Weather in and around Belize
- Details
- Category: Belize
- Published on Thursday, 08 September 2011 02:58
- Written by Trys
- Hits: 1324
Weather in and around Belize
Belize has a sub-tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The really dry season, however, normally stretches from February to May; there is also the "mawger" season (normally from around mid July to the end of August) when it is also very dry. The really wet season is normally September and October (also the months with the highest risk of a hurricane or a tropical storm), but some years even these two months can be hot and dry, with the heavy rains arriving in early November.
At other times of the year in this north eastern part of Belize, any rain during the day is normally a heavy shower of around 15 minutes. Most rain falls at night, making it the perfect climate for holidaymakers. It is not unusual for this part of Belize to enjoy around 350 days of sunshine a year.
It is a very different story, however, the further south you go, where the triple canopy rainforest still thrives and annual rainfall can be 100 inches more than in the northeast. Annual rainfall varies from an average of 50 inches across the northern parts to an average 180 inches in the extreme south.
The high season in Belize begins in mid-December and stretches to around the end of May. However, the last two weeks of July and the month of August can also be an excellent time for a holiday here, particularly if you like it hot! (the high 30s C). Those who visit at other times often find the weather in Belize just as good, and also get the advantage of even cheaper rates and less crowded tourist locations.
Find out the latest temperatures in Belize City, with our six-day Belize City weather forecast below.
The weather in Belize, as in most parts of the world, is not an exact science, in addition to the fact that global warming is gradually changing the normal patterns. On average, rainfall is decreasing annually, especially in the north of Belize, and temperatures are even hotter.
That, of course, can make the northern regions of Belize the ideal holiday destination, particularly when one takes into account the proximity of many of the most popular traveller attractions in Belize. From your holiday base in this region you can easily spend half your time swimming with nurse sharks and giant eagle rays, exploring the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef, sailing, snorkelling, diving, fishing and manatee watching; and spend the other half zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, tubing through a cave-branch system, exploring Mayan ruins, exploring human sacrificial sites deep underground in "Xibalba" (the home of Ancient Maya Gods), river-cruising and jungle horseback riding; all with a confident expectation of excellent weather for at least nine months of every year
