Not more than 300 feet in elevation, northern Belize consists of mangrove swamps on the coast, and plains and savannah inland. There is a lot of scrub brush in this area, as well as cattle ranches, citrus groves and sugarcane fields. This area tends to be the warmest part of Belize, with temperatures that can reach 95 degrees F during the summer months. However, 10-mile-an-hour tradewinds blow on and off from February through September, keeping the area comfortable and the humidity lower than in the rest of Belize. The rainy season in northern Belize is typically from mid-June through November, with drier weather from February through April.
Also rather low-lying, southern Belize is a 10-mile wide coastal strip that includes rainforests, savannahs and marshes similar to those found in the north. However, southern Belize also has the Maya Mountains, a 3,000-foot mountain range that features evergreen forests and the gorgeous Mountain Pine Ridge, where you'll find cooler temperatures the higher in the mountain range you go. Southern Belize is significantly rainier than the northern areas, typically experiencing two to three times more rainfall than the rest of the country each year. During the rainy season that runs from June through November, rivers swell and the area is often subject to heavy flooding.
A series of small islands make up the third region of Belize. Most are uninhabited, though the largest, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, are both popular tourist attractions. The Cayes typically experience highs around 85 degrees F and lows around 75 degrees F, with water temperatures around 80 degrees F, making it a pleasant spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Rainy season in the Cayes is from July through January, bringing about 10 inches of rain per month, as well as many mosquitoes.
Belize's tropical climate means that the area is generally warm and moist, with annual temperatures that range from 50 to 95 degrees F, with an average of about 79 degrees F. November, December and January are the coolest months, with an average temperature of 75 degrees F; while May through September is the hottest time of year, with average temperatures at about 81 degrees F.
In addition to the dry and rainy seasons found in most tropical locales, Belize also experiences a hurricane season in the late summer and early fall. Belize is at its driest and most pleasant during the spring, making the months of March, April, and May the best time to visit.
