Ultimate Guide to Visiting Belize in January

Top Tips for Weather, Places to Stay & Things to Do Discover Belize in January: Sunny Skies, Thinner Crowds, and Endless Adventures

Picture yourself escaping the January doldrums to lounge on sugary Caribbean beaches under swaying palms, jungle trek to ancient pyramid temples draped in rainforest vines, and snorkel psychedelic coral gardens flickering with parrotfish and angelfish. Does it sound like paradise? Then start dreaming of Belize, an under-the-radar gem offering a tantalizing cocktail of rainforests, reefs, ruins, and laidback island life complemented by zesty cuisine and the perfect balmy weather for endless adventures.

With sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, thinner tourist crowds, and lobster season in full swing, January brings ideal conditions for an unforgettable Belize escape. This laidback Central American country impresses visitors with lush jungles, ancient Maya ruins, stunning Caribbean beaches, a bustling undersea world along the second largest barrier reef, distinctive Creole-Caribbean cuisine, and that infectious chilled-out “go slow” island vibe. We offer a selection of Belize Tours and Belize Cruises.

Why Go in January?

During its winter high season, Belize enjoys peak sunny and dry weather in January. The jungle interior and coastline see less than 2 inches of rain all month, with temperatures hovering around 80°F – perfect for nonstop outdoor adventures. Perhaps most importantly, January falls squarely into Belize’s dry season, spanning roughly from February to May, when rainfall dramatically decreases across most of the country, especially in the forests and rural areas outside the main cities. Belize City averages just 2 inches of total rain in January with 7 rainy days versus the June high of 10 inches and 12 days. Head inland to Belmopan or San Ignacio, and totals drop to 1 inch or less across 10 days. Beautiful beach haven Ambergris Caye only logs a single rainy day all month with under an inch of total precipitation. This dry and sunny weather opens seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventure without worrying if storms will cut excursions short.

The rains mostly come between June and November, bringing humidity and frequent, often intense downpours, especially in the interior forests and highlands. The dry months of January through May bring sunny bluebird skies nearly every day. Of course, the weather here can be unpredictable, especially in the rainy season, but less so in the dry months. Most tourists visit Belize in winter when rainfall is lowest, and hurricane risk has passed. Late fall to early spring tends to be the high tourist season, with the peak around Christmas and New Year’s when Europeans come to escape freezing winter weather back home. However, this is also the most expensive time, with higher hotel rates and greater crowds at popular attractions and restaurants.

While humidity continues nearly year-round, January brings a noticeable drop thanks to those azure blue skies. With less atmospheric moisture, temperatures don’t feel quite as sweltering during daylight hours. However, once that tropical sun disappears below the horizon around 5:30pm, temperatures can quickly plunge into the 60s; cooler than locals prefer but likely still beach weather for visitors escaping frigid winter climates back home. But do bring some warmer clothing options for breezy evenings or trips further inland.

The Best Time for Belize Travel

Another prime time is the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November. Temperatures may get up to 90°F in April/May with slightly more humidity, but that’s what the gorgeous swimming holes and beach loungers are for! And while September-November technically falls during the rainy season, many days are sunny, and rainfall often comes in short afternoon bursts, so there’s still plenty of time for outdoor exploration and adventure tours. The bonus for traveling now? Far fewer tourists, lower prices, easier booking for hotels/tours/rental cars, and cooler temperatures in the mid 80s with lower humidity.

Some argue the single best time of year for a Belize vacation is actually January for having the perfect balance of ideal weather, lower tourist crowds, easier mobility to attractions nearby and far, budget savings, plus a wide array of activities on offer from diving the second largest barrier reef in the world to exploring ancient Mayan cities lost in dense jungles. The holidays have passed, yet the peak crowds and pricing of spring break and Easter won’t ramp up until February or later, providing opportunities for budget getaways. What’sLobster fishing season reopens from mid-January until mid-February, giving travelers a limited window to indulge in grilled and ceviche lobster dishes at local prices.

Top January Attractions and Activities

From exploring mysterious cave systems once used for ancient Maya ceremonies to climbing rugged stone temple ruins enveloped in rainforest overgrowth, adventure awaits from rainforest to reef.

Glide through jungled limestone caverns near Tapir Mountain on relaxing inner tube float tours. Marvel at stalactite formations and get your adrenaline pumping through thrilling underground river rapids plunge straight from Hollywood films. Or embark on a true Indiana Jones adventure – passing stalagmites and subterranean lakes – to mysterious archaeological sites only accessible by torchlight deep inside the underworld, like the skeleton-filled Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.

At lush rainforest-shrouded sites like Xunantunich and Caracol, scale weathered structures to survey impressive plazas, ball courts, and palaces while trying to envision what life was like for ancient Maya kings and their mysterious collapse. Local specialty guides bring rich history alive through their decades of expertise, uncovering jungle-locked secrets.

Of course, only a visit to Belize is complete with Caribbean snorkeling and diving adventures to admire the kaleidoscopic coral gardens and sea life along the world-renowned reef. Swim alongside playful spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and octopi before returning to dreamy white sand beaches for beachfront happy hours.

Where to Stay

Base yourself on lively Ambergris Caye for that classic laidback island atmosphere. Opt for jungle eco-lodges near San Ignacio town with rainforest adventures just outside your handcrafted wooden door. With top-value deals under $200 per night readily available in January, now is the time to experience Belize on a budget. Best All Inclusive Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean

What is there to do in Belize? 

With highlights like the second-largest barrier reef, unspoiled beaches, tropical rainforests, ancient Maya ruins, and the best cave systems in Central America, Belize offers endless adventure alongside relaxation. Snorkel with sharks and turtles, explore jungle-hidden temples, rappel into sinkholes, surf island waves, or chill in a beachfront hammock. Belize’s rich marine habitats also make January an extraordinary month for snorkeling adventures along the sprawling Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System or diving the famous Blue Hole. Cooler air temperatures drive surface water temperatures down into the high 70s, bringing reef fish closer to the surface near shore. The days following January’s full moon often produce a vibrant spawning event for many species. But by February, rising waters encourage some fish to spawn out deeper before surface temperatures peak again in April/May. Of course, the reef habitats here astound year-round but this seasonal event creates exceptional visibility and diversity for beginners to advanced divers alike. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Off the Coast of Belize. Even novice snorkelers are practically guaranteed to encounter vibrant schools of angelfish, parrotfish, chromis, sergeants, chubs, damsels, and more.

Beyond the Reef: Inland Adventures
While the Caribbean coast may hog the limelight, Belize’s inland landscapes impress with a diversity rivaling the reef. Sprawling savannas, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, adventure-primed rivers, and lofty Mayan mountains translate into endless opportunities for memorable explorations. Places to Visit in Belize.

Cruise along lush jungle waterways lined with vibrant bromeliads in traditional wooden dories on mile-long cave canoe tours to access sacred grounds otherwise unreachable. Paddle past overhanging ferns and orchids under soaring limestone arches while expert guides narrate Maya history and share local legends. For next-level thrills, join cave tubing expeditions at Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, plunging through the underworld on inner tubes, illuminated by headlamps, as icy river waters carry you past magnificent formations and into vast chambers with long underwater tunnels.

In Cayo District, arrange guided treks to spot intricately-plumed quetzal birds or howler monkeys in their leafy kingdom along remote mountain tracks skirting thousand-foot cascades overnight under starry skies at rustic jungle lodges like duPlooy’s to wake to birdsong choruses and steaming mugs of Belizean coffee. Rise early to explore ancient plazas and climb weathered temples at Caracol, then return for hearty bacon-and-egg breakfasts at your hand-hewn mahogany table. Places to Zip Line While Cruising the World

Go Cave Tubing
Embark on a true Indiana Jones-style adventure careening down underground rivers encased by magnificent limestone formations lit by your trusty headlamp. Float lazily on inner tubes into the very caves once used for ancient Maya rituals over 1000 years ago. Expert guides maneuver small groups from scenic aboveground hiking across the lush Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve into miles of remarkable caverns below with classic dome-like ceilings glittering with stalactites dangling from above and walls adorned with thick stalagmites creeping up from below. Marvel over jaw-dropping sights like the massive main Chamber and warrior guard formations seemingly frozen in battle. Most tubing tours allow a fair bit of leisure to simply gaze in awe at your remarkable surroundings from the comfort of tubes – though hold on tight for thrilling rapids plunges straight out of Hollywood. What better place to escape the cold January air than underground?

Ascend Mayan Temple Ruins
History lovers rejoice with over 600 documented ancient Maya archaeological sites scattered across modern-day Belize, including famous spots like Caracol, Xunantunich, Lamanai, Altun Ha, and Lubaantun. The once dominant Mesoamerican empire called this region home between roughly 2000 BC to 900 AD before mysteriously collapsing. Today, intrepid explorers come to climb weathered stone temple pyramids bursting with jungle overgrowth like scenes from Indiana Jones or wander palace complexes while imagining royal life centuries ago. Local specialty tour guides bring ancient mysteries to life with handles like “Jungle Jim” from decades uncovering secrets locked inside dense Belizean forests and digging for artifacts like jade, bones, and pottery remnants. Visitors trek through protected national parks or remote rainforest reserves on foot, by vehicle, on horseback, or even by helicopter to reach these magnificent ruins seemingly hidden to modern eyes but not necessarily to local Kids from villages nearby who find some after-school playgrounds. Don’t miss famous sites like Xunantunich (Maya for “Stone Lady”) overlooking the countryside that highlights the journey of leader El Castillo from his complicated relationship with wife Lady Cancuen. Or explore Caracol, which historians believe is actually twice the size of the more famous Tikal ruins over in Guatemala thanks to LiDAR laser scanning technology to see what lies buried beneath the thick jungle canopy. Go in January when thinner crowds allow less interrupted moments to stand atop weathered structures built many centuries ago and contemplate what events conspired in such epic places.

Snorkel & Dive the Reef
As the second largest barrier reef in the world, spanning nearly 300 kilometers in length, the Belize Reef serves as a vibrant guardian for the white sand beaches and iconic islands found just offshore. Home to over 500 species of fish alongside marine critters like nurse sharks, stingrays, octopus, moray eels, massive sea turtles, and more, the reef constantly captivates both first-timers and veteran divers from across the globe who splash down to admire the staggering diversity sustained in these coral lined waters. Local captains understand secret spots to witness river-like currents of fish swarming by or caverns with sharks snoozing inside. Snorkelers sightsee from just below the surface alongside rainbow-hued coral and busy reef residents zipping to and fro until a curious nurse shark might cruise by for a closer inspection. Take the plunge by scuba diving the infamous Blue Hole to explore this circular abyss, considered one of the top 10 dive sites on the planet at over 400 feet deep, where reef walls drop away into the numbing darkness now patrolled by lone reef sharks and speculative groupers. Above the surface, beachgoers sigh at the postcard views speckled with sailboats drifting along the horizon, their underwater passengers awing vistas most people barely knew existed.

Relaxation and Romance
When you need a break from high-thrill adventures, unwind beachside on a hammock stretched between swaying palms, caressed by breezes, massaged by lapping waves. Rent rustic cabins sans electricity but complete with candlelit nights perfect for a romantic escape at islands like Glover’s Reef Atoll. Channel Castaway fantasies while reveling in the simplicity of seafood caught fresh for the grill, sunset strolls collecting sea glass and conch shells, and evenings spent star-gazing snuggled in hammocks made for two.

What to Eat in Belize

Thanks to Belize’s cultural melting pot history of Maya, European, Creole, and Caribbean influences, the local cuisine scene dazzles visitors with an eclectic diversity spanning zesty Caribbean seafood stews to hearty Maya corn tamales slathered in tangy recado rojo sauce (recado is a seasoning paste that tastes like ancho chili power). Chefs expertly fuse ultra-fresh local fruits, vegetables, wild game meats, and an abundance of seafood sourced from the nearby reef and fishing villages into mouthwatering dishes you simply can’t find back home.

Seafood shines as the undisputed king during January when the lobster fishing and shrimping season commences, much to locals’ and tourists’ delight. Highly anticipated for months on end, the lobster bounty kicks off, prompting citations for over-eager spears illegally hunting “bugs” out of season. But by mid-month, the tasty crustaceans become fair game across the country. Restaurants showcase the succulent lobster prepared in seemingly endless variations: grilled, fried, thermidor style baked in buttery cream sauce, chopped in tangy ceviche tossed with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, doused in spicy Creole sauce with veggies, wrapped in savory tamales. You name it, Belize chefs eagerly prepare it.

Beyond seafood, January visitors must sample staples like Belizean stewed chicken simmered with vegetables in mouthwatering traditional recado spices passed down through generations: heart of palm, habaneros, annatto, cloves, cumin, peppercorns. The poultry literally falls clean off the bone after hours of magical alchemy. Then dip freshly made corn tortillas into that vivid yellow broth to sop up every last drop. Locals swear such homestyle dishes provide the ultimate comfort food and the finest representation of Creole cooking.

For quick, cheap eats, find busy street food carts near downtowns and bus stations to try classic snacks like ganaches (fried tortillas with beans, cheese, and avocado), salutes (similar using puffed tortillas), fried fish served with thick flour tortillas and cabbage slaw known as “parades.” Locals on lunch break swarm beloved spots like María’s on New Road in Belize City or shops near the Fort George bus terminal for tasty authentic eats on a dime. Travelers soon learn why Belize won renown for Central America’s best street food scene and come hungry for lots of tasty samples.

Belize has a long history of cacao cultivation and chocolate-making dating back over 3,000 years to the ancient Maya. Cacao trees grow well in Belize’s tropical climate and nutrient-rich soils, especially in the southern Toledo district. Many cacao farms today use sustainable organic practices. Travelers can tour cacao orchards and chocolate factories to learn the production process first-hand. Traditional Maya chocolate-making techniques are still used by communities who ferment, dry, roast and grind cacao by hand. The historic Maya then made chocolate drinks by mixing the ground cacao with water, chili peppers, vanilla, honey, and spices. Many jungle lodges and resorts also offer chocolate-making workshops and education programs as part of immersive cultural experiences.

Chase it all with local rum punch, Panti Rippa (Kuknat coconut rum and pineapple juice), and Belikin, Belize’s beloved beer, best-sipped seaside as vivid hues streak across the evening skies ahead of another day of adventure. Cashew wine and Seaweed Sake: The legal drinking age is 18 in Belize.

Distillery Tours in Belize

In the southern Toledo District, immerse in living Maya culture through village homestays, chocolate-making workshops, spiritual ceremonies, and hiking excursions to remote sites like Lubaantun alongside Mopan or Kekchi guides who provide precious perspectives into enduring traditions. Cap off days learning traditional tortilla-making or harvesting cacao pods for chocolate production around evening fires, retelling age-old folk stories while sampling homemade corn liquor.

Belize has a burgeoning craft distillery culture, offering tours and tastings at rum, vodka, gin, and even cashew wine producers across the country. Top attractions include Belize Rum Tours to learn about famous One Barrel Rum; Belize Spirits Company to see Kuknat rum, gin, and vodka production using sugar cane from their farmland; Maruba Resort’s Jungle Spa to taste their signature sweet and peppery cashew wine; the new solar-powered Belize Craft Gin micro distillery; and Copal Tree Farm Distillery at a sustainable rainforest resort, where they make rum and other spirits from their organic sugar cane and cacao farms. These educational tours mix cocktail and spirit tastings with insight into distillation methods, ingredients, and history, revealing Belize’s homegrown liquors employing unique local botanicals. It perfectly complements the Caribbean food and cultural scene.

Festivals and Events

Attend One of Belize’s Quirky Festivals in Tropical locales like Belize. Never skip a chance to host exciting festivals celebrating their diversity, heritage, agriculture, and overall joie de vivre, even in laidback months like January. Foodies indulge at the annual Chocolate Festival held in the village of Punta Gorda in Toledo District. Enjoy demonstrations from master chocolatiers on tree-to-bar chocolate crafting techniques alongside cacao-inspired meals from regional chefs. Of course, the highlight remains unlimited samples of chocolate confections, pastries like chocolate macaroons, chocolate coated fruits, chocolate chili mole sauces, chocolate rum balls, decadent chocolate wines, and endless chocolate desserts to test the limits of even the most devoted cocoa lover.

Over in the Cayo countryside outside San Ignacio, January also brings the adventurous 3-day weekend known as the Jaialdi Maya Winter Solstice Festival, celebrating the ancient Maya New Year held around ancient archaeological sites like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Families participate in traditional dancing plus sample Belizean-Maya fusion cuisine from street stalls while children eagerly await foam parties and water balloon wars amid live Central American-style parades and marimba music. Round off celebrating Maya heritage and artistry with the new year to awaken fresh adventures ahead.

With optimal weather and thinner crowds, January is one of the year’s best months for checking off Belize bucket lists. Revel in beach bliss, jungle thrills, cultural connections, and mouthwatering cuisine against backdrops spanning coral reefs to mist-veiled Maya mountains.

Whether you crave lounging on a hammock for hours immersed in beach reads or seek action racing down rainforest rivers on inner tubes into mysterious limestone caves, Belize obliges in January. Submerge yourself in Maya history and culture through temple climbs, chocolate-making workshops, or village homestays before surfacing in the jungle or Caribbean panoramas. Then repeat this intoxicating cycle of adventure and indulgence to design your personalized paradise escape under perpetually sunny skies bursting with possibilities. Your Belizean storyline awaits this January, and warm smiles are ready to welcome your first barefoot steps off the plane onto balmy Caribbean shores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Belize

1. How do I get to Belize? There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Belize. You’ll have to connect through Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, or other hubs. Nonstop flights take 2-3 hours from these gateway cities.
2. When is the best time to visit Belize? The dry season between November and mid-April brings sunny, rain-free weather perfect for beach and adventure vacations. May to October sees more heat, humidity, and sometimes intense downpours.
3. Is Belize safe for travelers? Belize is generally safe, but travelers should exercise common sense precautions in cities, especially at night. Some areas like San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye see petty theft aimed at tourists, so keep an eye on your cash and belongings.
4. What is the currency used? While the Belize Dollar is the official currency, businesses readily accept USD. So, most tourists use a mix of USD cash and credit cards during their stay without needing to exchange money in advance.
5. Do I need any vaccines? No vaccines are mandatory, though Hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prevention are often recommended. Zika is a low threat nowadays. Bring sun protection and bug spray!

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