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Wondering about the best time of year to visit Belize?
I’m here to tell you about what the weather is like in Belize during different months of the year, as well as what you can expect when it comes to the prices of activities, hotels, and food.
Belize is the only country in Central America that has a coastline only in the Caribbean, and like many neighbors, it’s affected by the seasonal weather patterns in the region.
In this guide, I will talk about what to expect from Belize weather during different times of the month and how you can have the best time of your life when visiting this hidden gem.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
If you want a classic beach vacation with opportunities for diving and snorkeling, the best time to visit Belize is from December through April, which is a winter season. During this time of the year, temperatures are tolerable and the humidity levels are lower than during the rainy season.
➡️ Read: Can you drink tap water in Belize?
While January can see some occasional cooler days, overall winter Belize offers the best weather for exploring the country and taking advantage of the outdoor opportunities without feeling hot and uncomfortable.
Belize weather year-round: summary
Belize in December
December is the best time of the year to visit Belize if you are looking for picture-perfect weather with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain. However, it’s not uncommon to see an occasional cold spell during this time of the year with temperatures dropping to low 50’s during the night.
High season in Belize
December is the beginning of the high season in Belize when hotels and tours are the most expensive. If you don’t mind paying higher prices to enjoy the best of Belize, December is the perfect time to visit this Central American country.
In December you can enjoy fun water sports like snorkeling, diving, and sailing and climb Mayan ruins. The key to making the most out of your trip in December in Belize is to book your hotels and tours ahead of time.
Viator is my favorite platform for finding amazing tours in different parts of the world including Central America and Belize, and you can avoid paying high rates on the spot when you get there.
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January in Belize
January is the middle of the high season in Belize. It offers picture-perfect weather and tons of activities, although some occasional cold spells can happen during this month. January is a great time for climbing Mayan ruins, cave tubing, and wildlife watching, as animals tend to be more active thanks to cooler temps.
Unfortunately, the downside of visiting in January is that you will pay very high prices, but you can avoid that by booking your hotels and tours in advance.
✅ Check out the best resorts in San Pedro, Belize
February in Belize
February is the last winter month in Belize when the temperatures are still great but crowds begin to subside as spring is getting close. February in Belize is a great month if you want to escape the cold weather and avoid the crazy high rates of January and December.
✅ Check my Belize travel trips
The upside of visiting Belize in February is relatively dry weather. Although some cooler nights are possible, it’s still a pleasant time of the year to explore Belize. You can enjoy opportunities for wildlife watching and birding, and access most of the atolls, as the rain is minimal.
You can spot scarlet macaws, and also see some interesting birds that visit lowland lagoons like herons, ibis, and spoonbills.
To have the best chance to see wildlife, join a guided tour.
Best wildlife watching tours in Belize
March in Belize
March closes the winter season in Belize, but it’s still the height of the tourist season, with many travelers flocking to its beaches to escape the cold weather up north.
March sees slightly lower visitation than winter months and it’s the end of the official winter season. From March through April, you will also see a gradual increase in temperatures, as it gets hotter and more humid as Belize is headed into the rainy season which begins in June.
April in Belize
April marks the beginning spring. During this month, temperatures are still mild and sunny, but it also starts getting a bit warm, especially as May gets close.
Plan your activities for early morning, hunker down in the afternoon when it gets hot and sunny, and take advantage of the late afternoon when it starts to cool down.
I always planned my activities so that I could do something fun in the morning like kayaking along the Makal River in San Ignacio or exploring the Lamanai ruins with a guided tour.
Best Belize tours
May in Belize
May is the beginning of the low season when the number of visitors drops considerably and it starts to get more rainy.
My first trip to Belize was in May, and the weather was mostly picture-perfect, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. Since May marks the transition to the rainy season in Belize, it also starts seeing more muggy weather.
June in Belize
June is when the rainy season officially kicks off with rains lasting all the way through October and until early November. During the rainy season, Belize sees a fair share of downpours and thunderstorms, which can happen suddenly and come in torrents.
Even if the forecast calls for rain, you are still likely to see some sun as the warm tropical climate often combines both on the same day.
July in Belize
July is the middle of the rainy season in Belize. Although the weather might be less than ideal for water activities, exploring Belize islands, or hopping around mainland Belize, it’s a great time to snag amazing bargains on hotels and tours, as most operators will give you a generous discount.
July sees a similar weather pattern as June, with the average high temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the monthly average of 82 degrees. Mornings can see occasional rainfall throughout July and night thunderstorms are not uncommon.
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August in Belize
August is the beginning of the hurricane season in Belize. August in Belize offers a small reprieve from the hot and muggy months of June and July and the first months of fall which coincide with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.
The average temperature in August ranges from the high 80s, on the high side to about mid-70s, on the lower end.
If you plan to visit in August, you can expect to see rain showers for about 1-2 hours. That being said, the amount of precipitation during the hurricane season greatly depends on each part of the country.
Punta Gorda in southern Belize receives as much as 150-200 more inches of rain than northern Belize which receives about a third of the amount of precipitation of southern Belize.
Keep in mind that August through late October is the peak of the hurricane season in Belize, as well as surrounding countries like Mexico, and Honduras.
If you plan to visit during this period, you should monitor weather reports and consider buying travel insurance, in case your flight gets canceled or changed because of the inclement weather.
September in Belize
September is the peak of the hurricane season in Belize with frequent rain on most days. The upside of visiting in September is that you will enjoy amazing prices on hotels and tours. One thing to keep in mind is that the rain can always get in the way, and you might have to change or cancel your plans.
September is a perfect month for wildlife watching, as well as snorkeling and diving, as the Caribbean Sea has incredible visibility.
Things to know about visiting Belize in September
Since September is a low season in Belize, many tour operators might not be able to offer group tours, as there are simply not enough people to split the cost of a group tour.
This means that you could be paying a higher price to cover the cost of the tour, simply because there are not enough tourists, so group tours can be full.
If you visit in September, check out the annual Independence Day Celebration. Belize became independent from the United Kingdom in 1981, and the country takes great pride in its independence with colorful celebrations, fireworks, and parades taking place throughout the country.
October in Belize
October continues the rainy trend in Belize with slightly less intense but frequent rains. Much of the rain falls in the Mayan Mountains, a small chain in south-central part of the country. In October temperatures begin to cool down, and you should take advantage of countless wildlife-watching opportunities venturing out into the rainforest where you can spot monkeys, toucans, and if you get lucky – even jaguars.
✅ Did you know that Belize is the only country in the world that boasts a Jaguar Reserve?
Jaguars are native to the jungles of southern Mexico and Central America, and although seeing these nocturnal animals during the day is very rare, you can have a chance to spot one, if you book a guided tour of the jungle, where a professional guide will help you navigate the paths that these elusive cats use to get around.
Best jaguar tours in Belize
November in Belize
Do you want me to let you in on a little secret when it comes to visiting Belize? If you don’t want to deal with the crowds and the high prices of the winter season, visit Belize in November.
November is the last month before winter officially arrives and you should take advantage of this opportunity. While Belize sees some occasional rain in November, the amount of precipitation is relatively low. Since it’s a transitional month, you get the best of both worlds.
Why visit Belize in November?
If you are looking for the best month to visit Belize, plan your trip for November. This is the best month to save money on hotels and tours, take advantage of the pleasant weather with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, and enjoy the best of this small Central American country before it gets busy.
Another reason to visit Belize in November is the Garifuna Settlement Day, which is celebrated on November 19. Garifuna is one of the most vibrant and interesting cultures of the Caribbean, and it’s an important part of the cultural heritage. The best places to see the Garifuna culture in Belize are Hopkins, Dangriga, and Placencia.
My favorite time to visit in Belize
While many people prefer to visit Belize from December through April because of the ideal weather, I recommend visiting Belize in November.
This month marks the beginning of winter season for locals, and while winter season isn’t here yet, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: mild weather, great conditions for diving on some of the most beautiful islands, and perfect hiking weather on the mainland which is great if you want to go hiking, or wildlife watching.
What is the climate like in Belize?
Belize is located in Central America and has a warm tropical climate where you can experience intense rain and bright sun with clear blue skies all on the same day. The average yearly temperature in Belize ranges from low to mid-80s, which makes it a perfect getaway for a warm vacation with plenty of sunshine and good opportunities for spending time on the water and in the jungle.
What seasons does Belize have?
Belize has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season in Belize lasts from February through May. It has low chances for rainfall the best weather. June through October is the wet season in Belize which sees the most precipitation, and also coincides with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.
This is the low season for tourism in Belize when you can get great deals on many activities, and hotels. However, the downside of visiting Belize during this month of the year is that your travel plans can also be affected by inclement weather and sudden bursts of rain, especially in the afternoon.
Although Belize doesn’t get affected by hurricanes as much as some other countries in the region, it can occasionally see some torrential rain showers and strong wind gusts.
Have more questions about planning your trip to Belize? Let me help you out!
Get travel insurance for your trip to Belize
While practicing good hygiene and making sure you eat fresh and fully cooked food and drink clean water is essential, you should also be prepared for a possible scenario when things go wrong.
World Nomads insurance will protect you in case of lost or stolen luggage, accidents, hospital visits, and many other unforeseen events. Safety Wing is another option, which is perfect for long-term travelers who plan to stay in the country for a couple of weeks.
If you get food poisoning in Belize and need to seek medical help, your travel insurance will cover your costs, provided that you have the right plane.
Best time to visit Belize: FAQ’s
What is the best month to visit Belize?
The best month to visit Belize is November. During these times, you may encounter some rain, but you’ll also benefit from lower prices and fewer tourists.
What are the hottest months in Belize?
May is the hottest month in Belize. During this time, temperatures can range from around 75°F (24°C) in the early morning to highs of approximately 88°F (31°C) or more in the afternoon. Be prepared for hot and humid weather, and consider activities that allow you to stay cool, such as swimming in the ocean or exploring shaded areas.
What is hurricane season in Belize?
The hurricane season in Belize officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. The peak of the hurricane season is typically from August to October. During this time, the Atlantic hurricane basin, which includes the Caribbean Sea, sees an increased likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes.
What is the cheapest time of year to travel to Belize?
The cheapest time to travel to Belize is the low season, which corresponds to the rainy season. The low season runs from June to November, with the peak of the rainy season occurring in September and October. During this time, you can expect more rainfall and higher humidity, but prices for accommodations and tours are often lower compared to the high season.
What’s the worst time to visit Belize?
The worst time to visit Belize is during the peak of the hurricane season, which is from August to October. September is often considered the riskiest month in terms of hurricanes and tropical storms. During this period, there is an increased likelihood of severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for hurricanes.
What’s the best time to visit Belize for snorkeling?
The best time to visit Belize for snorkeling is during the dry season, which runs from late November to mid-April. December to February are often considered ideal for snorkeling due to the combination of good weather and excellent underwater visibility.
During the dry season, the seas are calmer, and the water clarity is at its best, providing optimal conditions for snorkeling and other water-based activities. You can expect warm temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall during these months.
Is Belize warm all year round?
Yes, Belize has a tropical climate, and it is generally warm all year round. The country experiences only slight variations in temperature throughout the year. The average temperature typically ranges from around 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C).
What time of year is hurricane season in Belize?
Hurricane season in Belize officially runs from June to November 30th. During this period, the likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes affecting the region is higher.
What is the rainiest month in Belize?
The rainiest months in Belize generally occur during the wet season, which runs from June to November. Within this period, the months of June, July, and August often see increased rainfall. September and October are typically the peak months for both rainfall and the risk of tropical storms or hurricanes.