January marks the height of Belize’s dry season, bringing warm days (26–28°C), low humidity and excellent conditions for outdoor activities. Coastal regions, the Belize Cayes and the reef have particularly calm waters, ideal for marine adventures like snorkelling and diving. Inland areas such as Cayo District and Mountain Pine Ridge are slightly cooler, providing a reprieve from the hot coastal regions. Now is the time for trekking and caving. January is a peak month, so expect higher prices and limited availability – early bookings for accommodation and tours are strongly advised.
The best time to visit Belize
The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, from mid-November to May, with the best weather for diving the Belize Barrier Reef, exploring Maya ruins and enjoying lively festivals.
However, June to October brings fewer visitors and lush, green landscapes, ideal for those seeking quieter adventures, though afternoon showers and occasional storms are common. Understanding the country’s seasonal rhythms will help you make the most of your journey.
Explore the best time to visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Visiting Belize in January
high seasonReef adventures
January’s calm, clear waters offer prime conditions for snorkelling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and diving the Great Blue Hole. Visibility often exceeds 30 metres and sightings of nurse sharks, eagle rays and colourful coral gardens are almost guaranteed.
Howler Monkeys
Wildlife activity is best in the rainforest and is a great time for sightings of the endangered black howler monkeys.
Visiting Belize in February
high seasonFebruary continues with sunny days and comfortable temperatures around 27°C. Light breezes keep coastal areas pleasant, while jungle interiors are lush and accessible. Marine conditions are excellent and it’s a popular month for reef activities and inland exploration. Accommodation remains in high demand, particularly around the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival.
Snorkel with sharks and rays
Visit Shark Ray Alley near Ambergris Caye for unforgettable encounters with nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Calm seas and crystal-clear water make February one of the safest and most rewarding months for marine wildlife interaction.
Cave tubing in Cayo
February is a thrilling time to float through Belize’s extensive cave systems. Caves Branch River, near Belmopan, offers safe, guided tubing trips through cathedral-like caverns adorned with stalactites.
Visiting Belize in March
high seasonMarch brings hotter days (up to 30°C) but remains dry and largely crowd-free until Easter. It’s a prime month for adventure activities across Belize, from reef excursions to jungle hikes. Coastal breezes keep the Cayes comfortable, though inland regions can feel quite warm during the afternoons. On 9th March, Belize honours benefactor Baron Bliss with regattas, parades and festivities along the coast, particularly in Belize City. It’s a great way to experience local pride and maritime culture first-hand.
Blue Hole
With peak underwater visibility, March is an exceptional time to dive into the depths of the Great Blue Hole. Schools of reef sharks, stalactite formations and electric-blue water make for a surreal experience.
Explore the ATM Cave
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, filled with Maya relics and crystalised human remains, is particularly atmospheric during March.
Visiting Belize in April
high seasonApril marks the final month of the dry season, with daytime highs often reaching 32°C. The Easter period sees Belize bustling with both international visitors and locals, especially along the coast. Inland, caves and forests remain excellent for exploration before the first rains arrive.
Whale shark encounters
April and May are a great time to go diving and watch Whale Sharks at Glover’s Reef, part of a protected marine reserve called the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR), off Placencia. These gentle giants congregate to feed, providing snorkellers and divers with rare, close-up encounters.
Caracol ruins
Hidden deep within the Chiquibul Forest, Caracol is Belize’s largest Maya site. Towering pyramids rise above the jungle canopy, with the main temple, Caana, offering panoramic views. Less visited than Tikal, it rewards adventurous travellers with a sense of discovery in a remarkably unspoiled setting.
Visiting Belize in May
medium seasonMay transitions from dry to rainy season, but early rains are typically light and brief. Visitor numbers dip, meaning better rates on accommodation. Inland jungles burst into vivid green and cacao farms in southern Belize prepare for harvest celebrations.
Toledo Chocolate Festival
Celebrated over the Commonwealth Day weekend, this festival honours the country’s rich cacao-growing heritage. Visitors can join farm tours, tastings and cultural dances in the cacao heartland of Toledo District.
Explore Xunantunich
Xunantunich, meaning “Stone Woman” in Maya, is one of Belize’s most accessible and impressive archaeological sites. Located near San Ignacio, it’s reached via a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. The highlight is El Castillo, a towering temple with carved friezes and sweeping views over the surrounding jungle and into Guatemala.
Visiting Belize in June
medium seasonJune ushers in heavier rains, but mornings are often dry and sunny. It’s a fantastic month for nature lovers willing to work around short afternoon showers. Whale shark sightings continue and lobster season celebrations kick off along the coast.
Lamanai
Reach the remote Maya city of Lamanai via a boat journey along the New River. In June, the water levels are ideal, and the surrounding jungle teems with wildlife. Spider monkeys, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species are commonly seen en route to the site’s towering temple structures.
Whale shark season finale
June offers the final opportunities to snorkel or dive with whale sharks near Placencia. Dive shops expertly time excursions to coincide with the full moon for the best chances of sightings.
Visiting Belize in July
low seasonJuly is hot and humid, with regular afternoon downpours. Rain refreshes the jungles and rivers, creating excellent conditions for caving and tubing. Fewer tourists mean more personalised experiences and accommodation prices are noticeably lower.
Belize International Film Festival
Held in Belize City and Placencia, this festival celebrates Caribbean and Central American cinema. Attend screenings, filmmaker workshops and beachside afterparties, all in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere.
Lobster festivals
Celebrate the opening of lobster season with lively street festivals in San Pedro and Placencia. Expect grilled lobster feasts, live music and friendly competitions.
Visiting Belize in August
low seasonAugust is one of the hottest, wettest months, but mornings remain bright and festivals bring local communities to life. Storms can disrupt plans, so flexibility is important. In return, visitors benefit from uncrowded beaches and reduced accommodation rates.
Costa Maya Festival
Held in San Pedro, this multi-day event showcases music, dance and beauty pageants from across Central America. It’s one of Belize’s biggest cultural festivals, blending lively performances with island hospitality.
Garifuna drumming workshops
In Hopkins and Dangriga, visitors can take hands-on workshops to learn the rhythms and songs of Garifuna culture, a UNESCO-recognised heritage blending African, Arawak and Caribbean traditions.
Visiting Belize in September
low seasonSeptember is Belize’s most patriotic month, despite the peak of hurricane season. Rain showers are frequent, but between storms, the country erupts in celebration. Expect lively parades and street parties.
Carnival celebrations
Leading up to Independence Day (21st September), Belize City hosts vibrant carnival parades with elaborately costumed dancers and booming soca music.
St George's Caye Day
On 10th September, Belize commemorates a historic victory over Spanish forces. Festivities include boat parades, concerts and reenactments, particularly around Belize City and the historic St. George’s Caye.
Visiting Belize in October
low seasonOctober remains rainy with a continued risk of storms, but tourist numbers are very low and landscapes are lush and photogenic. Inland activities are a safe bet and tour operators offer excellent deals to encourage off-season travel. Around 12th October, towns like Orange Walk and Corozal celebrate the diversity of Belizean heritage with food fairs, music and dance performances showcasing Maya, Mestizo and Garifuna traditions.
Birdwatching
Spot jabirus, herons and dozens of migratory species in the lagoons. Guided early-morning boat trips offer the best photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Hike through the rainforest, spot wildlife like howler monkeys, peccaries and exotic birds, or try ziplining.
Visiting Belize in November
medium seasonNovember sees the return of drier, cooler weather, making it one of Belize’s best-kept secrets. The landscapes are still vibrant from the rains and major cultural events fill the calendar, making it an ideal time to combine outdoor adventure with authentic experiences.
Garifuna Settlement Day
On 19th November, coastal towns like Dangriga and Hopkins explode into drumming, dancing and processions honouring the Garifuna people’s arrival in Belize. Early morning reenactments by boat are special to witness.
Hiking in Mountain Pine Ridge
With rivers running full and the air fresh after months of rain, November is perfect for hiking to waterfalls like Big Rock and Hidden Valley Falls in the cooler elevations of Mountain Pine Ridge.
Visiting Belize in December
high seasonDecember is one of Belize’s busiest and most festive months. Dry weather returns, temperatures are comfortably warm and the holiday spirit fills towns and villages. It’s a perfect month for beach relaxation, wildlife spotting and reef adventures, provided you book accommodation and tours well in advance.
Christmas on the Cayes
Celebrate Christmas Day with a beach barbecue on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, where twinkling lights decorate palm trees and snorkelling trips replace traditional winter pastimes.
Diving and snorkelling excursions
With superb underwater visibility and calm seas, December offers some of the year’s best conditions for diving the Belize Barrier Reef, spotting turtles, manatees and colourful reef fish.
Belize climate guide
Drag the slider to see monthly temperature and rainfall.
| Maximum Temperature (°C) | Monthly Rainfall (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Atolls
|
||
|
The Cayes
|
||
|
Cayo District & Caracol
|
||
|
Coastal Mainland
|
||
|
Toledo District
|
Explore Belize
-
The Atolls
-
The Cayes
-
Cayo District and Caracol
-
Coastal Mainland
-
Toledo District
Belize Holiday Inspiration
Our Belize experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started.
Contact Us
Start planning your trip
Send us an enquiry
Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.
Review Contact Form
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?