Global Escapes

Belize

The barrier reef, Maya temples in the jungle and English spoken everywhere, about two and a half hours from Atlanta.

By the Global Escapes travel team · Updated

Best time to go
Mid-December to April
Trip length
7 to 10 days
From Atlanta
About 2.5 hours nonstop to Belize City
Time difference
2 hours behind Atlanta in summer, 1 in winter
Entry
U.S. passport, no visa for stays up to 30 days
Currency
Belize dollar, pegged 2 to 1; U.S. dollars accepted everywhere

Why Belize is the easy adventure

Jungle in the morning, reef in the afternoon, and a hammock in between.

Most trips split time between the jungle and the sea. Start inland in the Cayo District near San Ignacio, exploring caves, rivers and Maya sites, then fly or boat out to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker for snorkeling and island time, or head south to the quiet beaches of Placencia.

Divers come for the Great Blue Hole. Everyone else comes for the reef, which is just a short boat ride from the cayes.

Getting around

  • Belize City to San IgnacioAbout 2 hours by car
  • San Ignacio to Tikal, GuatemalaAbout 2 hours, including the border
  • Belize City to Ambergris Caye15 minutes by air, or about 90 minutes by water taxi
  • Belize City to PlacenciaAbout 40 minutes by air
  • Ambergris Caye to the Great Blue HoleAbout 2 hours by boat
Belize CityAmbergris CayeCaye CaulkerGreat Blue HoleSan IgnacioCaracolHopkinsPlacenciaTikal
Jungle route Short flights and boat rides

When to go

The best months, the busy weeks and the quieter windows, so you can choose the trip that fits.

  1. JanDry, mild and breezy
  2. FebClear water, great diving
  3. MarHot and dry
  4. AprWhale shark season begins
  5. MayWhale sharks, warm seas
  6. JunLobster season opens
  7. JulLobster festivals, showers
  8. AugHot and quiet
  9. SepPeak storm risk
  10. OctRainiest month
  11. NovRains taper off
  12. DecHoliday weeks

Peak season Shoulder season Low season

Average temperatures and rainfall

Approximate average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.

Spring

March to May is hot and dry with excellent visibility. It’s whale shark season near Placencia, with sightings around the full moons from about March to June.

Summer

The rainy season starts in June, bringing short, heavy showers and a lush green jungle. Lobster season opens in mid-June, and the cayes celebrate with lobster festivals.

Fall

September and October are the wettest months and the peak of hurricane season. Some small resorts close for a few weeks, and travel insurance is a must.

Winter

Mid-December through April is the dry season and the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and calm seas.

Where to go

The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.

Ambergris Caye

Belize’s largest island, with golf-cart streets, beach bars and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve just offshore.

Best for Snorkeling, couples, families

Caye Caulker

Small, barefoot and laid back, where the local motto is “go slow.”

Best for Easygoing island time

Cayo & San Ignacio

Jungle lodges, river tubing, cave tours and Maya sites like Xunantunich and Caracol.

Best for Adventure, families

ATM Cave

One of the world’s great cave adventures, with ancient Maya artifacts deep inside. Guided only.

Best for Adventurous travelers

Tikal

Just across the border in Guatemala, the towering temples of Tikal make an unforgettable day from Cayo.

Best for History lovers

Placencia & Hopkins

Quiet southern beaches, Garifuna drumming and culture in Hopkins, and boutique resorts on a long sandy peninsula.

Best for Beach time, culture

The Great Blue Hole

A giant marine sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef, for experienced divers or a scenic flight overhead.

Best for Divers, flightseeing

The barrier reef

Nearly 200 miles of coral, rays, turtles and nurse sharks, mostly within easy reach of the cayes.

Best for Snorkelers of all ages

From the travel blog

Belize in the dry season

Barrier reef by day, Maya ruins and jungle lodges inland, and how to split your time between them.

Read the guide

Good to know

The small things that make a big difference once you arrive.

Jungle first, beach last

End on the coast so your last days are pure relaxation.

Pack soft bags

Island flights use small planes with baggage limits, so soft-sided bags work best.

English everywhere

English is Belize’s official language, which makes it an easy first trip to Central America.

Cash and change

U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, but you’ll usually get change in Belize dollars.

Bug spray and sun

Pack insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, especially for jungle days.

Insurance in storm season

Strongly recommended for summer and fall trips, when storms are possible.

Questions we hear a lot

Do we need a passport or visa for Belize?

You’ll need a U.S. passport valid for at least six months. No visa is needed for stays up to 30 days.

When is the best time to visit Belize?

Mid-December through April is the dry season. May and June are hot with great whale shark viewing, and September and October are the rainiest months.

Can we visit Tikal from Belize?

Yes. Tikal is about two hours from San Ignacio, including the border crossing, and makes a full, rewarding day trip.

Is Belize good for families?

Very. Short flights, English everywhere, calm snorkeling and jungle adventures make it a family favorite.

Should we stay on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker?

Ambergris has more resorts, restaurants and polish. Caye Caulker is smaller and more relaxed. Both are close to great snorkeling.

Let’s plan your Belize trip

Tell us when you’re thinking of going and who’s coming along. An advisor will take it from there.

Start planning Call 706.549.1164