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.

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 -
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 and tours, year-round festivals and events, and either choosing to mingle with the crowds during the tourism high season or taking advantage of off-peak discounts during the low season. So come vacation in Belize whenever it best suits you!

Belize’s High Tourist Season vs Low Tourist Season
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.

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, December, and January, the temperature in Belize drops a bit leading to cool windy days with lots of sunshine.
  • February, March and April, tend to a hotter days with almost no clouds.
  • 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 May to mid-November.
  • However, it’s usually most rainy in September and October.
  • Traveling this time of year means that your sunny days can be unexpectedly turn into rainy days.
  • On a positive note, tropical storm, rain showers usually only last one or two hours.
  • Important to keep in mind as well, is Belize’s hurricane season
  • If traveling from the months of August to October, you will want to make sure you buy travel insurance.
  • 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 some disadvantages, many prefer to travel during this time to avoid crowds and to save money.

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