Things to Do in Belize City in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Belize City
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + December is Belize City's dry-season sweet spot - that 82°F (28°C) high with only 10 rain days means you can plan outdoor activities without checking weather apps every hour
- + Cruise ship crowds thin dramatically after the first week of December, turning usually shoulder-to-shoulder Albert Street into walkable territory where you can browse without feeling like cattle
- + Hotel rates drop 25-30% from November peaks while the weather stays nearly identical - you're getting November's weather at October's prices
- + The sea is bathtub-warm - 81°F (27°C) water temperatures that feel like swimming in silk, good for the cayes trips that most visitors rush to book
- − December's UV index of 8 means lobster-red sunburns in 20 minutes without proper protection - that Caribbean sun doesn't mess around even when it feels breezy
- − Holiday week (December 20-January 2) sees every decent hotel in Belize City booked solid by October, with prices jumping back to peak levels
- − Mosquitoes are brutal at dusk - that 70% humidity creates perfect breeding conditions, and you'll want serious repellent for any sunset activities
Year-Round Climate
How December compares to the rest of the year
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December's crystal-clear 100-foot (30 m) visibility makes this the month for reef exploration. Water's warm enough for 3-hour boat trips without wetsuits, and the usually rough seas flatten out during dry season. The 45-minute ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker becomes a smooth glide over turquoise glass.
December's 82°F (28°C) highs make walking through the old town tolerable - you're not dripping sweat by 10 AM like in July. The food stalls along Daly Street fire up their coals later in December, so you catch the lunch rush at 11:30 AM instead of 9 AM, meaning fresher fry jacks and hotter stewed chicken.
December kicks off peak migratory season - the sanctuary's 16,400-acre (6,640 hectares) wetlands fill with northern migrants escaping snow. You might spot 50+ species in a single morning, from roseate spoonbills to the massive jabiru storks that arrive specifically in December.
December's low water levels reveal sandbars good for swimming stops, and the usually swift current slows enough for leisurely 2-hour cruises. Manatees are more visible in the clearer water, and crocodile sightings increase as they bask on the banks during sunny afternoons.
December's 70°F (21°C) mornings make climbing the 54-foot (16 m) Temple of the Masonry Altars pleasant instead of a sweaty ordeal. The 34-mile (55 km) drive passes through villages selling fresh coconut water roadside - good for the 45-minute journey.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
December 16th sees decorated fishing boats cruise the Belize River at sunset, blasting punta music and carols from speakers mounted on shrimp boats. Locals line the Swing Bridge for the best views, and street vendors sell rum-spiced ponche alongside tamales wrapped in plantain leaves.
While November 19th is the actual holiday, December continues with smaller celebrations at Queen's Square Park - traditional drumming circles, hudut (fish and coconut stew) cooking demonstrations, and punta dancing that starts around 7 PM when the temperature drops to comfortable levels.
Essential Tips
What to pack, insider knowledge and common pitfalls