Belize offers an incredible mix of Caribbean beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and the world's second-largest barrier reef. From diving the Great Blue Hole to exploring jungle temples, this small Central American nation packs adventure, culture, and natural beauty into every corner.
Belize has a subtropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The Caribbean coast and cayes experience warm temperatures year-round averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F), with humidity highest during the rainy months. The inland jungle areas of Cayo District are cooler and see dramatic wet-season downpours. Hurricane season runs June through November with peak risk in September and October.
Best time to visit
Best: December to April (dry season)
Peak Season: December to April (dry season)
Shoulder Season: May, November
Avoid: June to October (rainy season, hurricane risk)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
23C/73F
Dry, sunny, and peak tourist season. Busy and expensive.
February
24C/75F
Prime dry season. Excellent reef visibility and comfortable heat.
March
25C/77F
Late dry season. Ideal weather and slightly fewer crowds.
April
27C/81F
Warm and mostly dry. Easter brings busy beaches.
May
28C/82F
First rains arrive. Fewer tourists, lower prices begin.
June
28C/82F
Wet season starts. Whale sharks at Gladden Spit, lobster season opens June (varies).
July
28C/82F
Lobster season opens July 15 — festive in cayes. Wet season in full swing.
August
28C/82F
Peak wet season but mornings are usually sunny. Hurricane risk begins.
September
27C/81F
Peak hurricane risk month. September celebrations mid-month are vibrant.
October
27C/81F
Hurricane risk continues. Wet and green. Few tourists.
November
25C/77F
Shoulder season begins. Garifuna Settlement Day (Nov 19) is spectacular.
December
23C/73F
Dry season returns. Christmas crowds and festive atmosphere.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Late dry season transitioning to first rains. March is still very dry while May sees the first wet season showers. Excellent reef visibility and comfortable temperatures.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Wet season with daily afternoon downpours but mornings are typically clear and sunny. Lush green jungle, dramatic waterfalls, and whale sharks at Gladden Spit (through June). Lobster season opens July 15.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Peak hurricane risk in September and October. Most resort areas remain open. November brings drier conditions and the beautiful Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations. Green and lush landscapes.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Peak tourist season with dry, sunny weather and reliable reef conditions. Christmas and New Year bring the biggest crowds and highest prices. Cool northerly winds ('nortes') can occasionally close down boat trips briefly.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- December through April
- Shoulder Season
- May, June, November
- Low Season
- July through October (excluding Lobster Fest in mid-July)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Lobster Fest
Celebrate opening of lobster season with street parties, live music, lobster dishes, and beach festivities. Huge party atmosphere, book accommodation months in advance.
September Celebrations
Month-long national celebration with parades, carnival, cultural performances, and street parties. St. George's Caye Day (Sept 10) and Independence Day (Sept 21) are biggest.
Garifuna Settlement Day
Commemorate Garifuna arrival in Belize with drumming, traditional dancing, Jonkunu performances, and cultural events. Hopkins, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda host major celebrations.
Costa Maya Festival
International celebration of Maya culture with beauty pageants, concerts, traditional dances, and regional performers from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.
Chocolate Festival of Belize
Three-day celebration of Belizean cacao with farm tours, chocolate-making demos, Maya cultural events, and lots of chocolate tasting. Educational and delicious.
Easter Weekend
Major holiday with cross-country cycling race, beach parties, and family gatherings. Beaches packed, book early. Good Friday and Easter Monday public holidays.
Deer Dance Festival
Traditional Maya Deer Dance performed in Mopan Maya village. Cultural immersion, traditional dress, and authentic Maya ceremony. Rarely seen by tourists.
Cashew Festival
Celebrate cashew harvest with cashew wine, cashew jams, fruit, cultural performances, and local crafts. Small village festival, authentic local experience.