The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which is between January and May. Although you can enjoy warm temperatures across the country, the type of weather you get will depend on the region. Expect clear, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the Cayes. The Toledo District and Placencia enjoy a more tropical climate where there’s a chance of rain at any time of year, but this is what gives these regions their lush beauty.
The wet season runs from June to December, but travel is still possible until early August, with rain mostly falling in the afternoon. Travel becomes challenging as the season progresses, and there is a low risk of hurricanes. Some businesses will close during this time.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Belize
Visiting Belize in January - March
This is the driest time to visit Belize, with prolonged periods of warm sunshine; particularly in the north and central regions. This lends itself to exploring the country’s jungles and Maya ruins, trying some adventure activities and relaxing on the beach. As this is peak season, planning early will give you the best choice of hotels and lodges.
Events & Festivals
- Carnival Week (just before Lent): Carnival Week sees music and dancing, with particularly lively festivities in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
Visiting Belize in April - May
In April and May the weather in the Cayo District and on the Cayes remains predominantly dry, while heat and humidity gradually increases. Easter is a very popular time to visit Belize, so you need to book early if this is the only time you can travel; particularly if you are combining Belize with a visit to neighboring Guatemala.
Events & Festivals
- Punta Gorda (end of May): Punta Gorda in Toledo District sees its annual Chocolate Festival, with a week of events celebrating the cacao bean, chocolate making and local crafts.
Visiting Belize in June - July
The rainy season begins, but this is rarely the persistent rainfall that is experienced later in the season, with sharp showers predominantly falling in the afternoon and at night. Mid-June marks the beginning of lobster season in Belize, with Placencia and Ambergris Caye being great places to try some tasty lobster dishes.
Visiting Belize in August - October
The height of the rainy season sees high humidity, heavy rain and the risk of tropical storms; including very occasional hurricanes. Some lodges close in September for annual maintenance.
Events & Festivals
- Belize Carnival (September): Belize Carnival is a purely national affair featuring colorful processions and costumes with a distinctly Creole flavor, with events particularly prevalent in the Orange Walk District and Belize City.
- La Costa Maya (early August): The biggest festival in Belize, with musicians traveling from across the Americas to perform. In Ambergris Caye there are pageants, music and dance events to be enjoyed.
Visiting Belize in November - December
The heaviest rains begin to ease and humidity is decreasing. By December, visitors are returning to Belize in great numbers, with beach hotels for Christmas and New Year becoming fully booked many months in advance.
Events & Festivals
- Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19): Brings traditional dancing, drumming and celebrations to the whole country, but most notably to Punta Gorda, Dangriga and Hopkins.
Belize Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayo District & Caracol | 81°F 4" | 82°F 2" | 82°F 2" | 88°F 2" | 88°F 3" | 88°F 8" | 84°F 7" | 86°F 5" | 86°F 7" | 84°F 8" | 82°F 6" | 82°F 5" |
| Coastal Mainland | 81°F 6" | 82°F 3" | 86°F 2" | 88°F 2" | 90°F 4" | 88°F 11" | 88°F 12" | 88°F 11" | 88°F 13" | 86°F 12" | 82°F 9" | 82°F 7" |
| The Atolls | 81°F 4" | 82°F 3" | 84°F 2" | 86°F 1" | 88°F 3" | 88°F 7" | 86°F 7" | 86°F 6" | 88°F 7" | 86°F 10" | 82°F 7" | 81°F 6" |
| The Cayes | 84°F 4" | 84°F 2" | 86°F 1" | 88°F 1" | 90°F 4" | 88°F 6" | 90°F 4" | 90°F 4" | 90°F 8" | 88°F 8" | 86°F 6" | 84°F 5" |
| Toledo District | 52°F 1" | 55°F 1" | 61°F 1" | 64°F 2" | 73°F 1" | 82°F 1" | 91°F 0" | 90°F 0" | 82°F 1" | 70°F 2" | 57°F 2" | 52°F 2" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Belize, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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