When is the Best Time to Visit Belize?

When is the best time to visit Belize? 
For most people, the best time to visit Belize is between mid-December to end of March.  The weather is beautiful this time of year (and because it's cold in North America), temperatures here in Belize are enjoyable.  Most days are sunny with blue skies.  The coolest months in Belize are January and February.   But honestly, Belize is beautiful all year round.  It all comes down to personal preferences, and different travel advantages.  Different times of year are best for different activities.  If you're into anyone of these, you may want to consider traveling when this activity seems to blossom.

Belize's Dry Season vs. Rainy Season

Belize’s Dry Season vs Rainy Season
Belize only has two seasons, "dry season" & "rainy season".  Each season has their pros & cons as to visiting.
Dry Season
  • The dry season is somewhat Belize’s winter minus the snow and freezing cold.
  • During the months of November to February, the temperature in Belize drops a bit leading to cool windy days with lots of sunshine.
  • January & February are the coolest months in Belize, with May being the hottest month in Belize.
  • March & April, tend to get a little warmer, as North America begins to thaw out. 
  • This good weather makes it easy to schedule lots of fun activities, including numerous aquatic sports and jungle adventures.
  • The dry season is also Belize’s high tourism season, which means that certain towns and archaeological sites can sometimes be a bit crowded with tourists.
  • Belize is still relatively unknown and doesn’t really attract a lot of tourists as compared to other countries.
Rainy Season
  • The rainy season (aka wet season) runs equivalent to Belize’s low tourist season.
  • Belize's rainy season is from about June to mid-November.
  • Traveling during rainy season means that your sunny days can be unexpectedly turned into rainy days.
  • Important to keep in mind as well, is Belize's hurricane season (June to end of October).
  • The two least desirable months to be in Belize are September and October.  This is when hurricane activity can be at its peak. 
  • If traveling from the months of August to October, you will want to make sure you buy travel insurance.
  • On a positive note, tropical storm, rain showers usually only last one or two hours.
  • Rain can cause many adventures to shut down, due to possible flooding (i.e. Barton Creek Cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal and cave tubing).
  • Although rainy season has its disadvantages, many prefer to travel during this time to avoid over crowding and to take advantage of airline & hotel discounts. 

Belize's Tourist Season (High vs. Low)

Belize's Tourist Season (High vs. Low)
High Tourist Season
  • Belize’s high tourist season is from December to April.
  • This time period runs simultaneously with Belize’s dry season.
  • When North America/Canada/Europe is having their harsh winter months, many Americans, Canadians, and Europeans escape the cold by traveling to warmer climates - such as Belize.
Low Tourist Season
  • Belize’s low tourist season is from May to mid-November.
  • This time period runs simultaneously with Belize's rainy season.
  • Many travelers strategically visit Belize during this time to take advantage of lower prices.
  • Most tourism businesses discount their room and tour rates by 30 to 50 percent to accommodate low season.

Best Time For Fishing

January - Wahoo, Grouper, Atlantic Snook
February - Wahoo, Grouper, Atlantic Snook, Permit
March - Wahoo, Permit, Reef Fishing
April - Sailfish, Permit, Reef Fishing, Bonefish, Tarpon
May - Sailfish, Permit, Tarpon,
June - Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon,
July - Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon
August - Tarpon
September - Tarpon
October - Bonefish
November - Wahoo, Bonefish
December - Wahoo, Atlantic Snook
Note:  Reef Fishing is good just about anytime, but it's the best during the months of:  December thru August
Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling
There isn’t a specific best time to dive or snorkel in Belize, although many scuba divers prefer the calmer waters during the summer months.

Best Time for Whale Shark Watching
Whale Sharks watching is best done from March to June.

More importantly, there are many major factors that contribute to having an enjoyable Belize vacation. Such as fun activities year-round festivals, tours, and special events (like the annual Bird Watching Festival in October each year).  You can either choose to mingle with the crowds during high season or taking advantage of special discounts during off-season.  The best answer, is to vacation in Belize when it best suits you.

Belize Annual Festivals

JANUARY
  • New Year’s Day
  • Horse Race in Burrel Boom
FEBRUARY
  • San Pedro Carnival
  • Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival
MARCH
  • La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge Race
  • Chocolate Week
  • Maya Day
APRIL
  • San Pedro Lagoon-Reef Eco-Challenge
  • Easter Week Festivities across Belize
MAY
  • The National Agricultural & Trade Show
  • Cashew Festival
  • BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge
  • Toledo Cacao Festival
  • Monkey River Festival
 JUNE
  • Lobster Festivals in San Pedro,  Placencia, and Caye Caulker
  • Dia de San Pedro
  • Mango Fest
 JULY
  • Pibil Fest
  • Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta
AUGUST
  • The International Costa Maya Festival
  • Tres Pescados Slam Tournament
  • La Fiesta de San Joaquin
SEPTEMBER
  • Carnival Road March
  • J’ouvert
  • September 10th
  • September 21st - Independence Day
OCTOBER
  • Annual Belize Bird Festival
NOVEMBER
  • Belize International Film Festival
  • Battle of the Drums
  • Garifuna Settlement Day
  • Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
  • Holiday Boat Lighting Parade
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day
  • New Year’s Eve

Related Topics

Picture
Belize by the Month
 Picture
Belize Festivals
 Picture
Plan Your Trip