The dry season

Belize’s dry season runs from December to May, with the wet season following from June to November. The dry season provides the perfect conditions for birding, sunbathing, swimming and diving or snorkelling along the beaches of Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye and the multiple cayes lining the Belize Barrier Reef.

Cavers can take advantage of the dry weather to explore deep underground in sacred cave systems and enjoy “cave tubing”, while this time is also perfect for exploring Belize’s diverse landscapes on hikes through rainforests, along coastal trails, or up to scenic viewpoints including multiple Maya sites across Belize.

The shoulder season

Travelling during the shoulder season, which runs from mid-August to mid-November, provides numerous benefits, with September and October being the heart of this period. Visitors can enjoy the advantages of avoiding the masses while exploring attractions or taking crowd-free tours. Then, especially in October, they will also see some cost benefits. It’s possible to save $100 or more on the price of even luxury hotels, plus there are many discount packages available to honeymooners and families that will expire before the high season starts.

There are plenty of events and festivals taking place during the shoulder season too, for example:

• Maya Deer Dance Festival (August) in San Antonio Village, Toledo District, showcases sacred Maya traditions with the ceremonial Deer Dance, colourful attire and cultural performances.

• St George’s Caye Day (10 Sept) is considered Belize’s National Day, as it commemorates a key military victory against Spanish invaders in 1798.

• For Independence Day (21 Sept) locals prepare the entire month for festive celebrations commemorating Belize’s independence from England.

• Belize’s annual birding festival (October) is  a great opportunity to spot some of Belize’s more than 580 species of bird.

Plus, Belize’s drizzly October weather offers noticeable benefits. Namely, the blooming of flowers and tree fruit bringing out exotic animals, which increases the likelihood of visitors being able to observe the animals in their natural habitats.