What's the best time to visit Belize?
The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season (between December and April), the perfect time for beach activities and exploring natural wonders like the Great Blue Hole and Mayan ruins. This period features warm, sunny weather, ideal for outdoor adventures and experiencing the lively nightlife, especially around New Year’s.
The Central American country of Belize is fast growing as a popular tourist destination. It is particularly popular among backpackers and young travelers on the Central American circuit. Belize has stunning nature, which is one of the main draws for visitors.
You can snorkel or scuba dive around the Great Blue Hole or in many reserves, such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The country has miles and miles of pristine coastline, such as the beaches of Ambergris Caye.
Inland, you can book an adventure tour in the jungle or explore Mayan ruins such as Caracol Archaeological Reserve. Since so many of the best things to do here revolve around the beach, it’s important to time your visit properly so you can enjoy proper beach weather.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide when is the best time to visit Belize depending on your itinerary.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Belize
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The best time to visit Belize is between December and April, which is the dry season in Central America and when you can expect the best weather for your outdoor adventures.
Belize has a tropical climate, so unlike other tropical places, it doesn’t have the traditional four seasons that people from North America or Europe may be used to.
Instead, the year is divided into a wet season, which is very humid and rainy, and a dry season, when the weather is warm and sunny. The dry season lasts from December to April, with average temperatures hover between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
This means that the weather is warm enough to spend all day on the beach, but not unbearably hot. There is also very little rain before the rainy season picks up again in May. If you’re planning to explore the jungle and the Mayan ruins, then make sure to do so during the dry season.
Between January and April is the best time to visit the inland areas of Belize because all of the roads and paths are passable. Roads in more remote areas are often not maintained or even paved, so getting around in the rainy season can be difficult.
Belize is a popular destination for diving tours because the water is so crystal clear. The dry season of December to April is also the best time of year to go diving. Since there is less rain, the visibility in the water is the best it is throughout the year.
Dry season is the most popular time for visitors to this country. While that may not be great news if you were hoping to beat the crowds during your visit, it is good news if you are hoping to meet other travelers during your trip.
That also means that the dry season is the best time to visit if you want to experience nightlife on the beach as there will be plenty of other party lovers around. The best time to visit for nightlife is around New Year’s, when nightclubs and even entire towns organize parties in the weeks before and after the holiday.
Other cool events taking place during the dry season include:
- Burrell Boom horse racing (January and April)
- Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival (February)
- Maya Day (March)
Cheapest Time to Visit Belize
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The cheapest time to visit Belize while still enjoying good weather is during the shoulder seasons of November and May. Belize has two narrow shoulder seasons that mark a kind of transition between the dry season and the wet season.
The weather is still mostly pleasant, although temperatures are a bit higher, and chances of rain are more frequent than during the dry season. However, fewer people visit, meaning that rates also go down.
By the end of the dry season and the Easter rush in the spring, many hotels slash their rates by as much as 50%. There are also discounts available on flights since fewer people are flying into Belize.
You can vacation in Belize in the spring for nearly half the price you would during the winter.
There are other benefits to visiting in May besides the lower prices. May is right in the middle of whale shark season, when the migrating gentle giants arrive off the coast of Belize. It is one of the favorite times to visit for serious divers.
Least Busy Time to Visit Belize
CAYE CAULKER BELIZE – DEC 18 2015: Playa Asuncion street at Caye Caulker island on Dec 18. 2015 , Belize, Central America/Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock
The least busy time to visit Belize is during the fall, and towards the end of the fall, you can even take advantage of the better weather that the dry season has.
According to official numbers from the Belize Tourism Board, the country receives the fewest visitors in September and October. The heavy rains of the rainy season chase away many potential visitors.
If you really want to avoid the crowds, you can visit during this time, but keep in mind that the weather may affect your travel plans. Fall may be rainy, but it is also the most festive time to visit.
You can catch a number of local holidays, such as:
- Belize Carnival, a festive march celebrated all over the Caribbean (September)
- Independence Day, often celebrated with colorful parades and parties (September)
- Garifuna Day, celebrating the African-descended Garifuna community (November)
Towards the end of fall, in November, the weather dries up and you can experience conditions that are similar to what you would expect in the dry season. There are more people around than in September and October, but still not as much as during high season.
Keep in mind though that Belize doesn’t receive that many visitors throughout the year. Even if you visit during the high season, as long as you don’t stay in one of the most popular resorts, you’ll find it easy to avoid crowds.
Worst Time to Visit Belize
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The worst time to visit Belize is during the rainy season, which is between May and November, because the weather makes it difficult to do much of anything.
During the rainy season, expect frequent and heavy rains in this tropical country. When it’s raining, it’s not fun to spend a lot of time on the beach. Logistically, it’s also difficult to spend time in Belize.
Stormy conditions make ferry trips to the islands choppy or cancel scheduled departures altogether. Inland, jungle roads, including paths to popular Mayan sites, get too muddy to travel. Plus, the jungle is abundant with mosquitos.
Rainy season can also be downright dangerous in Belize. The country is affected by the Caribbean hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Popular resort areas, such as the Cayo District, have been devastated by storms in the past. If you visit during hurricane season, follow weather reports closely and evacuate as soon as there is an alert.
It is possible to visit Belize during the rainy season, you just have to prepare for it. There are drier spells during the rainy season. The very beginning and end of the season tend to have more pleasant weather, and July and August have hot, humid weather but less rain.
Plus, most of the rain tends to happen overnight, so you can enjoy dry, if cloudy, weather during the day. This is definitely the least expensive time to visit Belize, you just have to decide if it’s worth the tradeoffs of the bad weather.
Belize by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Belize? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
January in Belize, with temperatures often ranging from 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C), offers a pleasant escape from colder climates.
It’s perfect for exploring the ancient Mayan ruins like Caracol and Xunantunich, snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Caye Caulker.
February
February continues with warm weather, ideal for diving in the Great Blue Hole, exploring the lush jungles, and participating in the annual Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival, showcasing local art and music.
March
As the dry season continues, March brings temperatures from 74 to 83°F (23 to 28°C). Enjoy beach relaxation in destinations like Ambergris Caye, visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to spot jaguars, and explore the vibrant Belize City.
April
April’s warm weather, with temperatures between 76 to 85°F (24 to 29°C), invites you to the lively Easter celebrations, perfect for water activities like fishing and sailing, and exploring the impressive Altun Ha Mayan ruins.
May
May offers hotter days, from 78 to 87°F (26 to 31°C), ideal for visiting the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai, experiencing the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna culture in Dangriga, and exploring the lush Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
June
June, marking the start of the rainy season with temperatures between 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C), is perfect for river tubing and cave exploring in the Cayo District, and visiting the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
July
July’s warm and humid climate, ranging from 79 to 86°F (26 to 30°C), is ideal for exploring the tropical islands like Tobacco Caye, experiencing the vibrant Belizean nightlife, and enjoying the Lobsterfest in coastal towns like Placencia and Caye Caulker.
August
In August, with temperatures of 78 to 86°F (26 to 30°C), enjoy cultural experiences like the International Costa Maya Festival, explore the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, and relax on the sandy beaches of Hopkins Village.
September
Welcoming fall, September, with temperatures from 77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C), is perfect for celebrating Belize’s Independence Day with parades and festivities, exploring the Belize Zoo, and snorkeling or diving in the clear Caribbean waters.
October
October’s rainier days, from 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C), are ideal for indoor activities like visiting the Museum of Belize, enjoying the local cuisine in San Ignacio, and taking boat tours through the mangroves and cayes.
November
November, as the rainy season begins to wane, temperatures from 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C), is a great time to visit the ancient Mayan temple of Lubaantun, explore the lush jungles, and enjoy the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations, especially in Dangriga.
December
December brings cooler weather, from 71 to 80°F (22 to 27°C), along with festive holiday spirit. Celebrate the Christmas season with unique Belizean traditions, enjoy the end-of-year festivities, and explore the diverse marine life in the warm Caribbean waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the most common questions readers ask about picking the best time to visit Belize:
What is the best month to visit Belize?
The best month to visit Belize is March or April. This is still the dry season, so the weather is gorgeous, but the crowds are slightly less intense.
What are the hottest months in Belize?
The hottest months in Belize are July and August, when temperatures can reach over 90 degrees.
When is the hurricane season in Belize?
The hurricane season in Belize is from June to November, but peaks between late August and mid-October. Storms tend to devastate the coast, so be careful if there is a hurricane alert.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Belize?
The best time to visit Belize is between December and April, which is the country’s dry season. You’ll be able to enjoy warm, clear weather on beaches that feel pristine and natural, even during the high season.
So, with so much to see and do and plenty of amazing times to visit, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Belize has to offer. Happy travels!