Things to Do in Belize City in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Belize City
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail end means minimal rainfall interference - those 10 rainy days typically bring brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes rather than all-day washouts, so you can actually plan outdoor activities with confidence
- Pre-Easter timing puts you ahead of North American summer crowds while still catching pleasant weather - accommodation prices run 20-30% lower than December-February peak season, and you'll have attractions like the Belize Museum and Fort George largely to yourself
- Sea conditions are still excellent from the dry season carryover - visibility for snorkeling and diving at nearby cayes stays around 18-24 m (60-80 ft), and boat rides to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye are notably calmer than May onwards
- Caribbean breezes actually make that 31°C (88°F) feel manageable - the coastal location means you get consistent wind that drops the perceived temperature by several degrees, especially in the Fort George area and along Marine Parade
Considerations
- Humidity at 70% means you'll be sweating through shirts within an hour of walking around - this isn't the crisp tropical air of January, and if you're not used to sticky heat, the afternoon hours from 1-4pm can feel oppressive even with the breeze
- April sits in that awkward transition period where you're catching the tail end of dry season but not quite into the rainy pattern yet - weather can be genuinely unpredictable day to day, making it harder to plan than the reliably dry February-March window
- The city itself doesn't have major festivals or cultural events in April - you're missing the September celebrations and Christmas festivities, so if you're hoping for that cultural immersion through events, this isn't the month for it
Best Activities in April
Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving day trips
April catches the sweet spot before the rainy season muddies coastal waters. Visibility is still excellent at 18-24 m (60-80 ft), and sea conditions remain calm enough that even nervous swimmers can handle the boat rides. The water temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), which is warm enough to skip the wetsuit for snorkeling but comfortable for extended diving. You're also ahead of the summer crowds, so popular sites like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley feel less like underwater traffic jams. Worth noting that April's UV index of 8 means you absolutely need reef-safe sunscreen and a rashguard - the sun reflects off the water and you'll burn faster than you think.
Altun Ha Maya ruins exploration
The 55 km (34 mile) drive north takes you to one of Belize's most accessible major ruins, and April weather is actually ideal for this - mornings are warm but not scorching, and you'll likely finish your visit before any afternoon showers roll in. The site opens at 8am, and getting there by 9am means you beat both the heat and the cruise ship groups that arrive mid-morning. The humidity does make the climb up the main temple feel more strenuous than the 18 m (60 ft) height suggests, but the views over the jungle canopy are worth the sweat. April's vegetation is still lush from the dry season but not overgrown, making photography clearer than in the rainy months.
Belize City historical walking tours
The city's compact Fort George and downtown areas are walkable, but April's humidity means you need to be strategic about timing. Early morning walks from 7-9am or late afternoon after 4pm are genuinely pleasant with the Caribbean breeze coming off the water. You'll cover the colonial architecture, swing bridge (the only manually operated swing bridge still in use in the Americas), and the waterfront without melting. The Government House and St John's Cathedral are worth the stops, and the indoor air conditioning provides welcome relief. April's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually have conversations with locals without feeling rushed, and the Museum of Belize is nearly empty on weekday mornings.
Cave tubing and jungle canopy experiences
The caves inland stay naturally cool year-round, making them perfect April escapes from coastal humidity. Cave Branch and similar cave systems sit about 45-60 km (28-37 miles) from the city, and April's water levels are ideal - high enough for smooth tubing but not the rushing currents you sometimes get in peak rainy season. The jungle canopy zip-lining that often pairs with cave tubing is actually more comfortable in April's humidity than the bone-dry months, as the vegetation is still vibrant and the forest feels alive. Those 10 rainy days in April rarely affect cave activities since you're getting wet anyway, and afternoon showers often cool things down perfectly for the drive back.
Island hopping to nearby cayes
April's sea conditions make the water taxi rides to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye genuinely pleasant rather than the stomach-churning experiences they can be in rougher months. Caye Caulker sits 35 km (22 miles) northeast and takes 45 minutes by water taxi, while San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is about 58 km (36 miles) and takes 75 minutes. The islands offer that postcard Caribbean vibe without the Belize City urban edge, and April means you're not competing with peak season crowds for restaurant tables or beach chairs. Day trips work fine, but overnight stays let you catch the sunset from the Split on Caye Caulker without rushing for the last water taxi at 5:30pm.
Local food market and street food exploration
April's weather actually makes the outdoor markets more bearable than the peak heat months. The Old Belize Market and the vendors around Albert Street come alive in early mornings from 6-9am when locals are shopping for fresh produce and the day's catch. You'll find hudut (fish stew with coconut), garnaches (fried tortillas with beans and cheese), and fresh fruit for 3-8 BZD per item. The humidity means food spoils faster, so vendors are selling genuinely fresh daily stock rather than day-old items. Late afternoon around 4-5pm brings another wave of food carts selling panades and meat pies as people head home from work. This is where you actually taste Belizean Creole and Garifuna cuisine without the tourist markup.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Weekend Celebrations
Easter timing varies year to year, but when it falls in April, you'll see Belize City's religious communities come out for processions and church services. St John's Cathedral hosts special Good Friday and Easter Sunday masses that draw crowds, and local families gather for traditional meals featuring cross buns and stewed chicken. It's not a massive tourist spectacle, but it offers genuine cultural insight into Belizean Catholic and Protestant traditions. Expect some businesses to close Good Friday through Easter Monday.