Weather in Belize: Exploring Alluring Year-Round Weather

weather in Belize, a beach view in Belize
Belize’s average high during the summer is approximately 86°F (30°C)

Belize, which lies in Central America’s Caribbean region, has a year-round average temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius).

Even in the warmest summer months, Costal Sea winds and Belize’s vast expanses of jungle and rain-forest give refreshing respite, and while winters can be cool, they are never extremely cold. In a nutshell, the weather in Belize is practically ideal.

Belize’s average high during the summer is approximately 86°F (30°C), while it seldom drops below 60°F (16°C) during the winter. At about 85%, humidity is also very constant.

Belize has three seasons, the hurricane, the wet and the dry, as opposed to four because of the consistently warm temperatures throughout the year.

The dry season in Belize, which lasts from December to May, has much lower rainfall than the rest of the year, and when it does rain, it often comes in light, brief spurts.

Weather in Belize Infographics
Weather in Belize Infographics

Belize’s rainy season runs from June to December, when the nation can see up to 150 inches of rain in certain areas and frequent, powerful storms from the Caribbean, generally in the late afternoon.

Although statistically speaking Belize does not see many significant direct strikes during the wet, it does get its fair share of extreme tropical weather, including heavy downpours and powerful winds.

But Belize has a cooperative early warning system with its neighbors, and the nation’s safety, evacuation, and other protocols have worked well in the past.

Travelers may enjoy Belize all year round despite the fact that both the rainy and dry seasons have their own advantages and disadvantages because of the country’s generally warm temperature.

Hurricane Season in Belize

Bacab Jungle Park, Belize
In Belize, the months of August through October have the highest likelihood of storms

Belize, like every other country that borders the Caribbean, is vulnerable to hurricanes. In general, the Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to mid-November, and throughout that period there is a risk of deadly, destructive, and sometimes life-threatening storms.

In Belize, the months of August through October have the highest likelihood of these storms, while there may sometimes be an anomaly.

It might be challenging to predict whether Belize will be affected by a tropical storm or a major hurricane when you’re there if you’re planning long-term travel arrangements. Checking the predictions before leaving is a smart idea if you will be going during hurricane season.

Significant storms that may make landfall nearby might cause travel delays, the closure of resorts and tourist destinations, and perhaps the need to cancel plans entirely.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:  The 13 Best Waterfalls in California To Visit: An Ultimate Guide

Despite the fact that Belize has had severe storms in the past, there is a good probability that your entire trip will be without incident.

This is especially important if you want to remain more inland because Belize’s coastlines, along with its cays and reefs, typically take the brunt of storms. When traveling to a place where a storm is still a possibility, it never hurts to be as prepared as you can.

Dry Season in Belize

A River in Belize during rainy season
A River in Belize during rainy season

Belize’s dry season lasts from December through May, which also happens to be the busiest time of year for tourists. These months have somewhat colder temperatures and usually drier weather with lower humidity and less precipitation.

However, this does not imply that it is always bright since northerly breezes might occasionally bring with them cloud cover.

The coolest months of the year are typically December, January, and February. During this period, the average daily temperatures are in the mid to upper 70 degrees F, with slightly warmer conditions in the southern regions of the country.

These are also the months when the overnight lows are at their coldest as well, hovering in the upper 60 degrees F. Bringing a light jacket will help to keep you comfortable during those times.

The months of March, April, and May have a tendency to be a little bit warmer and drier, with daytime highs occasionally reaching 90 degrees F (32 degrees C).

February through April receive the least amount of precipitation, with May seeing a modest increase as the start of the wet season approaches. Those storms often last for a short time and are not particularly intense.

Because the climate and weather conditions in Belize are relatively stable during the dry season, the conditions shouldn’t have much impact on most travelers’ plans.

Even during the colder periods of the year, the waters off the country’s east coast are warm and inviting, while the rain-forest is less oppressive and intimidating. Take advantage of those conditions to make the most of your visit.

Belize is a tropical environment, so be sure to bring light, comfortable, and breathable clothes. Shorts and T-shirts will be perfectly fine for most outings, although a light jacket may be for early mornings and after dark.

This being the Caribbean, flip-flops and a swimsuit are an excellent choice for the beach, while hiking shoes or sneakers will work well in the jungle.

Wet Season In Belize

Rain in San Ignacio, Belize
The country of Belize has the most rainfall in the south

From June through November, Belize experiences the Wet Season, which is characterized by warmer temperatures, greater humidity levels, and generally steamier weather.

The storms normally begin to form in the late afternoon and provide heavy rain for a couple of hours before dissipating by nightfall. This indicates that the sun still manages to emerge briefly even on cloudy days during the wettest season.

The wettest months of the year are typically September and October, when Belize City receives 9.6 inches (24.5 cm) and 12 inches (30.5 cm) of rain, respectively. The country of Belize has the most rainfall in the south, with the quantity of precipitation gradually decreasing as you move farther north.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:  15 Things To Do In Bella Vista, Arkansas

The rainy season’s typical high temperature ranges from 88 to 90 degrees F (31 to 32 degrees C), which when combined with the increased humidity levels can make things seem a little steamy at times.

This is particularly true in the more interior, dense forests, but on the coast, the cooling effects of the water serve to temper the hotter weather.

Naturally, Belize’s low tourist season coincides with the wet season, which means less visitors at the majority of the sites. The cost of travel, lodging, and other amenities may also decrease as a result, but bear in mind that certain well-known tourist attractions could be closed.

For instance, Barton Creek Cave and Actun Tunichil Muknal may be entirely closed to guests if it is too risky to enter due to the recent high rains.

To prevent being turned away from an activity or place that you intended to visit, be sure to prepare ahead and check with tour operators to see what choices are available.

You’ll obviously want to bring a rain jacket in addition to packing a lot of the same clothing and footwear that you would during the dry season. Rain pants may also be necessary if your objective is to go on a forest hike.

Lightweight clothing made of quick-drying materials will probably be helpful as well, as there’s a considerable probability that you’ll be caught in a downpour at some time while you’re there.

Monthly Weather In Belize

Belize city in Belize
Belize city in Belize

The average daily temperature in Belize is in the 80s Fahrenheit all year round. Winter months have little rain, whereas summer and autumn see a lot.

In the beginning of the year, Belize City is inundated with Western Caribbean cruise ships. The country’s rain-forests and other ecotourism features, such cave tubing in the Sibun Caves Branch Archaeological Park, are popular with tourists.

However, such jungles remain because to the tremendous rainfall that the nation receives for the majority of the year. The only exception is the region’s brief dry season in late winter and early spring. Here is the monthly weather in Belize listed below.

Weather in Belize in January

Belize experiences warm temperatures and a range of rainfall in January. This month is highly popular for tourists both interior and on the coast since it marks the start of the dry season and is neither too dry nor too wet. In Belize, January temperatures typically vary from a low of 70°F (21°C) to a high of 80°F (27°C).

Weather in Belize in February

As we transition into the dry season, temperatures in Belize in February typically range from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C). The majority of the time, the days is nice, while the nights are colder.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:  Uncover Exciting Things to Do in Oriental NC

Weather in Belize in March

The weather in Belize is just as wonderful in March. The day and night are clear and devoid of rain in the middle of the dry season. Belize has daytime highs of 83°F (28°C) and nighttime lows of 74°F (23°C) in March. 

Weather in Belize In April

The month of April in Belize is marked by increasing temperatures and the pleasant “Iguana Rains,” which are sporadic, refreshing rains that arrive along the shore. Expect monthly average temperatures of around 80°F (27°C), with typical highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C).

Weather in Belize in May

Belize Beach in Caribbean Sea
Belize has typical high temperatures in May of 87°F (31°C)

Belize has typical high temperatures in May of 87°F (31°C), low temperatures in May of 79°F (26°C), and an average monthly temperature of 82°F (28°C). 

If it rains, it will probably do so in the morning, with the odd thunderstorm in the evening.

Weather in Belize in June

June is another warm month, with 86°F (30°C) to 82°F (28°C) being the average temperature in Belize.

 June is a usually nice month thanks to cool easterly winds from the Caribbean Sea and more regular light afternoon showers.

Weather in Belize in July

The average high temperature in Belize in July is 86°F (30°C), while the average low temperature is 79°F (26°C), with a monthly average of 82°F (28°C).

Similar to June, the weather continues to see an increase in rainfall, particularly in the mornings, and easterly winds that provide cooling reprieve from the heat. At night, thunderstorms can start to form.

Weather in Belize in August

As drier winds from the west take the place of the sea breezes from the east in August, Belize’s temperatures start to alter.

August is referred to as the “Little Dry” because of a decline in rainfall and an increase in temperatures, which average 78°F (26°C) in the morning and 86°F (30°C) in the afternoon. August’s average temperature is still a comfortable 82°F (28°C).

Weather in Belize in September

In Belize, the month of September has average highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C) of approximately 81°F (27°C). Although there is an increase in rainfall, particularly in the mornings and at night, most days are bright and mild.

Weather in Belize in October

The average monthly temperature in Belize in October drops to 79°F (26°C) as a result of northerly breezes bringing greater rainfall. The Maya Mountains are frequently the core of infrequent “northers,” two or three day storms with daytime highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C).

Weather in Belize in November

The average monthly temperature in Belize in November is a pleasant 76°F (24°C), with typical daytime highs of 82°F (28°C) and nighttime lows of 73°F (23°C).

November temperatures are among the lowest and most unpredictable of the year.  While for Belizeans this signals the beginning of winter, travellers from northern climes find it to be rather pleasant and sunny.

Weather in Belize in December

As the wet season comes to an end, December often comes in wet and leaves dry. Belize has typical December lows of 71°F (22°C) and highs of 80°F (27°C), for a monthly average of around 75°F (24°C).

This is the ideal temperature for a relaxing Christmas vacation, warm enough for swimming and with comfortably chilly nights.

Helpful Resources:

Belize Tourism Board

National Hurricane Center Belize

Belize Weather

Conclusion

Overall, the weather in Belize is fairly predictable at all times of the year. If you’re looking for less rain and more stability, go during the dry season, but expect the country to be busier and more expensive.

If you want to save some cash and avoid the crowds, choose the rainy season instead. Just be prepared to deal with the potential for weather delays and cancellations.