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Best Times to Travel to Belize

Belize is a relatively compact country without marked differences in climate in the different regions. For the most part, the weather is hot and humid year-round, but there can be large seasonal variations in rainfall. The dry season in Belize coincides nicely with winter in the northern hemisphere, making it a great travel destination to escape the cold. There is a range of factors you should consider to make the best of your holiday. Read on to find out the best time to visit Belize.

ambergris cayeWhen is the best time to visit Belize?

If you want to enjoy ideal temperatures, clear skies, calm waters, and easy access to top attractions in Belize, visit between late November and mid-April when it is the dry season. Not surprisingly, this is also the peak tourist season in Belize with thousands of visitors.

May and June are humid with triple-digit temperatures. Strong winds and showers continue until mid-November. If you want to beat the tourist rush and don’t mind the rain, visit Belize in September and October. Remember, it’s the rainy season and some establishments may be closed.

If you’re looking for a nice balance between decent weather, fewer crowds, and great package deals to Belize, consider the shoulder months of November and April.

lobster festival belize

Belize holidays and festivals

 If you’re a culture vulture, Belize has an eclectic and fun-filled festival calendar and some of the most interesting events in Central America. Here are some Belize festivals to consider when planning your trip to Belize:

  • Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival in February with cultural events, food and drink.
  • Cacaofest at Punta Gorda in May to celebrate all things chocolate.
  • Lobsterfest in June with local arts and crafts, music, and mouth-watering food.
  • Belize Carnival in September with elaborate costumes, dance and music.
  • Garifuna Settlement Day in November with historical re-enactments, music, and food. 

howler monkey belize baboon

Best time to see wildlife in Belize?

Belize is a great year-round destination for wildlife and birding enthusiasts. Bird watching is possible throughout the year. An encounter with the elusive jaguar is most likely in the dry months of January to May. If you want to visit the rainforest, the best wildlife activity is from January to March. The unique and endangered black howler monkeys can be seen and heard year-round. Whale sharks congregate in the waters off the coast of Placencia between March and June. 

World class diving in Belize from Victoria House, Belize

Best time for diving in Belize?

As on land, the marine life in Belize is nothing short of spectacular. For SCUBA diving enthusiasts and snorkelers who are keen to explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, the best time to travel to Belize is April, May, and June when visibility is better. The blue hole underwater experience is best explored when the weather is dry and warm between November and April.

What months are the rainy season in Belize? What is hurricane season in Belize?

December to May is the cool, dry season in Belize, and not surprisingly, the peak tourist season. December and January, in particular, are very busy and early bookings are recommended for accommodations, transportation, and excursions. If you’re looking for unadulterated fun in the sun on magnificent beaches, the dry season is the best time to visit Belize. Mayan ruins in Belize are best explored between January and May when it is drier in the jungles.

The rainy season in Belize extends from June to October. This is also hurricane season in Belize. If you’re planning to visit Belize in the summer, keep an eye on the weather forecast. August, September, and October are the wettest months. But, if you don’t mind packing a poncho or umbrella, you’ll find some of the cheapest accommodation and excursion packages in Belize during these months.

Don’t forget to check out our other articles on Belize including our “Insider Guide to Belize.”

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