Belize Packing: Light, Breezy, And Dry

Belize is a tropical paradise, with a balmy, beachy climate. The country has a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and the dress code is casual. The weather is hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. Cotton, silk and linen are good choices, and loose-fitting clothing will help keep you cool.

For women, long skirts with floral embroidery, cotton blouses, and colourful headpieces are traditional. Men usually wear slacks and shirts made from soft fabric, along with a hat and scarf. However, most people in Belize dress in a Western style, with shorts, t-shirts, and sandals being common. It's worth noting that the nights can be a little cooler, especially on the coast or in the jungle, so a light sweater or wrap is recommended.

If you're planning on doing any hiking or trekking, light wool is a good choice as it helps regulate body temperature. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are also essential, and a waterproof jacket is useful for the rain. Don't forget your sun protection—a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are all must-haves.

Belize is known for its snorkelling and diving, so quick-dry travel towels and swimwear are also recommended. And, of course, don't forget to pack all your essential toiletries and any necessary medications.

Cotton, silk and linen

When packing for Belize, it's important to keep in mind that the country experiences hot and humid weather. Thus, it is recommended to opt for casual clothing made from lightweight, breathable natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen. These fabrics will help keep you cool and comfortable in the tropical climate.

Cotton is an excellent choice for Belize's climate as it is breathable, lightweight, and absorbent. It allows your skin to breathe and absorbs perspiration, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable. Additionally, cotton is soft and durable, making it a versatile option for various activities.

Silk is another suitable fabric for the hot and humid weather in Belize. It is lightweight and breathable, combining comfort with a luxurious feel. However, silk may show sweat stains on particularly warm days, so it is advisable to choose darker colours or patterned silks to mask any potential marks.

Linen is a natural fabric made from flax plant fibres, known for its strength and adaptability. It has hollow fibres that act as natural insulators, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Linen is absorbent and quick-drying, making it ideal for hot and humid weather. It is also breathable and regulates body temperature effectively.

When packing for Belize, it is recommended to bring a mix of clothing made from these lightweight, breathable fabrics. This includes items such as loose-fitting tank tops, shorts, skirts, and pants. It is also advisable to bring a sweater or wrap for cooler nights, as well as a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Sweater or wrap

Belize is hot and humid, so casual clothes made of lightweight, natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are ideal. However, it's worth noting that the nights can get a little cooler on the coast or in the jungle, so it's a good idea to bring a sweater or wrap.

Sweater

A sweater will keep you warm during the cooler evenings in Belize, especially if you're planning to spend time on the coast or in the jungle. It's also a good option if you're visiting during the dry season, which runs from February to May, as it can get a little chilly at night.

Wrap

A wrap, such as a pashmina, is a versatile piece that can be used to dress up an outfit, cover up for modesty, or keep you warm. It's a good choice if you want something that can be used in multiple ways and don't want to carry too many items.

Both options will keep you warm, but it depends on your personal preference and the type of trip you're planning. If you're looking for something more versatile that can be used in different ways, a wrap might be a better choice. If you're mainly concerned about staying warm during the cooler evenings, a sweater might be the better option. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which one fits your needs and preferences better.

Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen

Belize's climate is hot and humid, so it's important to take precautions against the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The sun is particularly strong in the tropics, and sun protection is vital, especially for children and young adults.

Hats

The ideal hat for Belize should have a brim of at least 3" all the way around to protect your neck and ears from UVR. Baseball caps or visors offer more limited protection, but they will still shield your eyes from around 50% of the sun's rays. A good option is the Panama Jack Seven Seas Safari Hat, crafted out of polyester mesh and nylon, with a lightweight 3" brim for ultimate UPF 50+ UVA/UVB sun protection.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are categorised according to their use: cosmetic, general, or special purpose for intense sunlight. For Belize, you should opt for sunglasses rated "Special Purpose Intense Sunlight", which block 99% UVB and 98% UVA. Make sure the sunglasses fit tightly to block UVR from the sides, and choose lenses that are large enough to cover the entire eye area, including eyelids. Polarised sunglasses cut down glare but don't block UV rays, so always look for the ANSI rating.

Sunscreen

To protect your skin from UVR, use sunscreen with an SPF value of at least 30. If you have very fair skin, consider a much higher SPF of 40-60. Waterproof sunscreen is a good option if you'll be spending time in the water or participating in sports or other physical activities. However, even with waterproof sunscreen, you'll need to reapply it 3-4 times a day. For the nose and lips, when spending a lot of time in the water, consider using zinc-based creams, such as baby diaper rash cream, which offer much higher SPF protection for these areas.

Insect repellent

• Choose a repellent with DEET: Products containing DEET are effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects. However, concentrations above 10% DEET may not be necessary, as higher concentrations only increase the duration of protection, not the level of protection. Additionally, high concentrations of DEET can be harmful, as it can melt plastic and absorb into the skin.
• Opt for a weaker concentration and reapply as needed: Instead of using a high concentration of DEET, consider a lower concentration (such as 10%) and reapply it more frequently. This will provide effective protection without the potential risks associated with higher concentrations.
• Consider alternative repellents: If you prefer to avoid DEET, there are other options available. For example, mosquito coils can help repel mosquitoes, but ensure the smoke trail doesn't blow towards your face. Fans can also help blow insects away. Additionally, wearing long, lightweight clothing that covers your skin can provide a physical barrier against insect bites.
• Protect yourself from sand flies: Sand flies breed in wet, sandy areas, and their bites can cause irritating red bumps that are difficult to resist scratching. To protect yourself, apply a thick oil like baby oil, or use lavender oil, which is rumoured to be especially effective against sand flies.
• Treat your clothing with insect repellent: Companies like Insect Shield offer a service where they treat your clothing with a long-lasting permethrin-based insect repellent. This treatment is invisible, odourless, and can last through approximately 70 washings. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-treated clothing and gear directly from them, which are effective against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges.
• Pack insect repellent in your carry-on: If you plan to bring insect repellent with you, ensure it adheres to the size restrictions for carry-on luggage, typically 3 oz (or less) containers.
• Be mindful of the environment: While it's important to protect yourself from insects, be mindful of the environmental impact of your insect repellent. Avoid products that contain pesticides, and opt for natural alternatives whenever possible.

Waterproofs

Belize has a hot and humid climate, so it's important to wear casual clothes made of lightweight, natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen. It's also a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, as you can get rained on at any time of year.

Waterproof fabric is any fabric that has been treated to resist wetting and the penetration of water. Waterproof fabric is manufactured from fibres like acrylic, cotton, polyester, polyurethane (PU), and vinyl (PVC). Waterproof fabric is available in a variety of colours and patterns and can be further treated to be mould resistant, mildew resistant, and UV resistant. Waterproof fabric is commonly used for raincoats and other items of clothing.

• Polyurethane Laminate (PUL): Made from polyester that is treated with a waterproof coating. It's lightweight, breathable, and durable. Commonly used in waterproof mattress pads and bedding protection.
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): Similar to PUL but lighter and softer. Ideal for waterproof bed sheets and cloth diapers. More environmentally friendly but less durable.
• Extra-Long-Staple (ELS) Cotton: A naturally water-resistant fabric that is often used for waterproof bed sheets and some clothing items. It has a tight, dense weave that prevents moisture from seeping through and is washable.
• Polyester and Nylon: Synthetic fabrics with a tight weave that makes them water-resistant. With treatment, they become durable and waterproof. Commonly used for waterproof mattress pads, umbrellas, raincoats, and patio furniture covers. Affordable and widely available.
• Oilcloth: Traditionally made from tightly woven linen or cotton duck cloth coated with linseed oil. Now often coated with clear vinyl and used for tote bags, luggage, and waterproof mattress covers. Durable, easy to clean, and heavy-duty.
• Microfibre: A soft, suede-like material often used for jackets and waterproof bed sheets.
• Gore-Tex: A synthetic fabric made from stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Strong, durable, and used for a variety of items including camping tents, suitcases, and waterproof jackets and mattress protectors.
• Vinyl: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), this durable, waterproof fabric is most iconic for its use in clothing in the Matrix trilogy. Used for clothing, handbags, and waterproof mattress sheets.

Frequently asked questions