Central America & Caribbean

Belize in January

Dry season but with the odd northerly front bringing a gray, windy day. Busy with North American snowbirds.

GoodMostly dry, highs near 81F (27C), occasional cold-front showers

Belize barrier reef — BelizePhoto: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

January is a good month to visit Belize. Dry season but with the odd northerly front bringing a gray, windy day. Busy with North American snowbirds.

Weather: Mostly dry, highs near 81F (27C), occasional cold-front showers
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Belize

January is dry season in Belize, with highs near 81F (27C) and mostly sunny days. Every so often a northerly cold front brings a gray, windy day or a passing shower, which can make boat rides choppy. The cayes and jungle lodges are busy with North American snowbirds, and prices are high. Jungle roads are dry, so the ATM cave and Caracol are easier to reach than in the rainy months.

This month suits families, couples, and first-timers who want a mix of reef and jungle. Keep a spare day for boat trips in case a front rolls through. Book island lodges early. If you want reliably calm seas and clear water, February through April is even better.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Belize this month.

ATM cave in the dry season

Dry weather means the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave is less likely to close for high water. It is guided-only and suits older kids and teens.

Maya sites without the heat

Cooler days make climbing El Castillo at Xunantunich a pleasure.

Snorkel Hol Chan

The classic trip from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker is best early in the day, when water is calmer.

What to pack for January

A light fleece or windbreaker for cold-front days
Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
Water shoes for river crossings and cave trips
Insect repellent for the jungle

Our timing tip

Plan boat trips for the middle of your stay, so you can shift them if a cold front brings choppy seas.

Book Belize for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Belize
Opens a hotel search for Belize in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Belize
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Belize
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Belize for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Belize

Full guide

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

The classic snorkel trip from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. Go early in the day for calmer water and fewer boats.

Tickets and tours →

Great Blue Hole

A full-day dive trip from the cayes, best in the dry season when seas are calm. Nondivers can take a scenic flight instead.

Tickets and tours →

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave

A guided-only day trip from San Ignacio. Closed after heavy rain; the dry season is the safest time to go.

Tickets and tours →

Xunantunich

Near San Ignacio, reached by a hand-cranked river ferry. Climb El Castillo for views into Guatemala.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Caracol

A long drive into the Chiquibul Forest to the largest Maya site in Belize. The road is rough, and the dry season is best.

Tickets and tours →

Caye Caulker

A laid-back island with a Go Slow motto and the Split for swimming. Cheaper and quieter than Ambergris Caye.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book the Blue Hole and ATM cave trips for weekdays; cruise ship days fill the popular tours from Belize City.
Early December and May are the best value months, with dry weather and prices well below peak.
Stay on Caye Caulker or in Placencia instead of San Pedro for a quieter island experience.
In Cayo, arrive at Xunantunich and Caracol when they open; tour groups tend to come later in the morning.

Know before you go

September and October: a number of resorts, restaurants, and dive shops close for part of the season. Confirm your lodge is open.
The ATM cave closes after heavy rains for safety, which can happen at any time in the rainy season.
Lobster is out of season from late winter until the season reopens on June 15, and conch has its own closed season. Expect them off menus in those months.
Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking August through October. Storms can halt all boat trips for days.