Belize is a beautiful country located on the eastern coast of Central America. Known for its incredible beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush rainforests, it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination over the last few decades. However, while Belize is beautiful year-round, there are certain times that are less ideal for visiting. Here is an overview of the worst times to visit Belize and why you may want to avoid these periods.
September and October – Rainy Season
The rainy season in Belize runs from June to November, with September and October typically seeing the highest rainfall. During these months, Belize can expect heavy downpours almost daily. This intense rain can last for hours and cause flooding in low-lying and coastal areas of the country.
While rain showers do help keep temperatures lower, they also mean that many outdoor activities are hampered. Hiking rainforest trails can become slippery and the famous Belize Barrier Reef can have poor underwater visibility making snorkeling and diving less enjoyable. The country’s ancient Mayan sites, such as Xunantunich and Caracol, also become very muddy and mosquitos breed heavily during this wet period.
If planning activities like zip lining the jungle, exploring Mayan ruins, or admiring the reef are high on your Belize itinerary, visiting in the peak of the rainy season is not ideal.
Early March – Spring Break Crowds
As a popular spot for North American spring breakers, the first few weeks of March can get quite crowded and rowdy in areas like San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Thousands of college students flock to Belize’s islands and coastal spots for parties, booze cruises, and generally letting loose for their week-long vacation.
While the lively atmosphere can be fun for some, it detracts from Belize’s generally relaxed and peaceful vibes. Many families and older travelers visiting Belize often find the spring breakers loud and disruptive. The partying also inevitably leads to increased litter and environmental strain during this period.
If you’re looking to experience authentic Belizean culture or the country’s incredible nature, early March is not the best time with the influx of these large, loud student groups.
Late November to Mid-December – Transition Season
The weeks spanning late November to mid-December fall right in between Belize’s rainy and busy high tourist seasons. During this period, the weather is still quite wet from the tail end storms of the rainy season. Meanwhile, peak prices and crowds of the high season haven’t yet arrived but hotels, restaurants, and activities often remain quite expensive.
Since tourism is lower during this period, you’ll also find that some hotels, tour companies, and restaurants take this time to temporarily close for refurbishments or repairs before high season. This further limits available activities and accommodation options compared to other times of the year.
For the best weather, prices, and availability of things to do, it’s best to avoid visiting during this low season transition period.
Easter Holiday
Easter Week, locally referred to as Holy Week, is one of Belize’s most popular times for domestic tourism. Belizean families often use this week for vacationing and traveling around the country. This means that all transit routes, accommodation options, and activities are much more crowded and booked up.
As a predominantly Christian country, most locals are also focused on religious celebrations and family gatherings for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. You’ll find most businesses and stores closed at least on Good Friday, if not the entire Easter weekend. Some tour operators and restaurants also run reduced hours or shut down operations during this holiday week.
With locals comprising most of the tourists during Easter Week in Belize, it can be more challenging to experience authentic culture and local flare as an international visitor. Prices also increase around the holiday dates at certain hotels and resorts.
Mid-December to Mid-April – High Season
The busy tourist high season runs from mid-December to mid-April in Belize. This is when North Americans flock south to escape their cold winters. As a result, all tourist destinations, hotels, and activities are much more crowded and prices increased.
While the weather is at its sunniest and driest during the high season, the crowds and difficulty getting restaurant reservations or spots on popular tours detracts from the country’s laidback vibe. Demand also means that prices for hotel rooms, tours, restaurant meals and other activities typically increase by 20 to 50 percent.
If you’re looking to experience Belize’s famous chill atmosphere, don’t plan your visit during the hectic and expensive peak tourist season.
How to Time Your Visit
As a small Caribbean country relying on tourism, there’s really no “bad” time to visit Belize. However, to make the most of your vacation there, the best times are during the drier months of late April-June and January-May.
Visiting Belize in the early high season in January/February as well as late low season in July/August allows you to take advantage of lower prices and smaller crowds. You can enjoy ideal weather conditions similar to peak periods.
Avoiding school holidays like Easter, spring break in March, and the winter holiday season in December, also ensures a more relaxed and authentic Belizean experience. Carefully timing your visit using these guidelines will let you make the most of this unique Central American country.