Last checked: November 2026.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Belize?
The best time to visit Belize is usually the dry season, from about December to April. Skies are clearer and boat trips are smoother, but this is also the busiest and most expensive period. The rainy season runs from roughly June to November and overlaps with Atlantic hurricane season. Different sources set the season edges a little differently, so treat the dates as a guide.
Belize’s Seasons at a Glance
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry and busy | Dec to Apr | Best weather, higher prices, booked-up hotels |
| Transition | May and Nov | Fewer crowds, more humidity or rain |
| Wet | Jun to Oct | Showers, lower prices, hurricane risk |
Daytime highs are usually in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius for much of the year, so the main difference is rain and humidity, not a change of seasons.
Belize Month by Month
- January: dry season, and a popular month. Some rain can still fall early in the year.
- February: one of the most comfortable months. Cruise season runs from February to mid-April, so popular islands can feel busy.
- March: often the busiest tourist month. Expect higher prices and crowded snorkeling tours. Baron Bliss Day on 9 March is a public holiday.
- April: mostly dry, but hotter and more humid. Easter brings crowds and changed opening hours.
- May: the end of the dry season, with rising humidity. Labour Day on 1 May is a public holiday. Whale shark season near Placencia is usually described as running from March to June.
- June: the rains begin, and hurricane season starts. Lobster festivals are held in summer in places such as Placencia and Caye Caulker, with dates that vary.
- July and August: wet and warm. Showers are often short, and prices can be lower.
- September: one of the wettest months. St. George’s Caye Day on 10 September and Independence Day on 21 September are public holidays.
- October: hurricane season peaks, and rain is heavy. Pan American Day on 12 October is a public holiday.
- November: the rains ease later in the month. Garifuna Settlement Day on 19 November is a public holiday, with celebrations in Dangriga, Hopkins and Punta Gorda.
- December: the start of high season. Book early for Christmas and New Year.
Weather by Region
The islands and the coast feel more humid and breezy, while inland areas around San Ignacio can be slightly cooler, though there’s little elevation gain. Sea conditions matter more than temperature for reef and Blue Hole trips, so check them with your operator.
Hurricane Season
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and the most active months in Belize are usually August to October. Storms can close airports and cause flooding. For example, the UK FCDO reported flooding and a temporary closure of the international airport after Tropical Storm Sara in November 2024. Buy travel insurance, keep flexible plans and follow local weather warnings. Boat and small-plane schedules also change in bad weather, as our getting around Belize guide explains.
Festivals and Holidays
Belize’s public holidays include New Year’s Day, Baron Bliss Day (9 March), the Easter holidays, Labour Day (1 May), Commonwealth Day (24 May), St. George’s Caye Day (10 September), Independence Day (21 September), Pan American Day (12 October), Garifuna Settlement Day (19 November), Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Banks and some shops close on these days, and transport can be busy.
Dates for local festivals change, so check the Belize Tourism Board at travelbelize.org before you plan around one.
Best Months by Trip Type
- Beach and snorkeling: February to April for calmer weather.
- Maya sites and caves: the dry months, when trails and roads are easier.
- Lower prices: May and November, or the wetter months if you accept the weather risk.
- Culture: November, for Garifuna Settlement Day, if you can handle early-month rain.
What to Pack
- Light, quick-drying clothes and a light rain jacket.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings and jungle trips.
- Water shoes and a dry bag for boat days.
- Printed copies of your booking and insurance details.
Checklist Before You Pick Dates
- Decide whether weather or price matters more.
- Check hurricane risk if you travel from June to November.
- Check public holidays that could affect transport and closures.
- Read your insurance terms for weather-related cancellations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking non-refundable trips during peak hurricane months.
- Waiting too long to book in March or December, when hotels fill up.
- Assuming rain means the whole day is lost. Showers are often short.
Best Time to Visit Belize FAQs
Is Belize too wet in summer?
Showers are common from June to October, and September and October are usually the wettest. Many travelers still go for lower prices, but should be flexible with plans and sea trips.
What month is the cheapest to visit Belize?
Prices are often lower in the wet months and in the shoulder months of May and November. We don’t list exact prices, because they change. Compare hotels and tours for your own dates.
Does Belize have a hurricane risk every year?
Hurricane season runs every year from June to November, but direct hits are not common. Storm warnings can still disrupt flights and boats, so use flexible bookings and insurance.
When is Garifuna Settlement Day?
It’s on 19 November each year and is a public holiday. The biggest celebrations are in Dangriga, Hopkins and Punta Gorda. Book ahead if you plan to be in the south.