayan festival, attracting Mayans from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to San Pedro. It is a celebration of traditional Mayan culture, with traditional dances, foods, and songs, as well as a beauty pageant.

August: Deer Dance Festival

The Deer Dance Festival is a unique Belizean tradition held in the Mayan village of San Antonio in the Toledo District. It features a ritualised dance emulating a deer hunt, followed by locals attempting to climb a greased pole.

September: St. George's Caye Day

St. George's Caye Day commemorates Belize's 1798 victory over the Spaniards in battle. The country celebrates with street festivals, reenactments of the battle, parades, and a variety of food and drinks.

September: Belize Independence Day

Belize continues the celebrations in September with Independence Day, marking its independence from Great Britain in 1981. The country celebrates with colourful parades, processions, concerts, and other cultural events.

September: Belize City Carnival

The Belize City Carnival is the largest demonstration of Caribbean spirit in Belize. It features extravagant floats, costumes, and distinctively Belizean music played at seaside concerts that last into the night.

Travel costs

The best time to visit Belize, from a weather perspective, is during the country's dry season, which runs from late November/December to mid-May. This is also the country's high season for tourism, so you can expect to pay peak prices for flights and accommodation.

During the dry season, you can expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and ideal scuba diving and snorkelling conditions. The dry season includes the Christmas and Easter holidays, so prices are higher and hotels and attractions are more crowded. If you plan to travel during this time, it is recommended that you book well in advance.

The single biggest wave of tourists is between December 15 and January 15, and during the weeks around Easter in April. Many visitors are escaping the cold winter months in their home countries and looking to spend the holidays in a tropical climate. Tourism lodges charge premium rates during these peak periods, so if you are looking to save money, experts recommend avoiding the high season.

The low season for tourism in Belize is during the summer months, from June to November. This is the rainy season, and some resorts actually close down during this period due to slow business. However, visiting Belize during the low season can be attractive for those seeking a more affordable trip, as you can expect to find discounts on flights and accommodation. During the summer months, there are also fewer tourists, giving visitors more privacy in popular areas.

The early months of May and June, when rainfall is just getting underway, are a good time to travel to Belize if you want to escape the tourist rush and take advantage of lower hotel rates. However, keep in mind that some dirt roads may be muddy and difficult to access, and heavy rainfall may cause temporary closures of certain caves and public highways.

If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don't mind the possibility of rain, consider visiting Belize during the rainy season in September and October. During these months, you can find even deeper discounts on flights and accommodation, as tourism businesses slash their prices by up to 30-40%. However, keep in mind that some establishments shut down during the offseason, and there may be cancellations or disruptions to certain outdoor tours and activities due to inclement weather.

Overall, the best time to visit Belize depends on your preferences and budget. If you want to take advantage of ideal weather conditions and don't mind paying peak prices, the dry season from late November/December to mid-May is the best time to go. If you're looking for a more affordable trip and don't mind the possibility of rain, consider visiting during the summer months or the shoulder season from May to November.

Activities

Belize is a great destination for a wide range of activities, especially during the high season from December to April. The dry season offers warm and sunny days with clear blue skies, perfect for outdoor activities. Here are some of the top activities to enjoy during the high season in Belize:

• Water sports: The calm and clear waters during the dry season are ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling. The months of March to June offer the best underwater visibility. The summer months are also great for scuba diving when the waters are calmer.
• Jungle adventures: The dry season is a good time for jungle activities such as exploring the Maya ruins and rainforests. The weather is more comfortable for hiking and exploring ancient sites like the stepped pyramids of Caracol and Altun Ha.
• Caving: With dry conditions, it's safer to explore sacred caves like Actun Tunichil Muknal and Nohoch Che'en Caves.
• Birdwatching: Birders will enjoy spotting a variety of bird species along the Caribbean Coast and in the rainforests. The dry season is a good time to spot birds of prey like kites and hawks.
• Festivals and events: December is a festive month in Belize, with celebrations like Christmas and New Year's parties, parades, and horse races. February is also a festive month with events like the Fiesta de Carnaval.
• Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching bonefish, permit, and tarpon during the dry season. The months of May to August are particularly good for fishing, known as the grand slam fishing season.
• Canoeing and kayaking: The summer months are great for paddling canoes and kayaks in the rivers of the Cayo and Belize districts.
• Cultural experiences: Explore the rich culture of Belize by learning about the Garifuna people and their traditions. Join the celebrations for Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th.
• Beach relaxation: The high season offers plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it a great time to relax on the beaches of Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, and other islands along the Belize Barrier Reef.
• Hiking and wildlife watching: With dry conditions and mild temperatures, the high season is perfect for hiking and spotting wildlife in nature reserves and jungles. Look out for monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.

Frequently asked questions