Best Time To Visit Belize

The best time to visit Belize depends on what you want to do. The dry season, from December to May, is the high season for tourism, with prices up to 50% higher. The dry season is the best time for diving and snorkelling, with clear skies, sunshine, and pleasant temperatures. February is one of the best months to visit Belize, as it falls between the exceptionally busy periods of January and Easter.

The rainy season runs from June to November, with August, September, and October being the rainiest months. During this time, some businesses close, and travel can be challenging due to muddy roads and abundant mosquitoes. However, the rainy season is the best time to visit Belize for lower prices.

Best months for scuba diving and snorkelling

Belize is a great destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, with the Belize Barrier Reef—the second largest in the world—teeming with vibrant fish, sharks, rays, and dolphins. The best time to visit Belize for snorkelling and scuba diving is from April to June, when visitors can expect the clearest visibility.

April and May are also the best months to see whale sharks in the tropical waters of Belize. The whale sharks pass through the Gladden Spit off the coast of Placencia, so you'll need to head there to catch a glimpse of them.

The summer is the low season for tourism in Belize, so it's a great time to visit if you want fewer crowds. The summer months are also when the waters are generally calm, which is ideal for scuba diving. The rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, but rain rarely pours all day in the country. The dry season in Belize is from December to May, and this is also the peak season for tourism.

The water temperature in Belize is stable all year, ranging from 79 to 84°F (26-29°C). The water temperature drops slightly in December, with temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius/upper 70s Fahrenheit. The temperature rises again from May to November, with temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit/high 20s Celsius.

Cheapest months to visit

The cheapest months to visit Belize are during the country's rainy season, which runs from June to November. While travel is still possible until early August, there is a low risk of hurricanes, and some businesses will close during this time. The rainiest months are August, September, and October, with the risk of tropical storms and very occasional hurricanes.

During the rainy season, you can expect lower prices on hotels, tours, and flights. However, it's important to note that some resorts and attractions may be closed during this period. The summer months of June, July, and August are considered the "low season" for tourism in Belize, and some resorts may close down due to slow business.

If you're looking for the absolute cheapest time to visit Belize, consider travelling during the rainy season, from June to November. You'll find lower prices and fewer crowds, but be prepared for frequent rain showers and potential business closures.

To save money on your trip, consider visiting Belize during the "shoulder season" in May and June. During these months, you can take advantage of lower prices before the rainy season starts. Additionally, the months of September and October can be good options as they fall within the rainy season, and you can often find deals on flights and accommodations.

Overall, the cheapest months to visit Belize are June to November, with the possibility of finding deals in May and September-October as well. Keep in mind that the rainy season can bring heavy rainfall and business closures, so always check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.

Best months for wildlife and birdwatching

Belize is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 570 bird species and diverse neotropical landscapes. The country's mix of environments—from coastal plains and cayes to tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands—makes it a prime destination for spotting a variety of bird species.

The best time for birdwatching in Belize is generally considered to be from December to April during the dry season. During this period, resident birds are joined by migratory birds escaping the winter in North America. This provides an excellent opportunity to see both Central and North American bird species on the same trip.

• December: The beginning of the dry season in Belize. This month offers cooler temperatures and dissipating rains, making it a good time to spot rainforest wildlife, including monkeys. It is also the beginning of the nesting season for Red-footed Boobies on Half Moon Caye.
• January: The transition month between the wet and dry seasons. Migratory birds from the Arctic and North America, such as hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, and terns, start arriving in Belize. This is also when Scarlet Macaws arrive at their seasonal feeding grounds near Red Bank Village.
• February: Belize is fully in the dry season by February, with mild days and cooler nights. This is an excellent month for birdwatching, as large numbers of wading birds flock to the lowland lagoons.
• March: The height of the dry season in Belize. This month offers the least amount of rain and rising temperatures, making it a popular time for birdwatching. It is also the best time to view sea turtles, including hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles.
• April: While temperatures continue to rise in April, brief refreshing showers keep conditions pleasant. This is an excellent month for birdwatching, as migratory birds from South America join the resident bird population. It is also one of the best months to view whale sharks, especially around the full moon.

In addition to the months mentioned above, May is also a great time for birdwatching, as large numbers of wading birds flock to the lowland lagoons.

When it comes to wildlife, the wet season in Belize (June to November) is also worth considering. The rainforest and its wildlife are lush and vibrant during this period, as hungry animals take advantage of the abundance of food. Jaguars, for example, are most active in June and July, although they remain elusive and difficult to spot.

Best months for a cruise

Belize is mainly a cruise destination, with the main port of arrival being Belize City. The best time of year for a cruise to Belize is during the dry season, which falls between December and May.

The dry season offers the highest chances of clear skies, with February to April being the driest months. February, March and April are also the best months for kayaking and other water sports.

March is a popular month for a cruise to Belize, as rainfall is low and temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging 85°F (29°C). April is also a good month, with slightly higher temperatures and even less rainfall.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the low season falls between June and October, which is also the rainy season. However, even during the rainy season, showers rarely last all day and temperatures remain warm.

Best months to avoid the rain

The rainy season in Belize is between June and November, with the risk of rainfall spiking in September and October. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active period for tropical storms usually starting in late August.

Therefore, the best months to avoid the rain are February through April. February, March, and April are especially dry, with clear skies, sunshine, and pleasant temperatures. February is a great month to visit Belize, with warm tropical weather, sunny skies, and fewer crowds than January.

March is the driest month of the year, with an average rainfall of only two inches. The temperature is also on the rise, as is the average water temperature.

April is a great month to visit as the weather remains dry and warm, but the prices drop after the tourist influx during spring break. The average high is 85°F (29°C) and the average low is 80°F (27°C).

While May is the official start of the rainy season, it can still be a good month to visit Belize. The average monthly rainfall triples from April, but the showers are often fleeting and quick to pass. May is also the warmest month of the year, with an average high of 87°F (31°C).

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