Belize In September: Celebration Month & Slow Season

Are you thinking of visiting Belize in September? Most know September as being the middle of hurricane season but did you know it's when Belizeans celebrate their Independence?

September Celebrations is only something locals really know about. The two biggest celebrations are the battle of St. George's Caye on the 10th and Independence day on the 21st.

Independence Day is huge! The Caribbean influence is strong in Belize with a huge carnival-style parades organized throughout the country. It's akin to the Rio Carnival in Brazil.

What about the weather you may ask? Well it's still humid in September. Technically it should be raining much more but with climate change, we now only see short showers of rain especially after long hot weeks.

It's also the peak of the slow season. Some restaurants & hotels opt to close to reduce costs and some do renovations during this time.

Here’s the lowdown on how to enjoy Belize in September.

Weather Highlights

September is the peak of the hurricane season, but it doesn't mean it's raining all week. In fact a more recurring theme is very hot weather the entire week followed by some showers that cools off the heat a bit.

More than hot, is the humidity. September feels a lot more humid than hot. That just means that water activities are that much enjoyable.

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.

Pros & Cons Of Visiting September

Prices In September

September has some of the best discounts for the entire year. That's because it's the slowest season. Chances are, you'll see a 4th night free ad on your Instagram feed if you are planning to travel to Belize.

Belizeans actually get discounts as well. Because the hotel occupancy is low during this month, they give massive discounts to locals. You might even see more locals at the hotel, lodge or resort on your visit.

You might also be able to negotiate tour rates because of the slow season. The popular tours like snorkeling or the famous ATM Tour are fixed though.

What September Is Actually Like

Festivals In September

The biggest celebration in September is Independence Day. Actually, the entire month is celebrated by locals. The popular streets in larger towns and cities are normally decorated with flags and colorful signs.

A little known local festivals is the Pan Yaad Event where locals play the steel pan in a concert environment. It's normally held at the House of Culture in Belize City. You can follow the National Celebrations Commision for exact dates.

Independence Day is big but what's even bigger is the Belize Carnival. Similar to other carnivals Caribbean, the local carnival is held over a period of days across various towns in Belize. It's the ultimate celebration of culture, music and freedom.

If you're interested in attending this event, you can follow Belize Carnival Association to get more information on the location for the parade and the routes. This is a mega event in Belize. Trust me.

Things To Do In September

Don't be put off by the start of the rainy season. There are plenty of things to do that are perfect for September. Because it’s the start of the rainy season, rivers start flowing more — so river activities are perfect for September.

1. Rainforest Activities - the forest is also much greener in September, since it marks the start of the rainy season. Most of the trails are booming in life during this period.
2. Water Activities - reef and beach activities are mostly unaffected in September as well unless there are thunderstorms that increase wind and make the sea travel dangerous.

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 September

September 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

Visiting Belize in September isn’t for everyone, but if you don’t mind the heat, humidity, or the chance of rain, you’ll discover a side of the country that most travelers miss. The celebrations are as authentic as the get, and the deals are unbeatable.

Come prepared for the weather, pack your mosquito repellent, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most local and colorful experiences Belize has to offer.

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.