September: 86 places at their best

Central America & Caribbean

Belize in September

The heart of hurricane season. Some lodges and dive shops close for the month; the ATM cave often shuts after heavy rain. Independence Day on September 21 is the bright spot.

Think twiceVery wet and humid, highs near 88F (31C), peak hurricane risk
Belize barrier reef
BelizePhoto: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

September is a month to think twice about visiting Belize. The heart of hurricane season. Some lodges and dive shops close for the month; the ATM cave often shuts after heavy rain. Independence Day on September 21 is the bright spot.

Weather
Very wet and humid, highs near 88F (31C), peak hurricane risk
Crowds
1 of 5
Prices
1 of 5

What September is like in Belize

September is the heart of hurricane season, with very wet, humid weather and highs near 88F (31C). Some lodges and dive shops close for the month, and the ATM cave often shuts after heavy rain. The bright spot is Independence Day on September 21, with parades and street parties across the country.

This is one of the months to avoid. Families and first-timers should pick February through April instead. If you do go, confirm that your lodge is open.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Belize this month.

01

Independence Day

September 21 brings parades and street parties across the country.

02

Lowest prices

Rates are at their lowest of the year.

03

Empty beaches

You may have the cayes nearly to yourself.

What to pack for September

  • A sturdy rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothes
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof sandals

Our timing tip

Confirm your lodge and tours are open, since several close for the season.

Book Belize for September.

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What's on in September

Belize Independence Day

September 21 every year

The climax of the September Celebrations, with parades and street parties across the country.

Things to do in Belize

Full guide
01

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 →

02

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 →

03

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 →

04

Xunantunich

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

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 →

06

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.

Belize in September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Belize?

September is a month to think twice about visiting Belize. The heart of hurricane season. Some lodges and dive shops close for the month; the ATM cave often shuts after heavy rain. Independence Day on September 21 is the bright spot.

What is the weather like in Belize in September?

Very wet and humid, highs near 88F (31C), peak hurricane risk.

Is Belize crowded in September?

September is one of the quieter months in Belize; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Belize in September?

Belize Independence Day (september 21 every year).

Keep planning Belize.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Belize in AugustThe month before: Hot and humid, highs near 88F (31C), storms more frequentTradeoffs
  2. 02Belize in OctoberThe month after: Wettest month in much of the country, highs near 86F (30C)Think twice
  3. 03Belize in FebruaryThe next best month: Dry, highs near 82F (28C)Best

Also at their best in September

Everywhere in September

Where else is good in September?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

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