Things to Do in Belize City in December

December Weather in Belize City

28°C (82°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days total, making it ideal for outdoor activities and reef excursions to the cayes
Prime cruise season brings regular shore excursions and organized day trips, creating more tour options and competitive pricing for popular destinations like San Pedro and Caye Caulker
Northeast trade winds keep temperatures comfortable at 21-28°C (70-82°F) with lower humidity than wet season, perfect for walking tours of the historic Fort George district
December fishing tournaments and holiday celebrations create authentic cultural experiences, with locals gathering for traditional punta music and seasonal foods like rompope and black cake

Considerations

Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to shoulder months, especially during Christmas and New Year weeks when advance booking 8-12 weeks ahead is essential
Harmattan winds occasionally bring Saharan dust, reducing visibility for photography and making sunrise/sunset less dramatic than other months
Christmas week brings cruise ship crowds of 3,000+ daily visitors, overwhelming popular restaurants and creating 45-minute waits at water taxi terminals to the cayes

Best Activities in December

Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving

December offers the year's best underwater visibility at 24-30 m (80-100 ft) due to calm seas and minimal rainfall. Water temperatures hold steady at 26°C (79°F), perfect for extended dives. The dry season means less sediment runoff, making this prime time for seeing whale sharks, rays, and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Booking Tip: Book reef tours 7-10 days ahead through certified dive operators. Full-day excursions typically cost BZ$180-240 (US$90-120). Morning departures at 8:30am avoid afternoon trade winds. Look for operators with marine park permits and certified dive masters.

Mayan Archaeological Site Excursions

Dry December weather creates perfect conditions for exploring Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai ruins without muddy trails or vehicle access issues. Morning temperatures of 21-24°C (70-75°F) make climbing temple pyramids comfortable before afternoon heat peaks. December's clear skies provide excellent photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Archaeological tours range BZ$120-200 (US$60-100) per person. Book 5-7 days ahead during peak season. Early 6:30am departures are essential to avoid midday heat and crowds. Ensure operators provide certified guides and transportation insurance.

Cave Tubing and ATM Cave Adventures

December's lower water levels make cave systems more accessible and less challenging for beginners. River temperatures remain comfortable at 24°C (75°F), and reduced rainfall means clearer water visibility inside caves. This is ideal timing for the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal cave before spring water level rises.

Booking Tip: Cave adventures cost BZ$140-180 (US$70-90) including equipment and lunch. Reserve 10-14 days ahead as December popularity fills tours quickly. Choose operators with proper safety equipment and experienced cave guides. Physical fitness requirements apply.

Garifuna Cultural Experiences

December coincides with Garifuna Settlement Day preparations and traditional Christmas celebrations. Experience authentic punta drumming workshops, cassava bread making, and traditional fishing techniques. Evening temperatures of 21-23°C (70-73°F) make outdoor cultural performances comfortable.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours range BZ$80-140 (US$40-70) and include traditional meals. Book through community-based operators 3-5 days ahead. Evening programs starting at 6pm showcase traditional music and dance. Ask about homestay opportunities in Dangriga.

Fishing Charters and Tournaments

December marks peak fishing season with calm seas and active bonefish, tarpon, and permit. International tournaments create competitive atmosphere while providing networking opportunities with local anglers. Trade winds keep boats comfortable even during full-day excursions.

Booking Tip: Fishing charters cost BZ$800-1,200 (US$400-600) for full-day trips. Book 14-21 days ahead during tournament season. Half-day morning trips (6am-12pm) offer best success rates. Licensed captains with proper safety equipment and fish handling permits required.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

December's comfortable morning temperatures of 21-24°C (70-75°F) and lower humidity make exploring Fort George, Government House, and St. John's Cathedral pleasant. Afternoon trade winds provide natural air conditioning for outdoor sightseeing. Christmas decorations add seasonal charm to colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost BZ$40-80 (US$20-40) per person for 2-3 hours. Morning tours starting 8am or 9am avoid afternoon heat. Self-guided options available, but certified local guides provide historical context and safety awareness. Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven sidewalks.

December Events & Festivals

December 24-26

Christmas and Boxing Day Celebrations

Traditional Belizean Christmas features midnight Catholic masses, family gatherings with traditional foods like boil-up and black cake, and community street parties with live punta and brukdown music. Boxing Day brings horse races and community festivals.

December 31

New Year's Eve Block Party

Fort George district transforms into outdoor celebration with local bands, traditional foods, and midnight fireworks over Belize Harbor. Family-friendly atmosphere with children's activities starting at 8pm and adult festivities continuing until 3am.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts - UV index reaches 8 and afternoon sun reflects intensely off water and concrete

Quick-dry pants for cave tubing - water temperatures at 24°C (75°F) require coverage for protection against cave walls

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - Belize marine reserves prohibit chemical sunscreens that damage coral

Waterproof phone case - essential for water taxi rides where spray is common in 3-6 km (2-4 mile) open water crossings

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - downtown sidewalks are uneven concrete and can be slippery when wet from afternoon humidity

Light rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month and last 20-30 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET - dawn and dusk mosquitoes remain active even in dry season, especially near mangrove areas

Dry bag for day trips - protects electronics and documents during water taxi rides and snorkel excursions

Cash in US dollars - many tour operators prefer USD, and ATMs in downtown can have long lines during cruise ship days

Reusable water bottle - December heat requires 3-4 L (0.8-1 gallon) daily hydration, and single-use plastic is discouraged in marine areas

Insider Knowledge

Water taxis to San Pedro and Caye Caulker run every 30 minutes from 8am-5:30pm, but December crowds mean 45-minute waits during 11am-2pm cruise ship rush - travel early morning or late afternoon for shorter lines and calmer seas

Local buses to western destinations like San Ignacio leave from Novelo's Terminal every hour until 6pm, costing BZ$8-12 (US$4-6) compared to BZ$200+ (US$100+) for tourist shuttles - perfect for budget-conscious travelers comfortable with local transport

December fish markets near Swing Bridge offer freshest catches between 6am-8am when fishing boats return - ideal time to buy lobster, conch, and snapper at wholesale prices before restaurants mark up 300%

Cruise ship schedules are posted weekly at the Tourism Board office on Regent Street - plan museum visits and downtown activities on non-cruise days to avoid crowds and enjoy normal restaurant service and pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation only 2-3 weeks before December arrival - Christmas week rates increase 60% and quality options fill up 8-12 weeks ahead, forcing last-minute bookers into overpriced or poorly located hotels

Planning reef excursions on cruise ship days without checking schedules - 3,000+ daily visitors overwhelm popular snorkel sites, reducing visibility and wildlife encounters while increasing prices 20-30%

Underestimating downtown walking distances in afternoon heat - Fort George to downtown government area spans 2.4 km (1.5 miles) with limited shade, requiring 30-45 minutes when temperatures reach 28°C (82°F) with 70% humidity