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Best Times to Visit

Best Times to Visit

Belize

Climate Patterns

Belize City has two main seasons based on rain. Temperatures stay warm all year, rarely going below pleasant levels.

Dry Season (November to May): This period brings lower humidity and much less rain. Days are mostly sunny and bright, making ideal conditions for outdoor fun and seeing sights. Average daily temperatures go from 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F).

Seasonal Overview

  • Dry Season: November to May, sunny, lower humidity, great for outings.
  • Wet Season: June to October, higher humidity, brief heavy rains, hurricane risk.
  • High Season (Dec-May) means higher prices and more people.
  • Low Season (Jun-Oct) brings budget-friendly rates and fewer tourists.

Special Weather Points

Belize City sits within the Atlantic Hurricane Belt. The official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. While direct hurricane hits do not happen every year, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring heavy rain, flooding, and cause travel delays.

Temperatures in Belize City stay warm all year. Daytime highs rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), even in the cooler dry season.

Hurricane Season

June 1 - November 30

Impacts

Can bring heavy rain, flooding, and travel delays.

Advice

Monitor forecasts closely; have a plan ready.

Temperature Range

Consistently Warm

Dry Season Avg.

23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F)

Wet Season Avg.

26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F)

Best for Activities

Dry Season Preferred

Marine & City

Calm seas, clearer visibility, comfortable for walking.

Inland Tours

Trails drier, less muddy for Mayan ruins or jungle treks.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa-Free Entry

Most citizens from the United States, Canada, and the European Union do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days. For longer stays, you can ask for an extension at the Department of Immigration in Belize. This usually comes with a fee and proof of enough funds for your longer stay.

Other Nationalities

Many other countries need a visa ahead of time. You must check the official website of the Embassy of Belize in your country or the Belize Department of Immigration's website for exact needs. Start this process well before your travel date.

Documents for Entry

  • Valid Passport:

    Must be valid for at least six months past your stay.

  • Return/Onward Ticket:

    Proof of confirmed departure from Belize.

  • Funds Proof:

    Evidence you can cover your trip costs.

  • Accommodation Details:

    Hotel booking or host contact information.

  • Yellow Fever Certificate:

    Needed if arriving from at-risk countries.

Travel Document Check

  • Always confirm visa Rules for your nationality well before travel.
  • Passport validity of six months beyond your stay is a strict rule.
  • No general entry fees for tourists when coming into Belize.

Note: Visa Assistance

Services like VisaHQ can help with direct visa and passport services.

Budgeting & Costs

Belize has options for different budgets, from saving money to luxury experiences. Knowing the money, typical costs, and ways to save can make your trip better.

Currency & Payments

The local money is the Belize Dollar (BZD). It is fixed to the US Dollar at 2 BZD = 1 USD. US Dollars are widely accepted.

Payment Tips

  • US Dollars are welcome; change often comes in BZD.
  • Credit cards work at larger places; small shops prefer cash.
  • ATMs are available; tell your bank about travel plans.
  • Have Belizean cash for daily needs.

Tipping Practices

Tipping is common in Belize to show thanks for good service.

Tipping Guide

  • Restaurants: 10-15% is usual; check if a service charge is already on the bill.
  • Tour Guides/Drivers: BZD 10-20 (USD 5-10) per person per day.
  • Taxi Drivers: Round up the fare for short rides; small tip for extra help.
  • Hotel Staff: Porters BZD 2-5, housekeepers BZD 4-10 per night.

Budgeting by Style

Budget Traveler Daily Costs

  • Accommodation: BZD 40-80 (USD 20-40) for basic stay.
  • Food: BZD 20-40 (USD 10-20) at local eateries.
  • Transportation: BZD 5-10 (USD 2.50-5) for local travel.
  • Total Estimated Daily: BZD 65-130 (USD 32.50-65).

Mid-Range Traveler Daily Costs

  • Accommodation: BZD 150-300 (USD 75-150) for comfort.
  • Food: BZD 60-120 (USD 30-60) at mid-range spots.
  • Transportation: BZD 20-50 (USD 10-25) for regular taxi use.
  • Activities: BZD 100-300+ (USD 50-150+) for guided tours.

Money-Saving Methods

  • Eat Local: Try street food and "cook shops" for cheap, good meals.
  • Use BZD Cash: Sometimes brings better rates or smoother deals, especially with small vendors.
  • Walk in Tourist Areas: The Fort George area is walkable, cutting taxi costs.
  • Utilize Water Taxis: Much cheaper for trips to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye than flights.

Price Ranges

These are general price ranges; actual costs are based on location, season, and your choices.

Accommodation per night

  • Hostel/Budget Guesthouse: BZD 40-100 (USD 20-50)
  • Mid-Range Hotel: BZD 150-300 (USD 75-150)
  • Luxury Hotel: BZD 400+ (USD 200+)

Transportation

  • Local Bus (within city): BZD 1-2 (USD 0.50-1)
  • Taxi (short ride): BZD 8-20 (USD 4-10)
  • Water Taxi (to Caye Caulker): BZD 38 (USD 19) one-way
  • Water Taxi (to San Pedro): BZD 58 (USD 29) one-way

Note: Exchange Rate

The fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD makes cost calculation simpler.

Health & Safety Considerations

This part covers medical and security matters, giving advice to help you stay well and secure.

Common Health Issues

Mosquito-borne Illnesses

Traveler's Diarrhea

1

Vaccination Needs

Yellow Fever certificate is needed if you come from an at-risk country. Talk to your doctor about other recommended shots like Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

Always check current requirements before travel.

No general entry fees, but some specific conditions apply.

2

Healthcare Access

Belize City has the main hospital and several clinics. Standards may be different from what you know. For serious conditions, medical transport to Mexico or the US may be needed.

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is the main public option.

Emergency response may be slower than expected.

3

Water & Food Safety

Tap water in Belize City is generally not safe for drinking for visitors. Drink bottled water. Be careful with street food.

Buy Bottled water, it is easy to find.

Avoid raw fruits/vegetables if you question their cleanliness.

Crime & Safety by Area

Area Type Safety Notes Precautions
Tourist Areas (Fort George, Tourism Village) Generally safer; patrolled often. Petty crime can happen. Do not show valuables. Watch your belongings closely.
"Southside" Neighborhoods Higher crime rate, especially violent crime. Avoid these areas, especially when walking alone.
Nighttime Travel Safety concerns in less-traveled areas. Use licensed taxis for evening travel outside main zones.

General Safety Advice

  • Avoid walking alone at night.Use taxis.
  • Do not display valuables.Use Money belt.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.Trust your gut.
  • Secure belongings in hotel safe.No unattended items.

Natural Hazards

  • Hurricanes (June-Nov).Stay informed.
  • Flooding (wet season).Local disruption.
  • No extreme temperatures.Always warm.
  • Check weather forecasts.Plan for rain.

Emergency Numbers

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance:911
  • Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital:+501-223-1548

Embassy Contacts

  • US Embassy in Belmopan:+501-822-4011
  • Canadian High Commission:+501-822-3031
  • UK High Commission:+501-822-2146

Travel Insurance

Highly suggested for any trip.Full Coverage.
Emergency medical expenses.Illness or injury.
Medical evacuation coverage.For serious conditions.
Trip cancellation/interruption.Financial safety.
Lost/stolen luggage.Item protection.

Peace of Mind

  • Carry a list of numbers on your phone and on paper.
  • Notify your travel insurance company as soon as possible after any incident.
  • For passport loss, contact your embassy in Belmopan.
  • Consider a policy that covers adventure activities if you plan them.
  • AirHelp can assist with flight delays.