Belize boasts an ideal tropical climate that makes exploring its rainforest and beaches enjoyable at any time of year. Although weather patterns vary slightly throughout the year, most travelers will find that any time is ideal for visiting this stunning destination.
From March through May, warm temperatures and refreshing rain showers help maintain low levels of humidity for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
The Climate of Belize: A Comprehensive Guide
People visiting Belize frequently have questions about its weather. Being subtropical, Belize does experience distinct dry and wet seasons but experiences less extreme temperature variations than many tropical areas do.
Belize experiences its dry season from February to May, although occasional storms do erupt during this period. The rainy season typically starts in June and lasts through November with peak activity around September; daily morning skies may feature cloudy conditions with thunderstorms but they usually dissipate quickly.
Most of the rain falls in the south and east, while northern savannas receive less than 50 inches annually. Hilly terrain features sugarcane fields while citrus plantations and Mayan villages can be found southwestern region.
Belize weather varies significantly by region, but, there is a refreshing year-round breeze that keeps temperatures and humidity relatively manageable in seafront areas. Meanwhile, for those seeking relief in interior Belizean regions like Mountain Pine Ridge and Maya Mountains.
Belize’s climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Being located so far north in Central America, sunrise occurs around 5:30 am while sunset takes place around 6:30 p.m.
Belize typically experiences a hot and humid climate that is moderated by a brisk northeast prevailing wind that keeps temperatures relatively stable throughout the year, save for occasional bursts of cool air from the north. These winds also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding along the coastal areas; however, in upland areas, mosquitoes may become a more pressing concern at higher elevations. It is wise to take necessary precautions against mosquitoes when traveling in Belize; covering yourself up as much as possible is recommended and insect repellent as necessary.
Weather in Belize: Patterns and Variations
Belize, situated between Mexico on its northern border, Guatemala on its east and south, and the Caribbean Sea on its west, boasts an incredibly varied climate and terrain. Only slightly larger than New Jersey in size, there is over 240 miles of coastline for travelers to discover as well as tropical rainforests and highland plateaus dotted with Mayan ruins. Yet despite such diversity in landscape, Belize enjoys relatively mild conditions due to being located inland from the Equator with cooling trade winds sweeping in.
Belize’s warmest months tend to fall between November and January and May and September – the dry season months when average temperatures average around 80deg F (27 Celsius). There is very little precipitation at this time.
the rest of the year in Belize can vary considerably yet remains quite pleasant. February is another popular month to visit due to its beautiful tropical weather and sunny skies; while January can often bring cooler and wetter conditions as the rainy season commences in earnest.
Temperatures begin to slowly increase during March and April as the sun heats the country, prompting “Iguana Rains”. These cool showers provide much-needed respite from the scorching heat with showers lasting anywhere between several minutes to an hour long – an unexpected reprieve from heat stress!
June to October marks the official beginning of rainy season in earnest, when heavy downpours can be accompanied by powerful wind and lightning storms, often leaving behind floods and other natural disasters in its wake. Heavy precipitation tends to hit most heavily in northern and central regions of the country and may cause flooding as well as other natural calamities.
Even though rainfall in the south of the country may not be as plentiful, it still occurs regularly and often follows with sunshine. Furthermore, this region is more vulnerable to hurricanes and other forms of extreme tropical weather events than its northern counterpart.
The amount of daylight changes throughout the year but is usually quite consistent and bright and sunny. December marks a short day with only 11 hours of illumination per day.
Climate in Belize: Temperature Rainfall Seasons
Belize, being a tropical country, experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season typically begins around November and lasts through May; rainfall amounts vary according to the region – generally, Northern Belize sees more precipitation than its southern counterpart.
Belize’s dry season offers visitors who enjoy beach activities, snorkeling or diving the coral reefs, and exploring Mayan ruins an ideal opportunity for beach fun, year-round sunshine, and an airy breeze that helps manage humidity levels and keeps temperatures manageable.
If you want to experience Belize’s jungles, rainforests, and wetlands for yourself, the rainy season offers many rewarding experiences as well. While this season may appeal to nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, its disadvantages such as flooding or increased hurricane risk could pose significant threats that might threaten travel plans.
Travelers visiting Belize during the rainy season can anticipate daily showers and thunderstorms. While rain showers tend to occur mostly in the afternoon when sunlight peaks, an entire day’s worth of precipitation rarely happens unless extreme conditions such as heavy flooding occur.
Belize can experience cold fronts during December and January that bring with them a chill in the air, though these rarely cause major disruptions or make swimming more challenging or outdoor activities more cumbersome.
Though Belize weather can vary considerably throughout the year, visiting this incredible destination at any time is never a bad decision! From beaches to rainforests and everything in between, Belize will leave an indelible mark in your memories that won’t soon fade.
Best Time to Visit Belize: Optimal Weather
As with many tropical destinations, Belize’s ideal time of visit varies based on what activity you want to undertake. SCUBA divers will find ideal conditions in March through May – however, this period marks peak tourism season so beaches and resorts might become more crowded during this time.
Are You Planning on Travelling this January/February? For an enjoyable vacation experience, January or February is ideal, when temperatures remain between hot and rainy conditions. January or February also marks peak whale shark watching conditions – sightings have been reported from two days before to ten days post full moon!
April is another ideal month for an unhurried vacation, as temperatures and rainfall both drop steadily throughout the month. After experiencing summer’s heat wave, temperatures tend to remain in the low 80s during the day while evening temperatures typically dip into the 60s; plus, only two inches of precipitation is recorded on average throughout April; tourism remains quiet, and prices often decrease accordingly.
Rainy season peaks between June and July, though overall it remains quite dry overall. Once hurricane season sets in, September through November can become extremely wet in some regions, especially for those living further south.
Corozal in the north of Mexico stands out as an exception with less rainfall than areas further south, making it a favorite destination for those wanting to avoid peak seasons.
December through April are typically Belize’s driest months when seas are calm and temperatures fall into an ideal “Goldilocks Zone” for most travelers. This period also marks a great opportunity to experience Caribbean Christmas festivities across Belize with parades, cultural dances, and cultural dances held all throughout this festive period. In addition, upland temperatures drop significantly with increasing altitude (by three degrees for every 1000ft gained); the coolest parts include those near Doyle’s Delight and Victoria Peak where pine-covered mountains boast year-round cool nights – perfect conditions to witness iguanas or other rainforest creatures!
