The Tropical Climate Of Belize City: A Nature-Lover's Paradise

Belize City has a tropical monsoon climate, with a wet season from May or June through to February and a short dry season for the remaining two months of the year. The temperature varies little throughout the year, ranging from an average of 71°F to 88°F, with the hottest month being August and the coolest month January. The city is susceptible to hurricanes during the wet season, and flooding is common.

Belize City's climate is tropical

Belize City experiences a wet season from June to December, with parts of the country receiving up to 150 inches of rain. The wet season is also hurricane season, and while Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it experiences severe tropical weather with high winds and rain. The dry season falls between February and May, with significantly lower rainfall and mild, short bursts of rain.

The average temperature in Belize City ranges from a low of 71°F to a high of 88°F, rarely dipping below 65°F or exceeding 91°F. The city's climate is characterised by high humidity, with September exhibiting the highest relative humidity at 84.37%, and March experiencing the lowest at approximately 77.54%.

Belize City's weather is also notable for its extreme seasonal variation in cloud cover and monthly rainfall. The clearest month is typically February, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 78% of the time. In contrast, the cloudiest month is June, with the sky being overcast or mostly cloudy 83% of the time. October, the wettest month, sees an average rainfall of 6.3 inches, while April, the driest month, receives only 1.0 inches.

The longest day of the year in Belize City is June 20, with 13 hours and 11 minutes of daylight, while the shortest day is December 21, with just 11 hours and 5 minutes of daylight. Overall, the city experiences approximately 2884.87 hours of sunshine annually, with June having the most daily hours of bright sunshine at 8.96 hours.

It has a wet season from June to December

Belize City has a wet season that runs from June through December. During this time, parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain, and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The most frequent rainfall usually takes place in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August, known as the "little dry".

The wet season is also hurricane season, and while Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does get its fair share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain. However, the country has an effective early warning network and safety procedures in place.

The wet season in Belize City is characterised by very warm to hot and humid conditions. The average yearly temperature is 84° F (29°C), and even in winter, the temperature rarely falls below 60°F (16°C). The climate is influenced by coastal sea breezes and the large tracts of jungle and rainforests that provide cooling relief in the hottest summer months.

The wet season in Belize City sees a notable fluctuation in precipitation, with a variance of around 8 inches between the month with the least rainfall and the month with the highest. October typically experiences the highest amount of precipitation, with an average of 10 inches, while March is the driest month with only 1.9 inches of rain.

The wet season in Belize City is also marked by a high number of rainy days. August, on average, has the highest number of rainy days, with 27.13, while April sees the fewest, with only 13.03 rainy days. The city experiences a significant chance of wet days during the wet season, with a greater than 25% probability of rainfall on any given day.

A dry season from February to May

Belize City has a subtropical climate with a well-marked dry season from late February to May. The dry season in Belize City is characterised by significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year, with mild, short bursts of rain. The average monthly temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 24 to 28 °C (75.2 to 82.4 °F).

February is the clearest month in Belize City, with the sky clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 78% of the time. The temperature in Belize City during February averages between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C). Days are generally mild, and the cooler nights make it a pleasant time of year.

March is the driest month in Belize City, with only 48-49 millimetres or 1.9 inches of rainfall observed. The days and nights in March are clear and uninterrupted by rain. The temperature in Belize City during March falls between 83°F (28°C) during the day and 74°F (23°C) at night.

In April, temperatures in Belize City continue to rise, and the "Iguana Rains" arrive—brief, cooling showers that appear up and down the coast. Expect average highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C) with an overall monthly average of about 80°F (27°C).

By May, temperatures in Belize City climb to an average high of 87°F (31°C) and a low of around 79°F (26°C), with an overall monthly average of 82°F (28°C). If it does rain in May, it will most likely be in the morning, with the occasional thunderstorm at night.

The average yearly temperature is 84°F (29°C)

Belize City boasts a comfortable tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 84°F (29°C). This temperature rarely fluctuates, resulting in a consistent climate that differs little throughout the year. The city experiences a hot and oppressive climate, with the temperature occasionally dropping to 65°F or rising above 91°F.

Belize City's coastal sea breezes, along with its vast jungle and rainforest areas, provide a cooling effect even during the hottest summer months. The winter temperatures remain mild, rarely dipping below 60°F (16°C). The humidity levels in the city stay fairly steady at around 85%, adding to the tropical atmosphere.

The climate in Belize City is characterised by two distinct seasons: the wet and dry seasons, rather than the typical four seasons. The dry season, lasting from February to May, is marked by significantly lower rainfall, with occasional mild and brief showers. In contrast, the wet season, from June to December, brings heavier rainfall and storms associated with the Caribbean region. Despite the wet season, the overall mild climate of Belize City makes it an enjoyable destination for travellers throughout the year.

The temperature in Belize City during the summer months hovers around 86°F (30°C), creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The city experiences a consistent temperature range throughout the year, providing a pleasant climate for both locals and visitors alike.

The city is susceptible to hurricanes

Belize City is susceptible to hurricanes due to its location on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea. The hurricane season in Belize typically lasts from early June to late November, and on average, the country experiences hurricanes about seven times a year. While some hurricanes turn northward before making landfall, others have struck Belize City directly, causing devastating impacts.

One of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in Belize's history occurred on September 10, 1931, when a Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people. This hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in the country's history. Another notable hurricane, Hurricane Hattie in 1961, caused significant damage to Belize City, leading to the decision to relocate the capital city inland to Belmopan.

In recent years, Belize has continued to experience the impact of hurricanes. Hurricane Keith in 2000 stalled off the shore of Belize, causing $280 million in damage and claiming 19 lives. In 2001, Hurricane Iris made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, resulting in 24 fatalities and $250 million in damage. More recently, in 2022, Hurricane Lisa became the latest tropical cyclone to hit Belize, showcasing the ongoing vulnerability of the city to these powerful storms.

To mitigate the impact of hurricanes, Belize has implemented safety measures, evacuation procedures, and early warning systems. While these measures have proven effective, the city remains susceptible to hurricanes due to its geographical location and the frequency of these storms in the region.

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