San Pedro, Belize: Best Time To Visit

San Pedro, Belize is a popular tourist destination, famed for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and vibrant culture. The best time to visit San Pedro depends on what you're looking for.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons in November and May are ideal, with fewer tourists and more affordable prices. The weather is still warm, and there are plenty of dry days to enjoy the beach and explore the town.

However, if you're looking for the perfect weather, the dry season from December to April is the best time to visit. This period offers brilliant blue skies and prime weather for outdoor activities like birdwatching, sunbathing, swimming, and diving. It's also the best time to explore the Maya ruins and rainforests nearby. Keep in mind that prices are higher during this peak season, especially during the post-New Year holidays.

San Pedro also hosts several exciting festivals throughout the year, including the Lobster Fest in June/July, the International Costa Maya Festival in August, and festive celebrations in December. These events bring the town to life, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors.

The dry season (December to April) has the best weather

San Pedro, the capital of Belize's biggest island, Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination. The best time to visit San Pedro weather-wise is during the dry season, from December to April, which coincides with the country's high tourism season.

Weather and Activities

The dry season offers prime weather for activities such as birding, sunbathing, swimming, and diving. The nearby Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a top spot for diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. The dry season is also ideal for exploring ancient Maya sites and sacred caves, as well as spotting wildlife, as lagoons and rivers begin to dry up, making it easier to spot birds and other animals around the limited water sources.

Prices and Crowds

Hotels and transport operators increase their prices by 30% to 50% during the dry season, and reservations are essential if you plan to visit during the Christmas period. The dry season is also the busiest time for tourism, so expect crowds and high demand for boats to the cayes and trips to caves, ruins, and jungle reserves.

San Pedro's Festivals

San Pedro is also home to several festivals throughout the year, including the San Pedro Carnival in February, the Lobster Fest in June, and the International Costa Maya Festival in August. These festivals bring the town to life, with music, food, and cultural celebrations.

So, if you're looking for the best weather, the dry season from December to April is the ideal time to visit San Pedro, Belize, but be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.

The wet season runs from June to October

The wet season in San Pedro, Belize, runs from June to October. During this time, heavy rainfall and high temperatures are to be expected. The rain is particularly prominent at night, when thunderstorms and lightning are common.

While the wet season is considered the off-season for tourism, it is a great time to visit if you don't mind the rain and are looking for lower prices. Many resorts offer discounted rates during these months, and there are still plenty of dry days to enjoy the beaches and other attractions.

However, it is important to note that some hotels and tourist attractions may be closed during this period, especially in September and October. Additionally, trips into the rainforest and to the Maya ruins can be challenging due to muddy tracks and mosquitoes.

If you plan to visit San Pedro during the wet season, be sure to pack waterproof clothing and a rain cover for your belongings. Despite the rain, there is still plenty to see and do in San Pedro. The island is known for its fantastic seafood, with fresh lobster and conch being local specialties. Popular activities include windsurfing, kiteboarding, sea kayaking, bird watching, fishing, sailing, and of course, snorkelling and scuba diving.

San Pedro is also home to several vibrant festivals throughout the year. The Lobster Festival, for example, takes place in June or July, and the International Costa Maya Festival, a combination beauty pageant, street fair, and live music concert, is held in August. So, if you're looking for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, the wet season in San Pedro can still be a great time to visit.

The summer months are the best time to visit for festivals

San Pedro, Belize, is a vibrant town located on the island of Ambergris Caye. It is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and lively festivals. While San Pedro is a great place to visit all year round, the summer months are particularly special due to the abundance of festivals and events that take place during this time.

One of the most popular summer festivals in San Pedro is the Lobster Fest, which usually takes place in June. This festival celebrates the start of lobster season, and visitors can enjoy a week of activities, including lobster cook-offs, fishing tournaments, and cultural dances. It is a great opportunity to indulge in delicious local cuisine and experience the vibrant culture of the island.

Another highly anticipated summer festival is the International Costa Maya Festival, typically held in August. This festival attracts visitors from all over Belize and the world. It features beauty pageants, live music performances by international artists, cultural dances, food events, and much more. The Costa Maya Festival is a celebration of Central American culture and is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local traditions and flavours of the region.

In addition to these flagship festivals, San Pedro also hosts a variety of other exciting events throughout the summer. These include the San Pedro Lagoon Reef Eco Challenge, a 42-mile kayak race through the lagoons of Northern Ambergris Caye; Dia de San Pedro, a celebration of the island's patron saint with fishing tournaments and cultural dances; and Belize Fashion Week, showcasing the talent of local clothing and jewellery designers.

The summer months in San Pedro offer a unique opportunity to experience the island at its liveliest and most festive. Visitors can enjoy a range of cultural, culinary, and sporting events, providing a well-rounded glimpse into the vibrant local culture. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable holiday filled with excitement and new experiences, consider visiting San Pedro, Belize, during the summer festival season!

The busiest months for tourism are January, February and March

San Pedro in Belize is a popular destination for tourists, with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The busiest months for tourism are January, February and March, which is also the dry season.

During these months, you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. However, due to its popularity, hotel stays and tours are more expensive. There is also a huge influx of people during the post-New Year period, with prices increasing from mid-December to mid-January.

February is a busy month, with high prices for accommodation and lots of demand for space on boats to the cayes and trips inland. It is also the month of the San Pedro Carnival.

March is another popular month for tourists, with high temperatures and little rain. It is a good time for activities such as birding, sunbathing, swimming and diving.

If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season in November and May, when there is still plenty of sunshine but fewer tourists.

The slow season for tourism is June to August

San Pedro, Belize is a popular tourist destination, with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The best time to visit the island depends on what you're looking for.

Despite the weather, there is still plenty to do in San Pedro during these months. The island hosts several festivals during the summer, including the beloved Lobster Fest in June, which kicks off with a Lionfish event, followed by a week of activities. This is a great time to experience the local culture and cuisine, as the crustacean is prepared in many delicious forms.

In August, San Pedro hosts the International Costa Maya Festival, a highly attended cultural event. The festival includes a beauty pageant with participants from across Central America, dazzling cultural costumes, and musical performances by international artists.

If you're looking to skip the summer crowds but still want to experience the festive atmosphere, you can visit during the tail end of summer. The weather is still warm in November, and the summer crowds are long gone. Resorts often offer discounts during this period, making it a great time to visit if you're looking for a bargain.

During the slow season, you can also take advantage of the lower prices to explore the nearby Belize Barrier Reef. San Pedro is a popular gateway to the reef, and you'll find fantastic seafood restaurants and dive centres offering equipment rentals and certifications. Popular activities include windsurfing, kiteboarding, sea kayaking, bird watching, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

So, while the slow season for tourism in San Pedro may not have the ideal weather, it offers a more relaxed and affordable experience, with plenty of cultural events and activities to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions