Things to Do in Belize City in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Belize City
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime dry season weather with daily highs around 28°C (82°F) and virtually zero rainfall accumulation - December sits right in the sweet spot between the October hurricane season and the peak tourist crush of January, giving you excellent conditions without the crowds
- Caribbean Sea visibility peaks in December at 20-30 m (65-100 ft), making this the absolute best month for diving and snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef - water temps hover around 27°C (81°F), so you'll actually be comfortable in just a shorty wetsuit
- Local Christmas celebrations from mid-December onward bring out the best street food vendors and cultural events - you'll catch Garifuna Settlement Day afterglow activities and pre-Christmas parades that tourists visiting other months completely miss
- Accommodation pricing in early December (before the 15th) runs about 25-30% cheaper than late December holiday rates, and you'll have much better selection since most North American families don't arrive until after the 20th
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days listed in the data are misleading - while total rainfall is minimal, December actually brings unpredictable weather patterns as cold fronts push down from North America, creating sudden wind shifts and choppy seas that can cancel boat tours with just a few hours notice
- Belize City itself empties out during the holiday period as locals head to the cayes or inland - many smaller restaurants and shops close between December 23-26, and the city takes on a somewhat abandoned feel that can be jarring if you're expecting festive urban energy
- That 70% humidity combined with 28°C (82°F) temps and minimal breeze in the city creates the kind of sticky heat that makes walking more than 1 km (0.6 miles) genuinely uncomfortable between 11am-3pm - this isn't the romantic tropical warmth of a beach, it's urban humidity that soaks through your clothes
Best Activities in December
Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Expeditions
December offers the year's best underwater visibility at the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system globally. Water clarity reaches 20-30 m (65-100 ft) thanks to minimal rainfall and calm seas. The 27°C (81°F) water temperature means you'll stay comfortable for longer sessions, and December sits outside both hurricane season and the peak summer plankton bloom. Worth noting that cold fronts can roll through with 2-3 days notice, creating choppy conditions, but operators typically know 24-48 hours ahead. Most day trips depart from Caye Caulker or San Pedro rather than Belize City itself - factor in the 45-minute water taxi ride from the Marine Terminal.
Altun Ha Maya Ruins Visits
The ancient Maya site of Altun Ha sits 50 km (31 miles) north of Belize City and December's dry conditions make this the ideal time to explore without mud-soaked trails or afternoon downpours cutting your visit short. The site opens at 8am when temperatures are still comfortable around 24°C (75°F) - by noon it's genuinely hot with minimal shade among the plazas. The Temple of the Masonry Altars reaches 16 m (54 ft) and you can still climb most structures, unlike many Mexican sites. Interestingly, December sees fewer tour buses than January-March, so you might have entire plazas to yourself if you arrive right at opening.
Cave Tubing at Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch
December's low rainfall means cave water levels sit at their most manageable depths - you'll float through chambers without the rushing currents that make this sketchy during wetter months. The Caves Branch River system stays around 22°C (72°F) year-round, which feels refreshing after the humid jungle hike to the entry point. That said, the 30-40 minute hike through rainforest to reach the caves is genuinely sweaty work in December's humidity, even on the maintained trail. The actual float takes 2-3 hours through underground river passages with Mayan ceremonial chambers. Most operators combine this with zip-lining or jungle hiking since you're already 50 km (31 miles) inland from the city.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Birdwatching
December marks the beginning of peak migratory bird season at Crooked Tree, about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Belize City. The lagoon system attracts jabiru storks (largest flying bird in the Americas), migratory ducks, and dozens of wading bird species as northern winter pushes them south. Early morning visits around 6-7am offer the best wildlife activity before heat drives birds into shade. The sanctuary sits at sea level with elevated boardwalks and boat access to deeper lagoons. December's dry conditions mean birds concentrate around remaining water sources, making spotting easier than wet season when water spreads across the entire floodplain. Bring serious mosquito protection - they're relentless even in December.
Belize City Cultural and Historical Walking Routes
December mornings between 7-10am offer the only genuinely comfortable window for exploring downtown Belize City on foot before humidity and heat become oppressive. The compact historic district around the Swing Bridge, Government House, and St. John's Cathedral covers about 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking. December brings out Christmas decorations along Albert Street and the waterfront, giving the somewhat rough-around-edges city center more visual appeal than usual. That said, Belize City has a deserved reputation for street crime - walking tours with guides provide both safety and historical context you'd miss exploring solo. The Museum of Belize in the former colonial prison offers air-conditioned respite and genuine Maya artifact collections.
Lamanai Maya Ruins River Journey
The boat journey to Lamanai through the New River offers better wildlife spotting in December than any other month - low water levels concentrate crocodiles, iguanas, and birds along the riverbanks, and the 90-minute boat ride actually becomes a wildlife tour. Lamanai itself remains partially unexcavated in dense jungle, giving it a more adventurous feel than cleared sites like Altun Ha. The High Temple reaches 33 m (108 ft) and you can still climb to the top for canopy views - though the stairs are steep and slippery even in dry season. December's weather means you'll avoid rain delays, but that UV index of 8 is no joke with minimal shade. The site sees far fewer visitors than Altun Ha despite being more impressive, mainly because it requires the full-day commitment.
December Events & Festivals
Garifuna Settlement Day Aftermath Activities
While Garifuna Settlement Day itself falls on November 19th, the cultural momentum carries into early December, particularly in Belize City's Southside neighborhoods where Garifuna communities celebrate with extended family gatherings, drumming circles, and traditional hudut (fish stew with mashed plantains) preparation. You won't find organized tourist events, but the cultural energy and street food availability peaks during the first week of December. Local restaurants serve seasonal Garifuna dishes that disappear from menus by mid-month.
Christmas Parades and Street Decorations
Belize City transforms its downtown area with Christmas lights and decorations starting around December 10th, with the main Christmas parade typically happening the third weekend of December. The parade route runs along Albert Street from the Swing Bridge featuring school bands, dance groups, and decorated floats - it's genuinely community-focused rather than tourist-oriented, which gives it authentic charm but also means minimal infrastructure for spectators. Local families line the streets with folding chairs hours in advance to claim spots.
Boxing Day Celebrations
December 26th is a major public holiday throughout Belize with street parties, horse races, and cycling competitions traditionally held in Belize City and surrounding areas. Most businesses close December 25-26, but Boxing Day brings locals back downtown for outdoor celebrations. The National Sports Council typically organizes cycling races and other sporting events, though specific venues and times vary year to year. This is when you'll see the city at its most festive and community-oriented.