Belize: Clearest Waters, Best Times

Belize is a nature lover's paradise, with over 400 islands and cays, including Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, and Half Moon Caye. The country's vast stretches of protected barrier reef are part of the largest barrier reef system in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a must-visit destination for divers and snorkelers. The best time to visit Belize for the prettiest water is between April and June. During this period, there is increased visibility as winds are calm and the water is clear.

Best time to avoid tourists: September-October

September and October are the best months to visit Belize if you want to avoid tourists. This period is the low season for tourism, with many resorts slashing their prices and offering discounts. While rainfall is heavy during these months, it usually arrives in short bursts, and storms are often centred around the Maya Mountains.

September and October are also great months for snorkelling and scuba diving, with calm winds and clear water providing excellent visibility. The water temperature is a pleasant average of 84°F.

However, it's worth noting that some businesses close in September for annual maintenance, and travel can be challenging due to the wet season. There is also a low risk of hurricanes from August through October.

Best time to avoid rain: February through April

If you're looking to avoid the rain in Belize, the months of February through April are your best bet. This period falls within the dry season, which typically runs from December to May and brings warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and minimal rainfall.

February is an excellent month to visit Belize if you want to enjoy warm tropical weather and sunny skies. The strong northerly winds known as "nortes" become less frequent, and the lagoons and rivers start to dry up, making it easier to spot birds as they gather around the remaining water sources.

In March, you'll experience the height of the dry season, with the lowest amount of rainfall and temperatures starting to rise. This is a popular month for visitors, so expect high demand and prices for accommodation and tours. It's also a great month for bird and wildlife watching, as many species flock to the lowland lagoons.

April brings increasing temperatures and the onset of the "iguana rains", which are brief refreshing showers that keep conditions pleasant and humidity down. This month marks the beginning of the high season for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing, as the calm seas provide excellent visibility.

While the dry season is considered the best time to visit Belize in terms of weather, it's also the tourism high season, so you'll encounter higher prices and more crowds. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the shoulder season in November or May, when there's still plenty of sunshine and fewer tourists.

Best time for underwater visibility: March-June

If you're looking for the best underwater visibility in Belize, plan your trip between March and June.

March is the height of the dry season in Belize, with the least amount of rain and rising temperatures. The dry season is characterised by warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. This is a popular time to visit Belize, so expect crowds and book in advance.

In April, temperatures increase and brief showers keep conditions pleasant and humidity down. Calm seas mark the beginning of the high season for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. April is also one of the warmest and driest months in Belize.

May is another great month for underwater visibility. Temperatures remain hot, especially inland, and rain usually falls as light showers in the morning with the occasional thunderstorm at night. This is the end of the dry season in Belize, so you may find fewer travellers and lower prices on accommodations and tours.

June is the start of the rainy season in Belize, but it's still a great month for underwater visibility. Temperatures remain high, and fresh breezes off the Caribbean Sea, as well as brief afternoon showers, keep things moderate and pleasant. Lobster season also begins in June, so you can enjoy delicious local lobster dishes.

The rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, with the wettest months being September and October. The summer heat can be a lot to handle, and while there are lower prices during this period, some hotels and tourist attractions may be closed. Hurricanes are also possible between August and October.

Best time for lowest hotel prices: After Easter to US Thanksgiving

If you're looking for the lowest hotel prices in Belize, it's best to visit after Easter and before US Thanksgiving. This period falls between April and the fourth Thursday in November.

During this time, you can find lodging discounts of 25% or more compared to the high season rates. The same goes for airline tickets, so it's a great opportunity to save money on your trip. Keep in mind that the rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, with May and June being good months to visit as you can beat the tourist rush and take advantage of lower hotel rates.

When planning your trip, consider booking your hotel at least 85 days in advance to get the best prices. Additionally, Friday is typically the cheapest day to stay in a hotel, while Tuesday is usually the most expensive.

• Barefoot Beach Belize
• Caribbean Villas Hotel
• Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza
• Ramada By Wyndham Belize City Princess Hotel
• Pelican Reef Villas Resort
• Mystic River Resort
• The Phoenix Resort
• Laru Beya Resort & Villas
• Ocean Tide Beach Resort
• Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, a Muy'Ono Resort
• Island Magic Beach Resort
• Belizean Shores Resort

Best time to visit Placencia: January-May

The best time to visit Placencia, Belize's top beach, is between January and May. Placencia is busiest during the holiday season from late December to early January and in March and April. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit in January or May.

January is a transition month between the wet and dry seasons, so it receives varying amounts of rainfall with mild temperatures. It's also the beginning of the high season for Belize active vacations, with hotels, tours and boats selling out months in advance. The weather in January is the coolest of the year, with rains diminishing, and it's a great time to see the active wildlife in the rainforest before the dry season. The water temperature is 80°F (26.7°C).

February is another dry season month with considerably less rain. Days are mild, and nights are cooler, making it a pleasant time to visit. It's also the high season for travel, with excellent bird and wildlife watching. The water temperature is 80°F (26.7°C).

March is the height of the dry season and a popular month to visit Belize. There is very little rain, and temperatures start to rise, so it's a balmy time to visit. It's also a great month for bird and wildlife watching. The water temperature is 80°F (26.7°C).

In April, temperatures increase, and there are welcome rains, dubbed "iguana rains" by locals. It's still mostly dry, with brief refreshing showers keeping conditions pleasant and humidity down. Calm seas mark the beginning of the high season for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. The water temperature is 82°F (27.8°C).

In May, temperatures remain hot, especially inland. Rain increases, usually falling as light showers in the morning with occasional thunderstorms at night. It's the end of the dry season in Belize, so there are fewer travellers and less expensive prices for accommodations and tours. It's also a great month for calm waters, ideal for catamaran cruises, snorkelling and scuba diving. The water temperature is 82°F (27.8°C).

Placencia is an easy best beach pick because of its top-notch food, accommodations, nightlife and its decent mix of travellers and locals. The beach extends from the village's municipal pier up the peninsula, where many resorts enjoy the access it gives their guests. The bulk of the beach is at the end of Placencia's famous boardwalk, which has colourful shops, restaurants and bars.

Frequently asked questions