Belize, a jewel in Central America, offers travelers a harmonious blend of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage. While Belize is a year-round destination, April and May stand out as the best months to visit Belize. During this period, visitors can enjoy ideal weather conditions, fewer crowds, vibrant local festivals, and attractive travel deals.
From the towering pyramids of Caracol to the riverside temples of Lamanai, each site has a story to tell. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Mayan ruins to visit in Belize, how to get there, what to expect, and where to stay during your journey.
Ideal Weather Conditions
April and May mark the transition from the dry season to the onset of the wet season in Belize. This period offers warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for various outdoor activities.
- April: Daytime temperatures typically range between 80°F and 88°F (27°C to 31°C), with cooler evenings. Rainfall is scarce, ensuring plenty of sunshine for beach outings and jungle explorations.
- May: Temperatures slightly increase, averaging between 85°F and 89°F (29°C to 32°C). While there’s a slight uptick in rainfall, showers are usually brief and occur in the late afternoons or evenings, rarely disrupting daytime activities. These favorable weather conditions make April and May ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Fewer Tourists and More Tranquility
Traveling to Belize during April and May means encountering fewer tourists compared to the peak season months of December through March. This shoulder season offers several advantages:
- Uncrowded Attractions: Popular sites like the Great Blue Hole, Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve are less congested, allowing for a more intimate experience.
- Personalized Service: With fewer visitors, hotels and tour operators can offer more personalized attention, enhancing the overall travel experience.
- Serene Beaches: Belize’s renowned beaches, including those on Ambergris Caye and Placencia, are more tranquil, perfect for relaxation and solitude.
Vibrant Local Festivals and Cultural Experiences
April and May are months rich in cultural festivities, providing travelers with authentic Belizean experiences:
- Easter Celebrations (April): Belizeans observe Easter with various events, including religious processions, fairs, and the famous Burrell Boom Horse Race. It’s a time of communal gatherings and showcases the nation’s traditions.
- Cashew Festival (May): Held in Crooked Tree Village, this festival celebrates the cashew harvest. Visitors can indulge in cashew-inspired dishes, wines, and enjoy live Punta music, dances, and local crafts.
- Chocolate Festival (May): Hosted in the Toledo District, this event honors Belize’s rich cacao heritage. Attendees can sample artisanal chocolates, participate in workshops, and learn about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar.
Participating in these festivals offers a deep dive into Belize’s diverse cultures, including Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole traditions.
Attractive Travel Deals and Accommodations
The shoulder season of April and May often brings about enticing travel deals:
- Discounted Accommodations: Many resorts and hotels offer reduced rates to attract visitors during this period. For instance, some establishments provide up to 25% off on stays of four nights or more.
- Special Packages: Tour operators may bundle activities like diving, snorkeling, and eco-tours at discounted prices, providing added value to travelers.
- Flexible Bookings: With fewer tourists, there’s greater flexibility in booking tours and accommodations, allowing for more spontaneous travel plans.
Optimal Conditions for Marine Activities
Belize is renowned for its Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, and April and May offer optimal conditions for marine enthusiasts:
- Excellent Visibility: The clear, calm waters during these months provide divers and snorkelers with exceptional visibility, enhancing the experience of exploring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Whale Shark Sightings: Between March and June, especially around the full moons, the waters near Gladden Spit become a hotspot for observing majestic whale sharks.
- Abundant Marine Life: Sites like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley teem with nurse sharks, stingrays, and a plethora of tropical fish during these months.
Lush Landscapes and Wildlife Encounters
The tail end of the dry season ensures that Belize’s jungles and rainforests remain lush and vibrant:
- Active Wildlife: National parks and reserves, such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, offer opportunities to spot jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, and exotic bird species. These animals are more active in the early mornings during April and May, giving nature lovers the perfect chance to enjoy a Belize wildlife tour.
- Bird Watching Season: Belize is home to over 500 bird species. With migratory birds still passing through and resident species nesting, April and May are considered prime months for birdwatching in Belize. Locations like Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Mountain Pine Ridge become havens for birders.
- Green but Accessible Trails: Because the rains haven’t yet fully arrived, hiking trails through Belize’s national parks remain accessible and safe – whether you’re trekking to Big Rock Falls, Rio Frio Cave, or exploring the remote Elijio Panti National Park.
Sunset Cruises and Beach Bliss
Belize’s coastline and islands (or cayes) offer incredible experiences for those looking to unwind by the sea. The calm waters of April and May are ideal for:
- Sunset Cruises: Enjoy golden hour on a catamaran or sailboat around Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, or the Placencia Peninsula. Fewer tourists mean a more peaceful and romantic experience.
- Snorkeling and Island Hopping: These months provide excellent conditions to snorkel in spots like Laughing Bird Caye, Mexico Rocks, and Silk Cayes. You’ll enjoy fewer boats and more time with marine life.
- Beach Relaxation: If your perfect vacation includes sunbathing, sipping a local Belikin beer, and reading under a palm tree, April and May are the ideal time for a Belize beach getaway without the summer humidity or winter crowds.
If you’re planning a trip to Belize and you love discovering new destinations through food, you’re in for a treat. From hearty Creole dishes to flavorful Mayan specialties, Belizean cuisine offers an exciting blend of cultures and ingredients that every visitor should explore.
In this food guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 Belizean dishes you must try during your visit. Whether you’re dining in San Pedro, strolling through a local market, or eating at a beachside shack, these traditional meals will give you a taste of Belize’s diverse heritage.
1. Fry Jacks – The Ultimate Belizean Breakfast
A true Belizean breakfast isn’t complete without fry jacks—puffy, golden triangles of deep-fried dough that are light, fluffy, and addictive. They’re usually served with refried beans, eggs, cheese, or jam, making them both sweet and savory.
Popular in: Local cafés in San Pedro and Caye Caulker
2. Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken – The National Dish
One of the most authentic Belizean dishes you’ll come across is rice and beans with stew chicken. Cooked with coconut milk and served with fried plantains and coleslaw, it’s a Sunday favorite among locals.
Where to try: Family-run restaurants and home kitchens
3. Hudut – A Garifuna Classic
Originating from the Garifuna communities in southern Belize, hudut is a soulful dish made of coconut milk fish stew served with mashed green and ripe plantains. The texture and flavor combination is both rich and comforting.
Best place to try: Hopkins and Dangriga
4. Tamales – Wrapped in Tradition
A common dish across Latin America, Belizean tamales are unique. Made with corn dough (masa) and filled with seasoned chicken or pork, they are wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed.
Look for them: At roadside stalls and local markets
5. Salbutes and Garnaches – Belizean Street Food Staples
These are two of the most loved Belizean street foods.
- Salbutes: Puffy fried tortillas topped with chicken, lettuce, onion, and tomato.
- Garnaches: Crispy corn tortillas with refried beans, cabbage, and Dutch cheese.
Tip: Great with hot sauce and best enjoyed fresh
6. Ceviche – Fresh from the Sea
In a coastal paradise like Belize, ceviche is a must-try. Made with fresh shrimp, conch, or lobster, it’s mixed with lime, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and pepper for a refreshing bite.
Perfect spot: Seaside restaurants in San Pedro or Placencia
7. Chimole (Black Dinner)
Known as “black dinner”, this dish gets its color from the black recado spice made with burnt peppers. The hearty soup includes chicken, vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs.
A Creole favorite:Often served during celebrations
8. Boil Up – The Sunday Meal
A symbol of Belizean comfort food, boil up features a mix of boiled root vegetables (cassava, plantains, yams), pig tail, boiled eggs, and dumplings, topped with tomato sauce.
When to try: Sundays in Belize City and southern Belize
9. Panades – Belizean Empanadas
These deep-fried snacks are made of masa dough filled with fish or beans and served with onion sauce. Perfect for travelers on the go!
Great snack: Found in markets and roadside food carts
10. Johnny Cakes – Coconut Bread with a Twist
Soft, slightly sweet, and coconut-infused, Johnny cakes are a staple of the Belizean breakfast table. You can eat them plain, with butter, or as a sandwich with cheese, ham, or even stew chicken.
Try them at: Breakfast shacks and local bakeries
Bonus: Must-Try Belizean Drinks and Desserts
While exploring the best food in Belize, don’t forget to try these local drinks and sweets:
- Belikin Beer: The national beer
- Rum Punch: Made with local Caribbean rum
- Seaweed Shake: A nutritious and creamy drink
- Cassava Pudding: A sticky and sweet dessert
- Tableta: A coconut and ginger candy
Tips for Food Travelers in Belize
- Try to eat where locals eat—you’ll find the most authentic flavors.
- Look for weekly food festivals or local events like Lobster Fest
- Be adventurous—ask for the daily special or catch of the day.
- Carry cash for small vendors or street food carts.
- Respect local customs—some communities offer food as part of cultural experiences.
Final Thoughts
Belize isn’t just about turquoise waters and ancient ruins—it’s a food lover’s paradise. Each region tells its story through flavor, and each dish is a fusion of its people, history, and love for good food.
So, when planning your Belize vacation, don’t just look for what to see—explore what to eat in Belize and take your taste buds on a cultural adventure. You might just fall in love with Belize, one bite at a time.
Healthier Reefs and Eco-Conscious Travel
April and May also align with Belize’s commitment to sustainable tourism:
- Reef-Safe Tourism: The waters are calm and clear, reducing the risk of damage to coral reefs. Dive shops and tour guides emphasize reef-friendly practices, such as no-touch policies and biodegradable sunscreens.
- Eco-Lodges in Full Operation: Many eco-lodges across San Ignacio, Hopkins, and Punta Gorda operate at full capacity with special rates. These properties offer unique jungle stays, riverfront cabins, and authentic cultural immersion.
Travel Tips for Visiting Belize in April and May
Before you pack your bags, here are some tips to make the most of your April or May trip:
- Pack Light and Smart: Breathable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essentials. Include a light rain jacket just in case of a late-day shower.
- Book in Advance for Festivals: If you’re planning to attend events like the Chocolate Festival of Belize, secure your accommodations early, especially in the Toledo District.
- Respect the Local Culture: From Catholic Easter traditions to Garifuna music, Belize is proudly multicultural. Participate respectfully and you’ll have a more rewarding experience.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Belize in April or May
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Belize, April and May strike the perfect balance between ideal travel weather, lower prices, unique cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a family vacation in Belize, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, these months provide the tranquility, value, and adventure travelers seek.
From world-class diving spots and cultural festivals to rainforest hikes and Mayan ruins exploration, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. April and May offer that sweet spot between the bustle of peak tourism and the heavier rains of summer—making it the perfect time to discover the best of Belize.
Ready to plan your trip?
Let Belize On Top be your trusted travel companion. Browse our guides and make the most of your April or May vacation in Belize.