Central America & Caribbean
Belize in May
The hottest month and a value sweet spot before the rains. Whale sharks still around at Gladden Spit.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Belize. The hottest month and a value sweet spot before the rains. Whale sharks still around at Gladden Spit.
- Weather
- Hot, highs near 88F (31C), rains starting late in the month
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Belize
May is the hottest month, with highs near 88F (31C). It is a value sweet spot before the rains, which usually start late in the month. Whale sharks are still around at Gladden Spit, and crowds are much thinner than in the spring. Prices drop. Jungle roads are still dry early in the month.
This month suits divers, couples, and families who can handle heat and want a good deal. Aim for the first half of the month. If you want cooler weather, pick January or February.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Belize this month.
Whale shark season
May is still one of the best months for sightings at Gladden Spit.
Value before the rains
Lower prices and thinner crowds, with mostly dry weather.
Placencia
The sandy peninsula in the south is relaxed and less crowded.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A hat
- Insect repellent
Our timing tip
Travel in the first half of May, before the rainy season starts.
Book Belize for May.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BelizeOpens a hotel search for Belize in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in BelizeWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in BelizeTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Belize for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Whale shark season at Gladden Spit
Roughly March through June, around the full moon
Whale sharks gather to feed on snapper spawn. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the odds are best in April and May.
Things to do in Belize
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.
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.
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.
Xunantunich
Near San Ignacio, reached by a hand-cranked river ferry. Climb El Castillo for views into Guatemala.
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.
Caye Caulker
A laid-back island with a Go Slow motto and the Split for swimming. Cheaper and quieter than Ambergris Caye.
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.
Belize in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Belize?
May is a good month to visit Belize. The hottest month and a value sweet spot before the rains. Whale sharks still around at Gladden Spit.
What is the weather like in Belize in May?
Hot, highs near 88F (31C), rains starting late in the month.
Is Belize crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Belize; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Belize in May?
Whale shark season at Gladden Spit (roughly march through june, around the full moon).
Keep planning Belize.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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