What’s it really like in Belize in August? Locals know this month as the start of Maga Season which is a colloquial term for slow season, but it comes along with some vacation deals.
I’ve lived in Belize most of my life, so I’ll share exactly what to expect in terms of weather and how to find deals. My tips come from real experience and local updates — not just a one-time visit.
August is surprisingly hot. You can expect some rain showers at night, but nothing to cause a change of plans. One of the best reasons to visit this month is to grab lower lodging and tour rates due to the slow season.
The low season also means there are no crowds really, so there's a chance you have attractions all to yourself.
Here’s the lowdown on how to enjoy Belize in August.
Weather Highlights
Three months into the rainy/hurricane season oddly doesn't mean more rain. In August, you can expect it to get even hotter. After the first two months of small storms, it gets hot again.
Similar to July, the rain showers are temporary and normally only pass quickly during the day. It's more frequent at night. The short showers actually help cool the day and night which is a plus.
Don't let the rainy day projections ruin your plan. Weather apps just don't work in Belize. Trust me, I'm a local and I just look up at the sky and see if there's a cloud of rain. Normally it's just a quick shower.
Average High
90°F
Average High
32°C
Pros & Cons Of Visiting August
Highlights
- Hot weather mostly with night showers
- Less crowded attractions
- Vacation deals due to slow season
- More wildlife with rainy season starting
- Very lush forest while hiking
Downsides
- Difficult to book tours as a solo traveler
- Less restaurants may be open due to slow season
- Little to no local festivals
Prices In August
One of the best reasons to travel in August are the low season rates. Maga Season is what the local call it. Maga is a creole word that means skinny which is used to describe the tourist season.
Because there are fewer tourists visiting during the rainy/hurricane season, hotel & tour operators offer lower rates, package deals. That also means that services are more negotiable.
During this low season, you might also meet more locals at the lodges since Belizean packages are offered at highly discounted prices.
High Season
Dec 15 — Apr 30
Low Season
May 1 — Dec 14
What August Is Actually Like
Less Crowded
With Lobster season being the last big festival for the quarter, things quiet down a lot. Locals call it "Maga Season" explained below.
Hot & Rainy
August is still hot. While it's not as bad as previous months, the UV Index is high accompanied by random rain showers.
Vacation Deals
Because it's the middle of the rainy season, some hotels offer better deals and tour packages to counter the low season.
Festivals In August
There are little to no local festivals in August. The only real festival is the Yellow Ginger Festival celebrated in Punta Gorda.
This festival features a local band, traditional food (East Indian Cuisine) along with local vendors selling their other products.
Things To Do In August
Don't be put off by the start of the rainy season. There are plenty of things to do that are perfect for August. Because it’s the start of the rainy season, rivers start flowing more — so river activities are perfect for August.
- Rainforest Activities - the forest is also much greener in August, since it marks the start of the rainy season. Most of the trails are booming in life during this period.
- Water Activities - beach and reef activities are mostly unaffected in August as well unless there are thunderstorms that increase wind and make the sea travel dangerous.
Recommended Activities
Mosquitos & Sand Flies
It would be unfair for me not to mention mosquitos and sand flies. Depending on where you decide to vacation, these critters can be an annoyance.
If you plan to stay in the jungle, bring mosquito repellent. Resorts and boutique lodges usually provide it, but it’s good to have your own just in case.
The good news is that mosquitos will be much less of a problem within the towns and villages because the government sprays monthly. A truck literally drives through every street spraying an environmentally friendly fog of some sort. I can't confirm how safe it is though. It works for sure.
Sargassum In August
August continues with the sargassum problem. It's an ongoing problem that is a cat-mouse game played with the local town/village councils. Yes, it sucks, and it smells bad, but this issue plagues the entire Caribbean coast — some more than others.
You can follow the Sargassum Forecast by the National Meteorological Service of Belize. This can help you avoid certain areas that are affected more. In general, there are still beaches that don't get affected, and the more luxurious resorts do a very good job of cleaning up daily.
Final Thoughts
August is a good time to visit for those that like fewer crowds and want to take advantage of lower rates. Just be aware that there’s always a small chance of thunderstorms or hurricanes during this time, so plan accordingly.
The weather will be mostly hot during this time so dress accordingly and be prepared for very spontaneous weather.
Embrace the rainy weather and go full steam ahead with your itinerary. Always remember weather apps don't work in Belize. Look at the sky and that's what the weather forecast for the day.
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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Have you visited Belize in August?