Belize: Best Diving Season

Belize is a year-round scuba diving destination, with warm water temperatures and good visibility. However, the best time to dive Belize is generally considered to be from March to December, with April to June being the peak season for scuba diving and tourism. During these months, you can expect improved visibility, the opportunity to see whale sharks, and more affordable prices for flights and accommodation. The rainy season in Belize runs from June through November, but even during this time, the visibility at offshore dive sites is not usually affected, and there are fewer tourists. From October to November, you may also be able to witness the Nassau grouper mating season.

June to November: rainy season, fewer tourists, and the warmest water temperatures

When to Dive Belize: June to November

The rainy season, fewer tourists, and the warmest water temperatures

Belize's rainy season begins in late June and runs through to November. While you can expect some rain, it won't affect your underwater visibility at off-shore dive sites, which remains at 12 to 24 metres / 40 to 80 feet. The rain also means fewer tourists, so you can enjoy Belize's famous dive spots, like the Blue Hole, with fewer crowds.

The water temperature in Belize is stable all year round, but it's the warmest from June to November, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F). During these months, you can take advantage of lower flight prices and deals on hotels and dive operators, making it a great time for more affordable diving.

Starting in October, you may witness the Nassau grouper mating season. Thousands of these fish descend on the Cayes to mate and give birth from October through December. This season also brings the opportunity to see whale sharks in Placencia, in the south of the country.

While there is a chance of hurricanes during these months, especially in September and October, it's not a common occurrence. However, it's always a good idea to get travel insurance, just in case.

So, if you're looking for warmer water, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices, June to November is a great time to dive in Belize. You might even get to see some unique mating and birthing activity among the fish!

December to April: rains taper off, peak tourist season, and higher prices

When the Rains Taper Off: December to April

While Belize is a year-round diving destination, the rains begin to subside in December, marking the start of the dry season. This period, from December to April, offers a range of advantages and drawbacks for divers planning a trip to Belize.

Weather and Water Conditions

During these months, the water temperatures in Belize drop slightly, usually by just a few degrees, settling in the mid-20s Celsius or upper 70s Fahrenheit. Air temperatures also become slightly cooler, providing a pleasant respite from the heat for those visiting from the northern hemisphere.

Peak Tourist Season

The dry season in Belize coincides with the peak tourist season. As temperatures drop in the northern hemisphere, the sunny beaches and warm waters of Belize become a popular escape for travellers. This increase in tourism brings with it some pros and cons for divers.

Pros:

• The dry season means there's less chance of your diving plans being disrupted by rain.
• Underwater visibility is generally good during this period, though it can be affected by algae and planktonic particles in the water.
• The weather is typically calmer, though some exposed dive sites may still experience choppy conditions.

Cons:

• Accommodation prices are at their highest during these months, and flight prices are also premium.
• With more tourists, dive sites will be busier, and you may have to share the underwater experience with larger groups.

What to See and Do

Even though it's peak season, there are still plenty of experiences to be had beyond diving. The months of December to April offer a great opportunity to explore more of Belize and take part in some topside activities:

• Trek to Mayan temples and discover ancient ruins.
• Go bird watching and try to spot some of the exotic bird species that call Belize home.
• Explore caves and get up close to stunning geological formations.
• Spend time with the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the culture of Belize.

So, while December to April brings higher prices and more crowds, it also offers more reliable weather and the opportunity to experience Belize both above and below the water.

April to June: whale shark season, lower prices, and good underwater visibility

April to June is an ideal time to dive in Belize for several reasons. Firstly, it's whale shark season in Placencia, in the south of the country. Whale sharks are the largest known extant fish species and are a truly magnificent sight. Even if you don't make it to Placencia, April, May and June are still the best months to see whale sharks in Belize's tropical waters.

Another reason to visit during this period is that general tourist crowds start to die down from April, so you can enjoy less crowded diving spots and more relaxed surroundings. This is also a great time to visit if you're a photographer, as underwater visibility is at its peak, allowing for stunning wide-angle shots.

In addition, prices for flights and accommodation are more affordable during these months compared to the peak tourist season. While June marks the start of the rainy season, it can still be considered a shoulder month, offering a good chance of avoiding rainy days.

Belize is renowned for its world-class diving destinations, including the famous Blue Hole, one of Jacques Cousteau's favourite spots. The country boasts the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including endangered hawksbill turtles, manatees, and several threatened species of shark. With warm water temperatures and stable conditions year-round, Belize is a diver's paradise, offering something for divers of all experience levels.

June to August: hurricane season, cheaper prices, and higher risk of hurricanes

Diving in Belize: June to August

Pros:

• Cheaper prices: Flight prices tend to be lower, and hotels and dive operators often have great deals and promotions.
• Warmer water: The water temperature in Belize doesn't fluctuate much, but it's the warmest from June to November (26-29°C/79-84°F).
• Less busy: People in the Northern Hemisphere tend to stay closer to home during the summer to enjoy their hot weather, so it's not very busy in Belize.

Cons:

• Hurricane season: There is a higher risk of hurricanes from June to October.
• Rainfall: The rainy season in Belize begins in late June and runs through to November.
• Choppy waters: The surface conditions of the sea can be choppy during this period, and some of the more exposed sites might be off-limits.

September: a good alternative to October, with a lower risk of hurricanes and better visibility

September is a good alternative to October if you want to dive in Belize. While the temperature remains the same throughout the year, September has a lower risk of hurricanes than October, which is peak hurricane season.

One diver who dives all year round in Belize says they would "definitely take September over October". They explain that in October, heavy rainfall can cause flooding, which reduces visibility. They report that it took "over a month to get back to 40-50 foot visibility in many areas (which is very bad for Belize)".

Another diver agrees, saying that in September, "the visibility is much better than October after all of the heavy rains". However, they add that "high water temps increase algae and planktonic particles in the water so visibility is still not that good".

September is also a good time to visit Belize because it is less busy, and you can enjoy the best of the country with fewer tourists. You may also find that flights and accommodation are cheaper during this period.

However, it is important to note that September is still hurricane season, and there is a risk of storms and flooding. Therefore, it is recommended that you take out effective travel insurance before your trip.

Frequently asked questions