Weather
The beginning of December sees some holdover rains in Belize, but by the end of the month, the sun is most decidedly out. Overall, the rains have reduced to about four inches, which is down from an average of seven inches in November. Hurricane season has ended, yet offshore breezes keep temperatures around the coast and islands cool at a peak of 79°F (26°C).
Even inland temps hardly top 81°F (27°C). This is more pleasant than the 85°F (29°C) the country sees during the hotter months. And the water is a balmy 81°F (27°C), so pack your snorkeling gear.
Crowds & Costs
The great trade-off to visiting Belize during the start of its high season is paying higher prices for lodging and tours. By December the low-season vacation packages have all but expired, plus most hotels have filled up. That means you need to make reservations well in advance.
One major reason for the influx of tourists, besides the nice weather, is Christmas. This holiday is as popular with vacationers looking to escape the northern chill as it is with local Belizeans. There will be great parties and festivities at the end of the month, just know that the country will be packed.
Where to Go
December is the perfect time to head to Belize's many wildlife parks and sanctuaries on the mainland. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland area home to water birds like storks, spoonbills, and herons. The sanctuary is easily accessible since it's located a mere hour north of the capital of Belize City.
Rivers are also great to visit during December, as the water levels are lower and there's little chance of a rainout. The New River, at the northern tip of Belize, is an ideal place to see exotic birds, monkeys, river turtles, and crocodiles. Like Crooked Tree, it's relatively quick and easy to get to from the capital.
You'll certainly want to head to Belize's famous Barrier Reef and explore the various marine reserves. Most people head to Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's islands, as there are many lodging options in its main town of San Pedro. Plus it's close to incredible dive sites, like those in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Also at Hol Chan is Shark Ray Alley, a popular stop for people who want to get up close and personal with marine life such as nurse sharks.
There's also the option to travel further to the easternmost part of Belize's Barrier Reef, to Lighthouse Reef Atoll. From there you can head out on day trips to famous locales like The Aquarium and Blue Hole, a marine sinkhole rated as one of the 10 best dive sites in the entire world by Jacques Cousteau. Catamaran trips are particularly fun ways to explore these outer atolls.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What do Do
With the sun reliably out for the first time in months, December is a great time to come and enjoy Belize's outdoor activities like diving and snorkeling. Kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding are also great activities around the reef, atolls, and islands. Or there's the option to simply while away the hours lazing in a hammock on tiny Tobacco Caye, Caye Caulker, or Ambergris.
Aside from the majesty of the Barrier Reef, few experiences in Belize are more memorable than wildlife excursions. There are plenty of exotic animals here, both on land and at sea. Head to the aforementioned Crooked Tree Sanctuary for birding. There are also interesting avian species out on the ocean. For example, visit the island of Half Moon Caye to see the magnificent red-footed boobies begin their December nesting season.
Additionally, taking a boat tour down the New River or Moho River is a great way to spot as many of Beliza's famed fauna in one place. On the banks of these rivers, you're likely to see toucans, macaws, howler monkeys, coatis, crocodiles, and more.
Events in December
Christmas (Dec 25). Belizeans celebrate this end-of-year holiday much like anywhere else in the west, with an added twist: one Sunday in early December, Belize kicks off the holiday season with an annual parade of boats adorned in Christmas lights that sail around Ambergris Caye.
Boxing Day (Dec 26). This holiday is a holdover from Belize's days as a British colony. People celebrate the day after Christmas by giving presents to the needy.
New Year's Eve (Dec 31). Belizeans celebrate the New Year by feasting with family and counting down the seconds until midnight. There are also many fireworks displays throughout the country.
Traveling to Belize in December? Check out these great itineraries
Belize Lighthouse Reef Adventure - 7 Days. This week-long sojourn in Belize celebrates the country's famous wildlife and Barrier Reef. After a visit to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to view exotic waterbirds, you'll head to Half Moon Caye for snorkeling and kayaking. An added treat involves going to the many viewing platforms on the island to see the nesting sites of red-footed boobies.
Belize Wildlife, Mayan Ruins, & Reef Tour - 9 Days. Enjoy a well-rounded Belize experience by visiting its main highlights, from ruins and rivers to islands and atolls. It starts with a hike around the Lamanai ruins in Northern Belize and a trip to the nearby Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Then it's off to the clear waters of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll where you'll snorkel around famous sites like The Aquarium and Blue Hole.
More Helpful Information
Belize in November
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Best Time of Year to Visit Belize
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