Belize: Avoid The Wet Season Rush

The worst time to travel to Belize is during the hurricane season, which runs from June through October/November. During this period, the average rainfall is one of the highest in the Caribbean, with September seeing over 11 inches of rain. The rainy season in Belize begins in June and runs through November, with the early months of May and June being more suitable for travel as hotel rates tend to be lower. However, some dirt roads may become muddy and floods may occur in the south, impacting travel to certain areas. From August onwards, there is also a low risk of hurricanes. Therefore, the rainy season from June to November is generally considered the worst time to visit Belize due to the high rainfall, potential flooding, and the slight risk of hurricanes.

Hurricane season

June

June marks the start of the rainy season in Belize. Temperatures remain high, but fresh breezes off the Caribbean Sea and more frequent afternoon showers keep things moderate and pleasant. Lobster season begins and is available in restaurants across the country. Atlantic hurricane season begins, but statistically, it is not an active month for tropical storms in Belize.

July

July is the wettest month of the year in Belize. Storms do occur and can last several days, but most rain occurs in predictable morning showers and overnight thunderstorms. Easterly breezes provide relief from the heat inland.

August

August offers a brief respite from the rainy season, with a slight break from the summer rains. Known locally as "little dry", there is a higher possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes.

September

September is the height of the rainy season and the hurricane season in Belize. There is increasing rainfall in the early mornings and overnight, but days are often sunny with warm temperatures. This is the low season for tourism. Many Belize catamaran charter boats are out of the water for yearly maintenance. The annual Carnival celebration takes place, making it a fun month to visit and experience Belize's music, costume, dance, and culture.

October

Rainfall in October continues to be heavy, with occasional "northers" (two- or three-day storms often centred around the Maya Mountains). Several days of heavy rain might affect wet cave tours, which become unsafe when rivers run too high. Daytime temperatures begin to cool.

November

November is the beginning of winter for locals, but most travellers will find it warm and sunny. It is the coolest month in Belize and can be a great time to travel ahead of the busy holiday season in December.

Heavy rainfall

The wet season exhibits a brief break in late July or August, known as the "little dry" or "Mauga" season. This period sees a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperatures.

The onset of the wet season in Belize is very sharp, and the transition from dry to rainy weather typically occurs in late May or early June. The rainy season starts in the southern regions of the country in mid-May, reaching the northern regions around mid-June.

The southern regions of Belize experience the highest annual rainfall, with the wettest month typically being July. The annual rainfall in the south ranges from 150 inches to 160 inches. In contrast, the northern regions of the country have a more subtropical climate, with an annual rainfall of around 60 inches.

During periods of heavy rainfall, floods can occur in the south, and portions of some public highways may be temporarily closed. Some outdoor activities, such as cave tubing, may also be unsafe and closed by authorities during these conditions. However, air transportation remains readily available throughout the year.

High temperatures

Belize is a hot and humid country all year round, with a tropical climate. The average yearly temperature is 84°F (29°C), with the average monthly temperature ranging from 75°F (24°C) in November to 87°F (31°C) in May. The daily temperature range is around 10°C, from the hottest part of the day to the coolest part of the night.

The hottest time of year in Belize is generally considered to be May to September, with an average temperature of 81°F. In May, the temperature can climb to an average high of 87°F (31°C), and in June, the average daytime high is 84°F (29°C). In July, the average daytime high is 86°F (30°C), and in August, temperatures remain high, with daytime highs of about 86°F (30°C).

In September, the average temperature is around 81°F (27°C), with highs of 86°F (30°C). The early mornings and nights are slightly cooler, with lows of 77°F (25°C).

October sees a slight dip in temperature, with daytime highs of around 84°F (29°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C).

While the temperature varies little throughout the year, the seasons in Belize are defined by rainfall. The dry season, with significantly less rain, falls between February and May. The wet season, with much higher rainfall, runs from June to December.

The hottest months of the year in Belize fall within both the dry and wet seasons, so visitors can expect warm weather throughout the year. However, the coastal sea breezes and large tracts of jungle provide cooling relief, even in the hottest summer months.

High tourist demand

The high season for tourism in Belize is between December and April, coinciding with the dry season. During this period, the demand for hotels is highest, and budget travellers may struggle to find affordable accommodation. The biggest wave of tourists typically arrives between December 15 and January 15, with another peak during the weeks around Easter in April. Many visitors during this time are seeking warmer weather than their home countries.

During the high season, tourism lodges and resorts charge premium rates, and it is recommended to avoid this period if you are looking to save money. However, some resorts may offer discounts if you book in advance and make a deposit.

The dry season in Belize offers warm temperatures and clear, sunny days, especially in the Cayo District and on the Cayes. This weather is ideal for exploring the country's jungles, beaches, and Maya ruins, as well as trying adventure activities.

February is a particularly good month to visit Belize, as it falls between the exceptionally busy periods of January and Easter. Visitors can enjoy pleasant weather and have more choices of hotels and lower airfares.

The week before Lent is also a popular time to visit Belize, with Carnival Week featuring music and dancing, especially in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

If you are planning to visit Belize during the high season, it is advisable to book your accommodation and travel arrangements early to secure the best options and avoid disappointment.

The demand for tourism in Belize has been steadily growing, with strong interest from American tourists and retirees. This has led to the expansion of luxury accommodations and the development of related sectors, such as real estate, construction, and infrastructure.

With its natural attractions, friendly English-speaking population, and cultural offerings, Belize continues to be a popular destination, particularly for high-end travellers seeking boutique experiences and nature-based tourism.

Road closures

Belize has a road network of over 1,900 miles (3,000 km), of which approximately 357 miles (575 km) are paved roads. The country has five major asphalt-paved two-lane roads:

• Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda (97 miles or 157 km)
• Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Dangriga (55 miles or 89 km)
• Coastal Highway, also known as the Manuel Esquviel Highway, from Dangriga to La Democracia
• George Price Highway between Belize City and the Guatemalan border near Benque Viejo del Carmen (78.3 miles or 126 km)
• Philip Goldson Highway between Belize City and the Mexican border north of Corozal (95 miles or 153 km)

During the rainy season, which runs from June to November, heavy rainfall can cause temporary road closures. This includes portions of some public highways in the south of the country. Additionally, some dirt roads can become muddy and may curtail access to remote areas.

In the event of a hurricane, such as Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, roads may be closed to ensure safety and minimise damage. For example, during Hurricane Beryl, the Belize Port Authority ordered the closure of all ports in the country, and foreign-flagged ships were required to depart from Belize's territorial waters. The Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) also closed roads in the north of the country to begin the liquidation process and activate its hurricane preparation plan.

The rainy season and hurricane season in Belize can impact road conditions and accessibility, so it is essential to check the weather forecast and local updates before travelling.

Frequently asked questions