Belize In January: Sunny And Warm

Belize in January is the perfect time to escape cold weather elsewhere. With balmy temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall, January is one of the best months to visit Belize. The days are warm and sunny, with average highs of 78°F (25°C) on the coast and 80°F (26°C) inland, while the nights are comfortably cool, with lows of 71°F (21°F) on the coast and 70°F (21°C) inland. The sea temperature remains a pleasant 80°F (26°C), making it an ideal time for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

January is a great month for outdoor activities, nature hikes, and wildlife spotting. It's also the perfect time to explore the hundreds of islands, tropical rainforests, and Maya ruins that Belize has to offer.

Rainfall in January

January marks the beginning of the dry season in Belize, so rainfall is relatively low. However, there is still a chance of the occasional light shower, and storms called "northers" can bring wind and rain.

At the start of January, there is a 26% chance of rainfall in Belize City, decreasing to 19% by the end of the month. The average rainfall in Belize City is 2.9 inches at the beginning of the month, decreasing to 1.8 inches by the end. Throughout the month, rainfall rarely exceeds 5.8 inches and is typically no lower than 0.4 inches.

While January is a dry month, it is worth noting that Belize has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures year-round. The average yearly temperature is 84°F (29°C), and even in winter, temperatures rarely fall below 60°F (16°C).

Daytime and night-time temperatures

Belize in January is a tropical paradise, with warm and sunny days, and cool, refreshing nights. The average daily high temperature is 81°F, rarely falling below 76°F or exceeding 85°F. The average daily low is 71°F, rarely dropping below 65°F or rising above 76°F. The temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C) in winter, so you can expect a pleasant climate during your visit.

January is the beginning of the dry season in Belize, so there is a low chance of rain, which is unusual for a tropical climate. The dry season in Belize falls between February and May, with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. The wet season, which lasts from June to December, sees parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain. So, visiting in January means you'll experience the best of the tropical weather, without the inconvenience of heavy rain.

The sea temperature in Belize in January is a balmy 80°F (26°C), which is about as low as it gets all year. So, you can swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean and enjoy water sports such as snorkelling and diving.

If you're looking for a more active holiday, January is a great time to explore the tropical rainforests, cruise up jungle rivers to spot birds, or go ziplining through the rainforest canopy. You can also visit the hundreds of Maya ruins, or relax on one of Belize's many beaches.

Inland, the temperature in Belize in January peaks at about 80°F (26°C), so it's a little warmer than the coast, but still very pleasant. The nights are cool, with temperatures dropping to the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit. So, you can expect comfortable evenings, perfect for dining al fresco or enjoying the local nightlife.

Overall, January is a fantastic time to visit Belize, with mild temperatures, low rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. You can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, explore the natural beauty of the country, and experience the local culture.

Water sports

January is a great time to visit Belize, with warm and sunny days and cool, refreshing nights. It's the dry season, so you can expect clear skies and balmy temperatures—perfect for enjoying water sports. Here are some suggestions for water sports activities in Belize during this time:

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Belize is known for its world-class scuba diving and snorkelling sites. Explore the Belize Barrier Reef, home to thousands of colourful fish, sharks, and other marine life, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Sea Sports Belize is a PADI 5-star IDC Dive Centre offering scuba instruction and equipment rental. They also provide snorkelling and wildlife encounter tours, including the opportunity to see endangered manatees.

Shark Diving

For a thrilling experience, try shark diving. The Scuba School and Family Dive Centre offer shark diving experiences where you can get up close with sharks, as well as turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, stingrays, and healthy corals.

Sailing and Windsurfing

If you're looking for something more relaxed, sailing and windsurfing are great options. The Belize Sailing Centre offers sailing lessons and rentals. For windsurfing, check out Kitexplorer, which offers lessons and rentals in San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Hopkins Stand Up Paddle Boarding provides a unique way to explore the beautiful beaches of Hopkins from the water.

Jet Skiing and Waterskiing

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, San Pedro Water Sports offers jet ski rentals, and Seasational Belize provides waterskiing and jet skiing experiences.

Other Water Activities

In addition to the above, you can also try tubing down the Caves Branch River or ziplining through the tropical rainforest canopy.

January is an ideal time to visit Belize for water sports enthusiasts, with perfect diving conditions, warm waters, and clear skies. So, whether you're a diver, snorkeller, or thrill-seeker, Belize has something to offer for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Wildlife and nature

January is a great time for wildlife spotting and nature hikes in Belize. The dry season, with its sunny skies and balmy temperatures, is perfect for exploring the country's rich natural offerings.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. This sanctuary is known for its jaguar population, and January's clear weather increases your chances of spotting one of these majestic big cats.

Belize is also home to hundreds of Maya ruins, which you can explore on a nature hike. These ancient sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's indigenous history and culture. Some of the most famous Maya ruins include Caracol, Lamanai, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich.

If you're looking for a more adventurous nature experience, you can explore the tropical rainforests or cruise up the jungle rivers to spot birds. The Moho River, in particular, is known for its exotic fauna, including monkeys, tapirs, iguanas, and wildcats such as ocelots and jaguars. You can also spot exotic birds like green macaws and spectacled owls on a jungle boat cruise along this river.

January is also a great time to visit the Belize Zoo, one of the best places to see wildlife near the capital. The zoo is home to over 175 native animal species, and you can even stay in a forest lodge adjacent to the zoo to fully immerse yourself in the exotic fauna of Belize.

For those interested in underwater wildlife, Belize offers world-class snorkelling and diving opportunities. The Belize Barrier Reef, home to the world's second-largest coral reef, is a popular spot to explore the rich marine life, including thousands of colourful fish and sharks. The Hol Chan, Glover's Reef, and Turneffe Atoll are marine reserves where you can dive and swim with reef sharks.

New Year celebrations

Belize is a great place to ring in the New Year, with music, performances, and cultural traditions. The country's diverse ethnic groups come together to celebrate, with a variety of rituals reflecting Belize's cultural diversity. Here are some unique ways to celebrate the New Year in Belize:

• It is traditional to count out and eat a dozen grapes to welcome the new year.
• If you are coming off a bad relationship, sweep away the bad romance luck by getting your hands on a broom.
• Wear red underwear on New Year's Eve, a tradition borrowed from the Mestizo culture.
• Consume pork or black-eyed peas, a family tradition for many.
• Sample slices of round cakes to symbolise the circle of life.

The New Year's Day celebrations continue with dancing, parties, parades, and live music. The Krem New Year's Cycling Classic, the country's largest bicycle race, also takes place on New Year's Day, with hundreds of participants and spectators.

Weather in Belize in January

January is a great time to visit Belize, with warm sunny days and cool, refreshing nights. It is the middle of the dry season, with occasional storms called "northers" or "nortes" that bring wind, rain, and a mild drop in temperature. The average daily temperature is in the low 80s Fahrenheit (25-26°C), and the nightly average low is around 70°F (21°C). The sea temperature is a balmy 80°F (26°C).

Frequently asked questions