Accurately forecasting Belize weather is like herding cats – or should I say iguanas? Either way, there are some things you can count on regarding Belize weather, and some things that are a total toss-up! We’ve gathered answers to the most common Belize weather questions asked by our guests.
Does it rain every day during the rainy season?
The quick answer is ‘No.’ In our eight years in Belize it has never rained every day during the rainy season. The rainy season by the way, is June through November. Given it doesn’t rain every day, just how much rain can you expect? Well, that’s a tough one to answer. We’ve had the driest rainy season on record, and the wettest dry season on record over the past few years. Generally, you can expect rain at least once a week during the rainy season. Expect more during tropic depressions, storms, etc.
The amount of rain also depends on where you are in Belize. Southern Belize usually gets the most rain. There’s a lot of rain on the islands as well, especially during tropical storms. In our area, Cayo, we’ve found that when it rains, it is quite often at night. But again, it does rain during the day everywhere in Belize.
If the 10-day forecast shows rain every day, is it going to rain all day?
You’ve got to love those ten-day forecasts that show rain every day! NOT! Again, the short answer is, No, it doesn’t rain all day, every day…. Usually. There are always exceptions – but when it does rain several days in a row, it is due to a tropical depression/storm in the area, and those don’t happen often. So, if you see that type of forecast before your trip, check to see if there’s a tropical depression in the area. If there is, chances are it will be raining a lot during that time. If not, then it’s just an indication that it could rain (but probably won’t rain all day long).
How hot does it get?
Belize has a usually comfortable tropical climate of about 84°F as an annual average temperature. Count on an average high temp during the ‘Hot Season’ of about 90° F during the day and in the high 70’s F overnight. However, the temp will vary based on where you are in Belize. If you stay in Mountain Pine Ridge (or in the foothills, where we are), the temps will be a bit cooler than elsewhere in Belize. And if there’s a breeze blowing on the islands, it can be a little cooler as well. The hottest months are April and May, so you can expect higher temps (95°F) during that time of the year. And…… it can get hotter. The hottest we’ve seen it get is 114° F, but that was just once several years ago.
If it gets that hot, how can you survive without Air Conditioning?
Well, at night it cools way down, on the coast, on the islands, and here in the foothills of the Mountain Pine Ridge. It doesn’t cool down as much in San Ignacio and other cities. Additionally, there is a nearly constant breeze in many areas, including at our Jungle Lodge in Belize. One of our guest bungalows does have A/C. We also have ceiling and floor fans that provide enough relief from the heat to make sleeping comfortable. Most of the resorts in Belize do not have A/C, including the higher end, $300+ per night resorts. There really isn’t that much of a need for it, unless you plan to stay in your room 24/7.
How cold does it get?
The coolest months are November through February. The guests that stay with us during those months almost always use the extra blankets we provide. That’s right… blankets in Belize! The coldest we’ve seen it get is 50° F overnight – but usually is in the low 70’s during the day. As usual, the temperature depends on where you are in Belize. The mountain area is cooler. And, we still have very high humidity, so it does feel colder at times.
Are there flash floods?
Yes, there are flash floods. Where we are far enough away from the Macal riverside and high enough on the bank to not be impacted by a potential flood. If there was a flood that got up to our lodge, all (and yes, I do mean ALL) of San Ignacio would be under water! And that’s not likely to happen.
Does Belize weather include hurricanes?
Yes, hurricanes do hit Belize but not often. In the past 90 years there have been only eight major hurricanes that made landfall or passed close to Belize. The most recent was in 2022. Please check out this website as it has a detailed historical account of the hurricanes/tropical storms of Belize
What’s the humidity like?
Quite a few of the Belize resort pages downplay the high temps and high humidity. We don’t believe in sugar-coating the fact that Belize can be excessively warm and moist. However, the average humidity over the course of the year is only 73%. For comparison purposes that’s about the same as Central Florida… which is where I grew up, so I don’t really notice the humidity. During the rainy season the humidity can be 100%, but in the dry season it can dip into the 60% range.
What is there for us to do if it rains?
In a word….. “LOTS!” If it does rain, there are still plenty of activities to experience. In fact, very few tourist locations close during rain. Many treks through the jungle have occurred during the rain. If there is danger of a flash-flood, some of the Cave adventures will close; ATM Cave, Cave Tubing, and Barton Creek Cave are the most common closures. But, there are still plenty of caves that remain open, like Crystal Cave or Che Chem Ha Cave.
Additionally, Xunantunich will sometimes close due to rising river waters because a ferry crossing is required to get to it. But Cahal Pech has yet to close because of rain (and is conveniently located in the heart of San Ignacio). Moreover, there are cooking schools, chocolate demonstrations, local coffee producer, and many more adventures & activities that are not impacted by the rain.
Bottom line
Will it rain during your vacation? If you visit during June through November, chances are, yes it will rain. But, hopefully it won’t rain every day, all day of your vacation. That hasn’t happened once to any of our guests since we’ve been open, so that’s in your favor. If you visit December through May, it could still rain. There’s less of a chance in April and May, but those are also the hottest months of the year. But even if it does rain, there’s plenty to do here, plus we provide umbrellas free of charge! For more information on Belize weather check out this post.
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