The Sweet Spot: Discovering Belize's Ideal Travel Season

The best time to visit Belize depends on what you want to do. The dry season, from December to April, is the high season for tourism, with warm temperatures and clear skies. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, consider visiting during the shoulder season in November and May, or the low season from June to September. The rainy season runs from June to November, with the highest rainfall between July and October. During this time, you can expect lower prices and fewer crowds, but some businesses may be closed, and travel can be challenging due to heavy rainfall and the risk of hurricanes.

High season: December to April

High Season in Belize: December to April

The high season in Belize is during the country's dry season, which runs from December to April. This period sees an influx of tourists escaping the cold weather in their home countries, in search of a tropical climate. The dry season offers brilliant blue skies, warm sunshine, and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as birding, sunbathing, swimming, and diving. The temperatures are moderate, and the weather is generally pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore the country's jungles, Maya ruins, beaches, and other attractions.

December

December marks the beginning of the high season in Belize, with tourists flocking to the country to enjoy the warm and sunny weather. The month features several events and festivities, including a Belizean take on Thanksgiving, Christmas celebrations, and New Year's Eve parties. It is important to note that accommodation prices are at their highest during this month, and planning early is essential to secure bookings.

January

January is one of the driest months in Belize, with warm and sunny weather. It is a popular time for tourists, especially in the north and central regions. The new year is celebrated with parties and social gatherings, and there are also horse races at Burrell Boom. The Krem Annual New Year's Day Classic cycling event takes place from Corozal to Belize City.

February

February is another dry month with pleasant weather, making it a popular time for outdoor activities. The Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival is held in February, and accommodation prices remain high due to demand. This month is ideal for exploring the country's jungles, caves, ruins, and beaches, with many tourists booking trips to cayes and inland destinations.

March

March marks the beginning of spring-time fun in Belize, with perfect weather and several events taking place. The Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, a 4-day canoe race, is a highlight of this month. The weather remains dry and warm, making it a great time for outdoor activities and beach vacations.

April

April is the last month of the dry season, and it is a popular time for tourism, especially during the Easter holidays. The country celebrates Easter with passion, and there are extra crowds and festivities during the weeks before and after Holy Week. The weather is dry and warm, making it a perfect time for beach activities and exploring the country's natural attractions.

Low season: June to September

June to September is the low season in Belize, which means fewer crowds and lower prices. The summer months are the traditional "low season" for tourism in the country, and some resorts close down for a couple of months due to slow business. However, Belize can still be an attractive destination for those seeking a summer break.

The rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, with the early months of May and June being a good time to travel to escape the tourist rush and take advantage of lower hotel rates. The downside is that some dirt roads become muddy, which may hinder visits to remote areas, and heavy rainfall can cause temporary closures of some public highways and certain caves.

The summer months are a great time to enjoy more privacy in areas such as the beaches, caves, and Maya Ruins, as well as popular destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, which get crowded during peak seasons. The dry weather in summer also makes it safer to explore rivers via canoe and take part in cave archaeology adventure tours, such as the Belize ATM Cave.

Summer is when the local lobster season opens, and the country hosts its signature seafood event, the Belize Lobster Fest. This festival is spread across San Pedro Town, Caye Caulker, and Placencia Village, with creative lobster dishes and cocktails.

While the summer months can be hot, July onwards brings cooling rains, and the frequent rainstorms are usually short-lived. The rains come and go throughout August, September, and October, with showers predominantly falling in the afternoon and at night.

September is a festive month in Belize, with celebrations such as the Battle of St. Georges Caye Day and Independence Day, which includes carnivals, parades, and traditional music and dances. It is also a good time to experience some of the country's lesser-known customs, such as Finados, a celebration similar to Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico, honouring the dead.

During the low season, some establishments shut down for annual maintenance, and travel can become challenging as the rainy season progresses, with a low risk of hurricanes from August to October. However, it doesn't rain all day, and most showers occur overnight or in the early morning.

If you don't mind the rain, the low season offers discounted travel and the opportunity for a more authentic Belize experience, with a higher local-to-traveller ratio.

Best times to visit for scuba diving and snorkelling

Belize is a great scuba diving and snorkelling destination all year round. The country is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and the water is warm and clear, with good visibility. The best time to visit Belize for snorkelling and scuba diving is from April to June, when the visibility is at its peak.

April and May are the best months to see whale sharks in the tropical waters. The whale sharks pass through the Gladden Spit off the coast of Placencia, so you'll need to head there to spot them. If you want to see Nassau grouper, October to December is the mating season, and thousands of these fish descend on the Cayes to mate and give birth.

The water temperature in Belize doesn't change much throughout the year, ranging from 26-29°C (79-84°F). The dry season in Belize is from December to May, and this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The rainy season is from June to November, but this is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. The rain rarely lasts all day, and there are still plenty of clear days during this period.

Belize is a great choice for divers of all levels, with most dive sites suitable for beginners. The Blue Hole is a notable exception, as this dive is recommended for advanced divers only due to its depth. The Blue Hole is a huge marine sinkhole in Lighthouse Atoll, and it's a bucket-list dive for many.

The best spots for scuba diving in Belize include the Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, Ambergris Caye, and Turneffe Atoll. Ambergris Caye is a great choice if you're looking for a variety of marine life, as you can find species here that aren't found elsewhere in Belize.

So, if you're planning a trip to Belize for scuba diving and snorkelling, April to June is the best time to go for clear visibility and the chance to see whale sharks. But don't rule out the rainy season if you're looking for a quieter, more affordable trip—just be prepared for some choppy seas!

Best times to visit for smaller crowds

Best times to visit Belize for smaller crowds

The best time to visit Belize for smaller crowds is during the shoulder seasons in November and May or the low season from June to September.

Belize is busiest around the holiday season from late December to early January and during March and April. The shoulder seasons in November and May are great times to avoid crowds as most families are preparing for the holidays or back in school from breaks. During these months, you can have a more relaxed experience visiting low-traffic sites like ancient Mayan temples, joining rainforest expeditions, or zip-lining over jungle canopies.

The summer months of June and July can also be good times to visit Belize for smaller crowds. While it is the rainy season, the rain is rarely persistent, with sharp showers falling predominantly in the afternoon and at night. This is also the start of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster season, which kicks off in mid-June and runs through February.

September and October are also good months to find lower prices and fewer crowds, although some lodges close in September for annual maintenance. This is the most festive month in Belize, with locals celebrating national holidays such as Independence Day with carnivals, parades, and music.

If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don't mind packing an umbrella, the rainy season in September and October is a good option. However, keep in mind that some establishments shut down during the offseason.

Best times to visit for good weather

Best times to visit Belize for good weather

While "good weather" is subjective, most travellers want to enjoy sunny skies and moderate temperatures and avoid tropical thunderstorms and stifling humidity. The best months for warm, dry weather in Belize are between January and May, which is also the country's dry season.

January to March are the driest months, with prolonged periods of warm sunshine, especially in the north and central regions. February is a pleasant month to visit, with temperatures that are at their all-around nicest for spending time outside. In February, you can enjoy the perfect weather for exploring the country's jungles, Maya ruins, beaches and caves.

The dry season is also the best time to explore the country's impressive barrier reef, the largest outside of Australia. It's also a good time for diving in the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, and exploring the flooded caverns of Actun Tunichil Muknal.

In April and May, the weather in the Cayo District and on the Cayes remains predominantly dry, while heat and humidity gradually increase.

If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don't mind packing an umbrella, September and October are good months to visit, with fewer crowds and lower prices. However, some establishments shut down during the offseason.

Frequently asked questions