What’s it really like in Belize in July? You’ve probably Googled everything but still haven’t found what it actually feels like to visit during this time.
I’ve lived in Belize most of my life, so I’ll share exactly what to expect in terms of weather, water conditions, and which attractions stay open.
Let’s get this out of the way: it’s hot. But July nights often bring cooling rains that help balance the heat. One of the best reasons to visit this month? Lobster Festival — the official opening of lobster season.
Most inland and marine activities are still running, unless there’s flooding or stormy winds. In fact, this is one of the most beautiful times to visit, with the early rainy season bringing the landscapes to life.
Here’s the lowdown on how to enjoy Belize in July.
Weather Highlights
Despite the belief that the rainy/hurricane season runs from June to November, the truth is it starts relatively late — think more like August or September. Sure, there are sometimes storms at the beginning of the rainy season, but they’re usually temporary.
Having lived here most of my life, I can tell you that it changes a lot, but it's definitely always hot. The only cool months are normally December & January.
Pros & Cons Of Visiting July
Highlights
- Dry weather mostly with night showers
- Fewer crowds due to start of the rainy season
- Lower rates due to slow season
- Lobster season opened
- Local lobster festivals at the islands
- More wildlife with rainy season starting
- Very green forest if hiking
Downsides
- Potentially start of thunderstorms
- Crowded islands because of lobster fest
- Limited rooms at islands because of festival
- Flooding due to sudden rainfall
- Attraction closure due to flooding
- Less restaurants may be open due to slow season
What July Is Actually Like
Hot & Humid
July is still very hot. If that's bothersome, getting a room with air conditioning might be a good idea. Remember to wear sunscreen too.
Sunny & Rainy
Long, hot days are normally followed by short showers during the night or day. This rarely affects planned day activities.
Lobster Season
Lobster Fest is the biggest festival in July, marking the opening of lobster season. This is celebrated in Caye Caulker, Placencia and San Pedro.
Lobster Festival
There are a few local festivals celebrated in July, and they all involve lobsters. In fact, the top 3 festivals are all lobster festivals in different locations.
Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia all celebrate a lobster festival. All the festivals showcase local culture, live music, and of course, good food. Normally, a weekend in July is reserved to celebrate each of the locations.
Which Festival To Visit?
Each festival is kinda geared towards a certain style. Caye Caulker I would say is better for the younger crowd which makes it a bit more popular.
Placencia being more of family friendly place is precisely for that crowd. And San Pedro is a mix of both worlds.
Personally, I would rank Caye Caulker as the number one festival followed by San Pedro and then Placencia.
To find out which event is better for your style, you can visit each festival's Facebook Page to see what each festival has in their lineup.
Lobster Dishes
If you're in it for the food, lobster fest will have lots of interesting options. Here are some of the best ways Belizeans enjoy their lobster:
- Grilled with veggies and garlic butter
- Stewed in local seasoning
- Boiled in a soup
- Barbecued in open flame
- Prepared as ceviche
- Lobster fritters (fried until crispy)
Things To Do In July
Because it’s the start of the rainy season, rivers start flowing more — so river activities are perfect for July. It's a sort of double-edged sword though since rivers can sometimes overflow and be closed down as a result for visitor safety.
The forest is also much greener in July, since it marks the start of the rainy season. Most of the trails are booming in life during this period.
Water activities on the beach and on the reef are mostly unaffected in July as well unless there are thunderstorms that increase wind and make the sea travel dangerous. My best advice is to check with your tour guide the day before to see if the weather is suitable for activities.
They will know exactly when it's safe to proceed as licensed professionals.
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.
And if you haven't heard of sand flies, they are tiny little blood sucking flies found in sandy areas. So you'll need to keep repellent if you're by the beach as well. Placencia and Southern Belize are notorious for sand flies.
Final Thoughts
July is a great time to visit Belize, since it’s just the start of the rainy season. Just be aware that there’s always a small chance of thunderstorms or hurricanes during this time, so plan accordingly.
Also, don't forget with rain comes mosquitos. Bring some repellent if you plan to visit the forest or stay near the beach.
The weather will be mostly hot during this time so prepare for the humidity and have some reef-safe sunscreen.
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 July?