Belize's Bone-Chilling Months: Unveiling The Country's Coldest Period

Belize's coldest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging around 75°F (24°C). While this is considered winter in Belize, the temperature rarely falls below 60°F (16°C). The mountainous regions, such as the Cayo district, experience the most significant cold, with temperatures dropping drastically below 50°F (10°C). The temperature variation throughout the year in Belize is minimal, making it a popular tourist destination all year round.

Belize's wettest months are from May to October

Belize's climate is tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C). The temperature varies so little throughout the year that it is not meaningful to discuss hot and cold seasons. Instead, Belize has two seasons: the wet and the dry.

Belize's wet season runs from June to December, with the most frequent rainfall usually occurring in June or early July. The wet season is also hurricane season, and while Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does experience its share of severe tropical weather. The wettest months are from May to October, with September and October being the most active months for hurricanes. During this time, there is a low risk of hurricanes, and travel is still possible, although it becomes more challenging as the season progresses.

The wet season in Belize is characterised by heavy, sometimes wild storms, which usually occur in the late afternoons. The rain is often brief, lasting only an hour or two in the afternoon or evening. The early mornings and nights also experience rainfall, and the country can receive up to 150 inches of rain during this season.

The wet season is also the low tourist season, and some businesses will close during this time. However, there are still plenty of things to do, and visitors can save money and avoid crowds.

The coolest months are from December to March

The Coolest Months in Belize

While Belize is known for its warm, tropical climate, the months of December to March tend to be the coolest period of the year. During this time, temperatures can range from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, offering a pleasant respite from the hotter months that precede and follow this season.

December

December in Belize marks the transition from the wet season to drier conditions. The month usually begins with rain but ends with drier, sunny weather. The average temperature during the day is around 80°F (27°C), while nights are comfortably cool at 75°F (24°C). This makes December an ideal time to spend the Christmas holidays, with warm days perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and sailing, followed by pleasant evenings.

January

January is another mild month in Belize, with temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C). This month marks the beginning of the dry season, making it a popular time for tourists to visit the country's beautiful coastlines and inland areas. It's a great time to explore the tropical rainforests and enjoy the warm Caribbean waters.

February

February is one of the driest months in Belize, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights. The days are typically clear and uninterrupted by rain, making it an excellent time to explore the rainforests. The average temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C), so you can still enjoy the warm weather in short sleeves and sandals.

March

March is quite similar to February in terms of weather conditions. The days are pleasant and dry, with very few rainy days. The average temperatures range from 74°F (23°C) to 83°F (28°C), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as fishing, diving, snorkelling, and exploring the lush landscapes of rainforests and mountain peaks. It's also a festive time with many high-energy celebrations and festivals.

The hottest months are from May to September

The Hottest Months in Belize

In Belize, the average yearly temperature is a comfortable 84° F (29° C), with the mercury rarely falling below 60° F (16° C) or rising above 91° F (33° C). The hottest months are from May to September, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s on the mainland during the hottest parts of summer.

May

In May, temperatures remain hot, especially inland, with the coastal temperature ranging from 80-82° F and the inland temperature from 74-91° F. Rain increases, falling as light showers in the morning, with the occasional thunderstorm at night. The end of the dry season in May can mean fewer travelers and more affordable prices for accommodations and tours.

June

June marks the start of the rainy season, but temperatures remain high. Fresh breezes off the Caribbean Sea and more frequent, brief afternoon showers keep conditions moderate and pleasant. The month of June is also when the lobster season begins, and lobster is available in restaurants across the country.

July

July is the wettest month of the year in Belize. Storms can last several days, but most rain occurs in predictable morning showers and frequent thunderstorms overnight. Easterly breezes provide relief from the heat inland.

August

August offers a brief respite from the rainy season, known locally as the "little dry". There is a slight break from the summer rains as inland winds from the west replace the easterly sea breezes. There is a higher possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes.

September

September marks the height of the rainy season and the hurricane season. There is increasing rainfall in the early mornings and overnight, but days are often sunny with warm temperatures. This is the low season for tourism, and many Belize catamaran charter boats are out of the water for yearly maintenance.

The dry season falls between February and May

Belize has a comfortable tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C). The country experiences coastal sea breezes, and its large tracts of jungle and rainforests provide cooling relief even in the hottest summer months. Winters in Belize can be cool but never very cold, with temperatures rarely falling below 60°F (16°C). The temperature in Belize varies so little throughout the year that it is not meaningful to discuss hot and cold seasons. Instead, the country has two seasons: the wet and the dry.

February temperatures in Belize average between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C). Days are generally mild, and the cooler nights make this time of year very pleasant. March is similar, with clear days and nights uninterrupted by rain. In March, temperatures fall between 83°F (28°C) during the day and 74°F (23°C) at night.

April in Belize brings rising temperatures and the "Iguana Rains", brief cooling showers that appear along 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 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). Rain in May, if it occurs, will most likely fall in the morning, with the occasional thunderstorm at night.

The wet season runs from June to November

Belize has a comfortable tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C). The temperature varies so little throughout the year that Belize can be said to have two seasons—the wet and the dry—rather than four. The dry season falls between February and May and is characterised by significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year.

The wet season, meanwhile, runs from June to November. 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 wet season is also hurricane season, and while Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does experience its share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain.

The most frequent rainfall usually occurs 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 Belize's low tourist season, but it's still a great time to visit. You can enjoy the Lobster Festival in San Pedro, Placencia and Caye Caulker, and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, like exploring Belize's Mayan Ruins.

In terms of what to pack for the wet season, waterproof shoes, a waterproof backpack, and a rain jacket are all must-haves. Bug spray is also recommended, as mosquitoes love still water, which settles after rain.

Frequently asked questions