Basket
When’s the best time to visit Belize?
Belize: Your Month-by-Month Guide to Paradise (For UK Travellers)
If you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit Belize, you’re in the right place.
Maybe you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant coral reefs?
Or maybe you’re yearning for that little bit of adventure that’s calling out to you – whatever it is, Belize delivers it in spades.
With its tropical climate, though, planning when you head to this Central American gem can make all the difference and avoid heading on a slightly soggy adventure!
So, as helpful as we are over here at The Bucket List Company, we’ve pulled together this comprehensive month-by-month guide to Belize so you can plan your getaway properly…
January: Kicking Off the Year in Caribbean Style
January in Belize is a breath of fresh air, literally.
It follows on from November and December to signify that the dry season is in full swing, bringing clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures that tend to sit between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).
Humidity is lower, too, making exploring the rainforests and Maya sites much more pleasant. The Caribbean Sea is calm and inviting, perfect for snorkelling, diving, and sailing at this time of year.
- Why visit in January? Excellent weather, ideal for all activities, fewer crowds than later in the high season.
- Things to do: Explore the Great Blue Hole, go island hopping in the Cayes (like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), discover the ancient Mayan city of Caracol.
- Considerations: With it being the start of the high season, the earlier you book flights, accommodation and tours, the better
February: Romance and Reefs Under Sunny Skies
February continues where January leaves off in Belize, with more clear blue skies and glorious sunshine. The sea’s calm and clear at this time of year, which makes it a popular time for couples heading for a romantic getaway – and who could blame them?!
I couldn’t imagine a better place to spend Valentine’s Day, so if you’re looking to go all out for your loved one… hint, hint.
It’s a great time to spot wildlife in the rainforests too, with plenty of tours in operation during the dry season.
- Why visit in February? Consistently great weather, romantic ambiance, prime time for diving and snorkelling.
- Things to do: Relax on the beaches of Placencia, kayak through mangrove forests, witness the vibrant marine life at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
- Considerations: Prices might be slightly higher due to Valentine’s Day and the ongoing high season, so check out all your options and book early where you can
March: The Sweet Spot of Sunshine and Serenity
Often known as a ‘shoulder’ month, March strikes a great balance between the dry and sunny weather and the slightly less busy periods, with crowds easing off in some areas.
Sea temperatures remain warm so it’s great if you’re planning on spending time in the open water, soaking up the sunshine!
- Why visit in March? Superb weather, warm sea temperatures, and potentially fewer crowds than earlier in the high season.
- Things to do: Hike to waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, go birdwatching in Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy a sunset cruise.
Considerations: Spring break in North America can bring a slight increase in visitors to some areas, so book tours early
April: Easter Adventures and Balmy Breezes
The dry season holds into April, so if you’re planning on heading there for an Easter adventure, then you’ll be greeted with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Easter can be a pretty lively time in Belize, locals host plenty of celebrations so if that’s your jam, this could just be the perfect time for you to head off on an adventure!
Domestic tourism increases in April for celebrations and cultural trips, so you might find yourself mixing it amongst Belizeans a bit more than most months, adding a pretty fun flavour to your trip.
- Why visit in April? Reliable dry weather, warm temperatures, opportunity to experience local Easter celebrations.
- Things to do: Visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, a fascinating Mayan archaeological site, explore the Belize Zoo, and even indulge in a spot of fishing.
Considerations: Easter week can see more local tourists, so book accommodations and tours with that in mind!
May: The Transition Begins – Warmth and a Hint of Rain
May marks the transition from the dry to the wet season, so if you are thinking of a trip to Belize in May, you might want to pack a raincoat.
The rain tends to come in short, sharp bursts in the afternoons while temperatures stay warm, so it’s not likely that any days will be a total washout!
Humidity does, however, begin to creep up, so if you’re looking for drier months, then May might not be your best bet.
- Why visit in May? Still good weather overall, fewer crowds, potentially lower prices.
- Things to do: Explore the Mayan ruins of Lamanai via a riverboat trip, go cave tubing, enjoy the blooming flora of the rainforest.
- Considerations: Be prepared for the possibility of afternoon showers – pack a raincoat!
Check out the next available dates for our amazing Belize adventure
June: Lush Landscapes and Quieter Shores
While May might be a shoulder month, there’s no doubt that June marks the beginning of the rainy season in Belize.
It doesn’t mean it’s a complete washout with wall-to-wall downpours, though. Rainfall tends to be more frequent but often short-lived, meaning you just need to be a bit more prepared for interruptions.
The good news is that with more rainfall, Belize blooms into a lush, green landscape and you’ll get probably the most picturesque views you can imagine. Plus, visitor numbers tend to dip, meaning you’re less likely to end up in queues or encounter as many tourists.
- Why visit in June? Lush scenery, fewer crowds, lower prices, good for budget travellers.
- Things to do: Discover the underwater wonders of the Turneffe Atoll, go kayaking or paddleboarding in the calmer mornings, visit a local market.
- Considerations: Be prepared for more humidity and the distinct possibility of rain.
July: A Tropical Interlude – Sun and Showers
As we head into July in Belize, things can be a little more unpredictable.
More often than not, you can expect warm temperatures and plenty of sun, but be aware that there’s also an increased chance of rain.
Not only that, but afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common, so it’s worth factoring that into your plans for your time if you’re going to be there in July.
They don’t tend to last forever and the breaks in between any showers tend to be filled with glorious sunshine – but a raincoat and having somewhere to duck into during any prolonged showery periods is worth thinking about!
- Why visit in July? Fewer crowds, lower prices, and a (very!) lush green environment.
- Things to do: Explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to jaguars, go zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, learn about Garifuna culture in Hopkins.
- Considerations: Be prepared for more rain and higher humidity.
August: Embracing the Green Season – Value and Verdancy
August is similar to July, with warm temperatures, higher humidity, and a greater chance of rainfall.
But as tourist numbers fall off, prices tend to come down and it can be a worthwhile risk to travel at this time of year and deal with the wetter weather to save on your travel costs.
The one BIG plus for Belize in August is that the landscape’s at its most vibrant thanks to the extra rainfall coupled with warm temperatures and plenty of sun – it’s a pretty spectacular mix.
- Why visit in August? Best deals on accommodation and tours, incredibly lush scenery, quiet atmosphere.
- Things to do: Visit the Mountain Pine Ridge for cooler temperatures and stunning scenery, explore the Rio Frio Cave, enjoy the slower pace of life.
Considerations: Be prepared for more frequent rainfall, higher humidity and quieter areas as you travel
September: The Heart of the Hurricane Season – Proceed with Caution
Fair warning, September marks the beginning of the official hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Direct hits are pretty rare but it’s important to consider what impact it could have and whether it’s worth the risk of travelling during a time where there’s an increased chance of tropical storms.
A lot of resorts reduce their hours and opening times around this time, with some even closing entirely.
- Why visit in September? Very few tourists, potentially the lowest prices, but significant weather risks.
- Things to do (if weather permits): Enjoy deserted beaches, relax in a hammock, experience the local culture without the crowds.
- Considerations: Hurricane season, high chance of rain and potential for disruptions. Travel insurance is essential, and it’s crucial to monitor weather forecasts closely to ensure you’re safe at all times.
October: The Tail End of the Wet Season – Signs of Improvement
October still brings the risk of tropical storms but as the month goes on, it marks the end of the hurricane season. Rainfall is still a distinct possibility but the later in the month you go, the less likely it is!
Landscapes are vibrant thanks to enjoying the benefit of the wetter weather in the preceding months, with tourist numbers picking up as we head towards November.
- Why visit in October? Fewer crowds than the high season, lower prices than the high season, improving weather towards the end of the month.
- Things to do: Go diving or snorkelling as visibility starts to improve, explore the inland attractions before the peak season rush, enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Considerations: Still a chance of rain and some storms, especially in the early part of the month.
November: A Return to Sunshine – Perfect for Exploration
November signals the return of the dry season, hurray!
While I would still advise you pack a good raincoat, the good news is that rainfall is much less likely AND humidity begins to drop – win, win.
It’s an excellent time to explore all that Belize has to offer without the peak season crowds and it’s becoming a popular one as time goes on, maybe in part due to the less than appealing weather back home in November…
- Why visit in November? Excellent weather returning, fewer crowds than the peak season, good value for money.
- Things to do: Visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, go horseback riding through the jungle, enjoy the pleasant evenings.
- Considerations: Prices may start to creep up as the high season approaches, so booking early can lock in your prices and make sure you get the best deals
December: Festive Cheer and Fantastic Conditions
The festive season in Belize? What could be better?!
It’s a seriously popular time to visit because the dry season is well and truly underway, meaning you get the best combination of weather with comfortable temperatures.
The festive spirit adds a unique charm, and many visitors from colder climates flock to Belize for a warm Christmas and New Year – sound familiar?
- Why visit in December? Superb weather, festive atmosphere, ideal for escaping the UK winter.
- Things to do: Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve on a tropical beach, enjoy the excellent diving and snorkelling conditions, explore the vibrant towns and villages.
- Considerations: Peak season, so expect higher prices and book well in advance!
Your Perfect Belize Adventure Awaits – whenever you decide to go, you’ll have a magical time.
For guaranteed sunshine and calm seas, you’re probably best off looking to the dry season (December to April) while if you’re looking to do something on a budget or to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of May and November offer a great middle ground.
You can travel whenever but if you choose to travel in the green season or other times of the year, just make sure you’re prepared for rainy spells!
Belize packs in a whole lot of unforgettable experiences, complete with natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitality like little else you’ve seen before.
And now that you know when’s the best time to visit Belize, what’s stopping you from booking the adventure of a lifetime?
Click here to find out more about our Belize itinerary, throw any questions you have in our direction, and let’s see you in paradise. If you don’t book it now… Will you ever?
