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Learning about the weather patterns in Belize can be useful when planning a trip to the country. Belize has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The dry season runs from December to May and is characterized by sunny clear days, low humidity levels, and cooler nights (although it will still be well above 20°C). Peak tourist season is during this period, so it’s an ideal time to visit if you are looking for consistent sunshine.
The temperature will be warm no matter when you travel to Belize – ranging from the late 20s to the early 30s (degrees Celsius). During the wet season, the most common weather pattern is a brief one or two hour downpour followed by glorious sunshine. Very rarely does it rain for days on end in Belize. Only when a thunderstorm or hurricane passes through does the weather forecast predict precipitation for long periods of time. In that case, you may need to bunker down somewhere safe on the mainland until the storm moves on.
The best time to visit Belize largely depends on the type of experience you wish to have. As a general rule, the majority of travelers head to Belize during the dry season from December to May. This period coincides with winter in the US when people seek some respite from the cold. With serene sunshine, lower amounts of humidity and a steady breeze to cool you down – the dry season is perfect for experiencing Belize’s many aquatic activities such as sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s also an ideal time for cave adventures – for example to the extraordinary Actun Tunichil Muknal – as there is less chance of rainwater flooding the cave and spoiling the occasion. Still, you should never let a little bit of rain dampen your spirits.
The wet season (from June to November) has its benefits as well: smaller crowds of tourists to contend with. Another benefit to Belize’s rainy season is that you can explore the rainforest in its most lush form. The trees and flowers are in bloom, and the wildlife is at its most magnificent. The trade-off is that heavy rain makes snorkeling and scuba diving trips challenging. Rough seas can ruin visibility and a serious storm means the boat tours will be postponed. Even during persistent wet weather there are plenty of things to do like visiting Maya ruins, searching for wildlife in the rainforests and sampling the country’s delicious culinary flair.
A further risk is the threat of hurricanes. On average, these intense weather systems roll through the country once every couple of years and make travel intensely difficult. If you plan on visiting during the wet season, it’s best to give yourself extra time just in case you need to wait out a storm. The month with the most number of storms on average is October. If you aren’t a betting person, plan your Belize trip outside of that month.
January is one of the most popular months to visit Belize, thanks to the dry and pleasant weather. Temperatures hovering around the late 20°C mark make for superb conditions to relax on the beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and partake in some adventurous activities like cave kayaking. If you time your visit for New Year’s Day, you will be able to celebrate in style with a range of live music performances and traditional ceremonies usually on offer.
February is arguably the best time to visit Belize because the weather is great and there are some fun festivities to enjoy. One is Valentine’s Day. Since Belize is home to Central America’s most delectable chocolate, you could organize a romantic day with your loved one that involves this treat. Another must-do is the Belize Festival which occurs the week before Lent. Colorful celebrations are held in San Pedro (on Ambergris Caye) with loads of singing, dancing and parades taking place. There is even a traditional flour fight to witness. Fiesta de Carnaval is one of the top ways to immerse yourself in Belize culture.
Temperatures start to increase a bit as you approach the month of March and the sun shines pretty much every hour of the day, so there are plenty of opportunities to work on your tan. The only downside is that March is the busiest month with an estimated 57,000 visitors flocking to the country.
April is in the dry season and it offers one of the most unique encounters on the planet: diving with whale sharks at Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. This stunning protected marine reserve is located in the heart of Belize’s Barrier Reef just off the coast of Placencia. Throughout the months of April and May, divers and snorkelers alike can get close to these gentle giants.
May is the final month of the dry season in Belize. On average, travelers can expect six days of rain during this month (although this can change year to year). That doesn’t mean it will rain for 24 hours straight across six days, but rather that it will rain for an indeterminable amount of time on six individual days. The rainfall could be as short as an hour or as long as an entire day. For a better chance of clear skies, head to the cayes. Sea turtle nesting season kicks off in May and the islands are a phenomenal place to see this work of nature.
June marks the beginning of the rainy season in Belize. As the humidity and heat start to rise, the chance of rainfall increases. Typically, it rains for 11 days in June – five days more than the previous month. However, visitors should consider the fact that June’s rainfall is often short-lived in comparison to the latter months of the wet season. June is actually considered one of the best months to go to Belize to avoid the crowds and score discounted rates.
The rain continues to fall in more regular intervals in July with an average of 14 days of rainfall. Frequent showers are met with the occasional thunderstorm, making water-based activities like sailing and snorkeling that much harder when the weather turns sour. On the plus side, if and when the sun decides to peek through, visitors can experience the best of Belize’s lobster season by taking a fishing trip, or participate in the Pibil Fest in the village of Progresso which celebrates the Maya tradition of cooking pork underground in a fire pit.
Although August is technically in the middle of the Belize wet season, there is a good chance that most of the rainfall will occur at night and in the morning
– freeing up your afternoons to go island-hopping or hike the lush trails of Belize.
September is one of the wettest months in Belize but with a bit of luck, and by heading to the national pride events, visitors can still have a wonderful time. St. George’s Caye Day and Independence Day give you an opportunity to reflect on the struggle for freedom in Belize, and the sacrifices so many people have made to enable this country to thrive independently today.
October is the rainiest month in Belize with 16 days of rain falling on average. That is over half the month which could potentially be hindered. Additionally, the increased risk of storms and hurricanes makes a holiday in October fraught with uncertainty. But if you do decide to change your arm, and the weather surprises you with the sunshine beaming for most of the time, then you will never have to wait in line or worry about anything being fully booked.
The rainy season still lingers in early November but by the end of the month, the weather is starting to improve dramatically. With only 38,000 visitors arriving in Belize during this month (17,000 less than in December), travelers can reap the benefits of smaller crowds and discounted rates with a brighter forecast on the horizon. On top of that, the Garifuna Settlement Day is held across the country. This unique holiday honors the Garifuna culture by way of traditional dancing, drumming, and partying. To experience this day in its the most authentic form you can head to Punta Gorda, Dangriga or Hopkins.
December marks the beginning of the dry season and it’s the second busiest month behind March. Many hotels and resorts are fully booked, with Belizean ex-pats coming home to be with their families over the Christmas and New Year period. You should definitely book well in advance for December travel.
