San Pedro Belize: Rainy Day Guide

San Pedro, Belize, is a tropical paradise with plenty to offer, even when it rains. The rainy season in Belize typically lasts from May to November, with July to October being the rainiest months. While some travellers might prefer sunny weather, visiting San Pedro during the rainy season has its perks, including fewer crowds and lower prices. So, what can you do in San Pedro when it rains?

First and foremost, San Pedro is known for its stunning beaches and water sports. Even if it's raining, you can still snorkel or dive in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. If you're already wet, why not get a little wetter and discover the underwater world?

For those who prefer to stay dry, San Pedro offers a variety of indoor activities. You can visit museums and galleries to learn about the local art, culture, and history. Indulge in delicious Belizean cuisine and treat yourself to a spa treatment at your resort. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a chocolate-making class at the Belize Chocolate Company or explore ancient Mayan ruins.

The town of San Pedro is best explored by golf cart, with its narrow streets and laid-back island culture. You can visit the colourful Central Park, browse the artisan market, and enjoy a scoop of ice cream at Manelly's Homemade Ice Cream. End your day by hanging out at the Truck Stop, a colourful food park with backyard games and a pool.

So, don't let the rain stop you from exploring San Pedro, Belize. Whether you're snorkelling in the reef or indulging in indoor activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this tropical paradise.

Visit Mayan ruins

Belize is known for its great weather, with average year-round temperatures in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit. However, it does experience a rainy season from May or June to November or December, with July to October being the rainiest months. During this time, it's common to have some rain, ranging from light morning showers to strong afternoon downpours. But don't let the rain stop you from exploring all that Belize has to offer, especially the majestic Mayan ruins! Here are some reasons why visiting Mayan ruins should be on your itinerary, even when it's raining in San Pedro, Belize:

• Immerse Yourself in Mayan History: Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins, with around 900 ruins scattered across the country. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient world of the Mayans, their vibrant trading centres, and their intellectual and artistic contributions to Central America.
• Explore Ancient Cities: Mayan ruins in Belize served as ceremonial centres and ancient cities. By visiting sites like Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich, you can learn about their historical significance and admire the exotic styles of Mayan art and architecture.
• Enjoy the Comfortable Rain: Unlike the freezing rain in many parts of North America, the rain in Belize is warm and comfortable. With the right gear, such as a good raincoat and waterproof hiking boots, a light drizzle shouldn't deter you from exploring these ancient sites.
• Avoid the Crowds: Rainy days tend to keep busloads of tourists away, so you'll have the opportunity to stroll through the ruins peacefully and even dance in the rain if you feel like it! It's a soul-soothing experience to explore ancient civilisations in the gentle Belizean rain.
• Combine with Other Activities: Many Mayan ruin tours combine archaeological exploration with other exciting activities. For example, you can opt for a tour that includes cave tubing or ziplining, allowing you to experience the thrill of exploring Belize's caves and rainforests in addition to its ancient ruins.
• Discover Nearby Attractions: When visiting Mayan ruins near San Pedro, you'll often come across other fascinating attractions. For instance, the Lamanai ruins are characterised by their proximity to the New River Lagoon, where you can spot wildlife like birds, crocodiles, and howler monkeys en route to the site.

So, if you're in San Pedro, Belize, and it starts to rain, don't let it dampen your spirits. Embrace the weather and head out to explore the captivating Mayan ruins. With their rich history, stunning architecture, and surrounding natural beauty, these sites offer a unique and memorable experience, even in the rain.

Explore museums and galleries

San Pedro in Belize is a great place to visit, even when it rains. Here are some museum and gallery recommendations for when you're in town and the weather turns gloomy.

Museum of Belize

The Museum of Belize is a great place to start your cultural exploration of the country. Located in the Fort George District, this modern museum is housed in the country's former main jail, a brick building constructed in 1857. The museum provides an excellent overview of Belize's history, with exhibits spanning the colonial and independence eras, as well as an exhibit on slave history. The museum also features a new contemporary art gallery, the Maya Treasures section with Maya jade artefacts, ceramics, and sculptures, and informative models of major Maya sites. You can also learn about Belize's coins and insect life.

Belizean Arts

If you're looking for a more hands-on experience, head to Belizean Arts, located inside Fido's Courtyard in the centre of San Pedro. Fido's is known for its large thatch roof and is a great place to relax and enjoy a cocktail. Belizean Arts features local artists and artisans from the Caribbean, giving you a glimpse into the local art scene and island culture.

Lola's Art Gallery

For a unique art experience, visit Lola's Art Gallery. Lola Delgado-Crossman, the first woman to open a gallery in Belize, is a self-taught artist whose work has been commissioned by the Belize government. Her gallery is located in the heart of Seine Bight, and a visit provides an opportunity to meet the artist, her family, and see her works in progress.

Gulisi Garifuna Museum

The Gulisi Garifuna Museum is a must-visit to learn about the fascinating story of the Garifuna people and their culture. The museum displays traditional Garifuna items, artefacts, and provides a timeline of their history.

Chaa Creek Natural History Museum

For a different perspective, head to the Chaa Creek Natural History Museum. This museum offers bird-watching opportunities in the early morning and evening, as well as animal watching and a butterfly room where butterflies will land on you!

So, the next time it rains during your visit to San Pedro, Belize, grab an umbrella and head to one of these fantastic museums or galleries to explore the rich history, art, and culture of the country.

Indulge in Belizean food

Belizean cuisine is a melting pot of flavours from the country's various ethnicities and cultures, including Spanish, Creole, Caribbean, Mexican, and Maya. The country's diverse food culture offers a unique culinary experience for visitors.

Belizean food is characterised by the abundance of seafood, fresh fruits, Caribbean classics, and savoury treats. The most popular dishes include rice and beans, stewed chicken, and tamales. Belizeans also consume a variety of chicken and fish dishes, earning Belize's reputation as a seafood lover's paradise.

• Rice and Beans: This classic Caribbean dish is a staple in Belize, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Red beans are cooked with rice, local spices, and optional hot sauce. It is often paired with meat, fish, or potato salad, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Stewed Chicken: Tender chunks of chicken cooked in a savoury broth with local spices. It is a dish made with a lot of love and care, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal.
• Chimole: Also known as the "black dinner," chimole is a delicious chunky stew that draws influence from Mexican and Maya cultures. It is usually made with chicken and spiced with local seasonings like achiote, a paste made from annatto seeds.
• Salbutes: These tiny fried corn tortillas are topped with a mouth-watering mix of cabbage, chicken, avocado, and locally made hot sauce. Salbutes are a popular snack food in Belize and are perfect for satisfying those mid-day cravings.
• Belizean Tamales: Unlike traditional Mexican tamales, the Belizean version is wrapped in plantain leaves. Inside, you'll find steamed cornmeal and meat, creating a tasty snack that's hard to resist.
• Ceviche: Freshly caught seafood takes centre stage in this dish. Featuring conch, fish, or lobster, ceviche is the perfect pairing for a cold beer on a hot Belizean day.
• Conchita Pibil: A classic Maya dish, conchita pibil consists of slow-roasted pork and local vegetables served in a soft tortilla. It's a flavourful and hearty option that will leave you wanting more.
• Garnaches: Similar to salbutes, garnaches are fried tortillas with a crunchy texture. They are topped with beans, cheese, and onions, creating a delicious combination of flavours and textures.
• Fry Jacks: These fluffy, savoury biscuits are a common breakfast option in Belize. They are often topped with butter or a slice of cheese, providing a hearty start to your day.

So, when it rains in San Pedro, Belize, don't forget to indulge in the country's delicious cuisine and explore the unique blend of cultures and flavours that it has to offer!

Relax at a spa

If you're looking to relax and unwind in San Pedro, Belize, on a rainy day, there are plenty of spa options to choose from. Here are some detailed and direct suggestions for a soothing spa experience:

Victoria House Resort & Spa

Victoria House Resort & Spa is an intimate and luxurious beachfront property offering a range of spa services. Perched on the stunning Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, this resort provides the perfect setting for total relaxation. Their spa sits on a pier, where you can indulge in massages and body scrubs while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. The resort also offers exhilarating adventures, such as exploring Mayan ruins and diving the Great Blue Hole.

Matachica Resort & Spa

Matachica Resort & Spa is a wellness resort catering primarily to couples. Their spa offers a range of food-themed body scrubs, such as banana, papaya, and coffee grounds, as well as aromatherapy oil massages by the sea. The intimate, palm-thatch cabañas are set in shady flower-filled gardens on the waterfront, providing a tranquil atmosphere for your stay.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton

This San Pedro spa hotel combines bright white wooden rooms with mahogany floors and vast sundecks. It boasts an al fresco restaurant serving delicious seafood and one of the city's biggest pools. Their breezy, all-white spa pavilion is the perfect place to unwind and treat yourself to some pampering.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

While Pelican Reef Villas Resort doesn't have a standalone spa, it offers a unique al fresco wellness experience with massages available on the beach. Their infinity pool seems to melt into the ocean horizon, providing a relaxing backdrop for your spa treatment. They also offer snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving excursions for the ultimate tropical getaway.

The Phoenix Resort

The Phoenix Resort offers ocean views from its wrap-around balconies and spacious, well-equipped suites. Their Sol spa has air-cooled treatment rooms for therapeutic, long-stroke massages, Maya-inspired treatments, and lime-margarita scrubs. They also provide free weekly stretching sessions for yogis.

Las Terrazas Resort and Residences

Las Terrazas Resort and Residences features luxurious whitewashed houses scattered along the beach. Their serenity spa offers al fresco massages under the palms, best booked before siesta hour for the ultimate afternoon relaxation. The houses have full kitchens, large dining areas, and bedrooms with wall-to-wall glass to let in plenty of natural light.

Other Options

In addition to these resorts, San Pedro is home to several other highly-rated spas, such as Coral Day Spa Belize, Oasis Spa San Pedro, Tephany Massage Studio, and Balance Spa And Yoga Center. You can also find mobile spa services, such as Happy Hands Mobile Spa, that will come directly to your resort.

Visit the Belize Chocolate Company

If you're in San Pedro, Belize, and it's raining, why not take cover in the best-smelling shop in the world? The Belize Chocolate Company is a craft chocolate maker based on the Caribbean island of Belize, using beans from small family farms in Southern Belize.

The company, created by Jo and Chris, offers chocolate-making classes at 9:30 and 10:30 am each morning. For BZD 10, you get the full experience, learning about the history of chocolate, how it's made, and tasting it at every stage. You'll start with the cacao fruit, plucked when ripe and fermented, and end with the final products: white, milk, and dark chocolate.

The shop is located right on the beach, with gorgeous views, and you can also enjoy a bon bon or two, a cup of coffee, or a milkshake.

The chocolate-making class is a great indoor activity for a rainy day, and you'll leave with a greater appreciation of the work that goes into making chocolate, as well as some delicious treats!

The Belize Chocolate Company also has a range of chocolate products available for purchase, including bars, truffles, cookies, chocolate tea, chocolate soaps, and cocoa powder. So, if you're looking for a sweet treat to enjoy during the rain, this is the perfect place to visit.

The company also has an online store, but due to high temperatures, they do not ship chocolate bars internationally until October. However, you can still browse their selection of products and plan your purchases for later in the year.

So, if you're in San Pedro, Belize, and it's raining, a visit to the Belize Chocolate Company is a great way to spend your time. You'll stay dry, learn something new, and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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