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Belize City - Things to Do in Belize City in February

Things to Do in Belize City in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Belize City

28°C (83°F) High Temp
21°C (70°F) Low Temp
0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season at its peak - February is statistically the driest month in Belize City with essentially zero rainfall accumulation, though you might catch brief afternoon sprinkles on about 10 days. The Caribbean waters are calm and clear, making it ideal for day trips to the cayes and reef diving.
  • Cruise ship traffic drops significantly after January - you'll find the Tourism Village and Fort Street less crowded on weekdays, with better access to local vendors and shorter waits at popular spots like the Museum of Belize. Most cruise ships arrive Tuesdays through Thursdays, so plan city exploration for Mondays or Fridays.
  • Perfect temperatures for walking tours - mornings hover around 21-23°C (70-73°F), which is genuinely comfortable for exploring the historic Fort George area and Battlefield Park on foot. The heat builds by noon but never reaches the oppressive levels of May or June.
  • February marks the tail end of lobster season (closes March 1st) - you'll find fresh spiny lobster at better prices than December or January, particularly at local spots along Newtown Barracks and North Front Street. Locals know this is when the quality peaks before the breeding season closure.

Considerations

  • Accommodation prices remain elevated - February sits firmly in high season pricing, typically 30-40% higher than September or October rates. If you're budget-conscious, you're paying premium prices without the Christmas or New Year festivities to justify them.
  • The humidity at 70% is persistent and draining - even though it's technically the dry season, Belize City's coastal location means that sticky, heavy air is constant. First-time visitors from temperate climates often underestimate how exhausting it feels to walk around in 28°C (82°F) heat with this moisture level.
  • Northers (cold fronts) can disrupt island plans - February typically sees 2-3 northers push through, bringing strong winds and choppy seas for 2-4 days at a time. These can cancel boat transfers to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye with little notice, and the city itself gets surprisingly cool and windy, dropping to 18°C (64°F) on rare occasions.

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Best Activities in February

Blue Hole and Turneffe Atoll diving expeditions

February offers the calmest Caribbean conditions of the year for the 128 km (80 mile) boat journey to the Blue Hole. Visibility routinely reaches 30-40 m (100-130 ft), and the reduced plankton bloom means you'll actually see the dramatic stalactite formations clearly. The dive itself is 40 m (130 ft) deep, so you need Advanced certification, but the surrounding Lighthouse Reef has shallow sites if you're Open Water certified. Water temperature sits around 26°C (79°F) - comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically run BZD 700-900 (USD 350-450) including three dives, lunch, and gear. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as boats max out at 16-20 divers. Watch weather forecasts closely - northers will cancel trips, and reputable operators won't reschedule without penalty. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary birding tours

February is peak migration season at Crooked Tree, about 53 km (33 miles) northwest of the city. The lagoon water levels are low, concentrating wading birds in visible areas. You'll likely spot jabiru storks (the largest flying bird in the Americas), black-collared hawks, and snail kites. Early morning tours starting at 6:00 AM offer the best sightings before the heat builds. The sanctuary is also home to Morelet's crocodiles, which are easier to spot when water levels drop.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours typically cost BZD 150-250 (USD 75-125) per person, including transportation and guide. Independent visits are possible (BZD 8 entry fee) but you'll miss species identification expertise. Book guides through your accommodation or see current tour options in the booking section below. Bring binoculars - rental quality varies significantly.

Altun Ha Maya ruins exploration

At just 50 km (31 miles) north of Belize City, Altun Ha is the most accessible major Maya site and February's dry conditions mean the plaza grounds are firm and mud-free. The Temple of the Masonry Altars reaches 16 m (54 ft) and you can still climb it, unlike many other sites. Morning visits before 10:00 AM avoid both tour bus groups and the worst heat. The site is compact enough to thoroughly explore in 2-3 hours, making it perfect for a half-day trip.

Booking Tip: Entry costs BZD 10 (USD 5). Transportation and guide packages typically run BZD 120-180 (USD 60-90) for half-day trips. Going independently via local bus is possible but involves transfers and limited schedules. Most tours combine Altun Ha with the Belize Zoo or cave tubing. Check current combined tour options in the booking section below.

Caye Caulker day trips and snorkeling

The 45-minute water taxi ride to Caye Caulker is smooth in February's calm seas, and the island's laid-back vibe offers a complete contrast to Belize City's urban energy. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley snorkeling trips run daily, with visibility at its annual best. Water temperature around 26°C (79°F) means you'll be comfortable in just a rashguard. The Split, the island's main swimming area, is pleasant for afternoon relaxation after morning snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Water taxis run BZD 35-45 (USD 18-23) round-trip, departing hourly from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Book snorkeling tours (BZD 80-120 or USD 40-60) once you arrive on the island - dozens of operators offer identical routes. February is busy enough that afternoon tours fill up, so book morning arrivals. See current water taxi and tour packages in the booking section below.

Cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en

The Caves Branch River system, about 58 km (36 miles) from Belize City, offers the famous cave tubing experience through ancient Maya ceremonial caves. February's low water levels make the current gentle and the 45-minute float relaxing rather than intense. The cave interiors stay cool at around 22°C (72°F), providing welcome relief from the coastal humidity. The hike to the cave entrance is 800 m (0.5 miles) through jungle - muddy after rain but manageable in February.

Booking Tip: Full-day packages including transportation, gear, lunch, and guide run BZD 180-280 (USD 90-140). Tours often combine cave tubing with zip-lining or jungle hiking. Most operators pick up from Belize City hotels around 8:00 AM, returning by 4:00 PM. Book 7-10 days ahead during February. Check current combined adventure packages in the booking section below.

Local food market tours and street food sampling

The Belize City Market on North Front Street operates daily but Saturday mornings (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM) offer the fullest selection of produce, fresh fish, and local vendors. February brings peak citrus season - you'll find massive grapefruits, sweet oranges, and local limes at ridiculous prices. Street food stalls around Swing Bridge serve garnaches, salbutes, and panades (BZD 1-3 each) - these are best eaten fresh between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM when turnover is highest.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration is free and straightforward, but cultural food tours (BZD 100-150 or USD 50-75 for 3 hours) provide context about Creole, Garifuna, and Maya food traditions you'd otherwise miss. Tours typically include 6-8 tastings and market vendor interactions. Morning tours beat the afternoon heat. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February (typically second or third weekend)

San Pedro Lobster Festival (Ambergris Caye)

While technically on Ambergris Caye rather than in Belize City itself, this is the country's biggest February food event and easily accessible via 75-minute water taxi. The festival celebrates the end of lobster season with beach parties, cooking competitions, and live punta rock music. It's grown into a 4-day event with lobster prepared every possible way - grilled, in ceviche, curried, in pasta. Worth noting that accommodation on Ambergris Caye books solid for this weekend, so day-tripping from Belize City is actually the smarter move.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - locals wear these constantly because they block UV (index of 8) while staying cooler than sunscreen-covered skin. Cotton or linen breathes better than synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity.
Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - chemical sunscreens are increasingly restricted at marine parks, and the UV intensity will burn you in under 20 minutes without protection. Reapply every 90 minutes, not the 2 hours the bottle claims.
Quick-dry water shoes with grip - essential for boat boarding, cave tubing, and the often-slippery docks around the Tourism Village. Flip-flops won't cut it for anything beyond the hotel pool.
Small dry bag (10-20 liter) - boat trips to the cayes involve water spray, and afternoon sprinkles can catch you unexpectedly despite the dry season statistics. Protects phones, wallets, and cameras.
Cash in small US dollar bills - while Belize dollars are official currency, USD is accepted everywhere at a fixed 2:1 rate. Many smaller vendors and street food stalls can't break BZD 50 or USD 20 bills. Bring lots of USD 1, 5, and 10 bills.
Lightweight rain jacket that packs small - those 10 rainy days typically mean brief 15-30 minute showers, not all-day rain. You want something that stuffs into a daypack, not a full raincoat.
Anti-chafing balm - the combination of humidity, walking, and swimwear creates friction issues that first-time tropical visitors don't anticipate. Apply preventatively, not after the problem starts.
Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes in Belize City proper are manageable but present, especially around dawn and dusk near the water. Jungle tours and cave sites require serious protection. Dengue and Zika remain present in Belize.
Portable battery pack - humidity drains phone batteries faster than you'd expect, and you'll be using GPS, cameras, and translation apps constantly. A 10,000 mAh pack gives you 2-3 full charges.
Light sweater or long pants - this sounds ridiculous given the temperatures, but northers can drop evening temps to 18°C (64°F) with wind, and air conditioning in restaurants and water taxis is often aggressive. Locals actually break out jackets during cold fronts.

Insider Knowledge

The water taxi terminal at the Tourism Village moves to the Marine Terminal (near the Swing Bridge) if cruise ships are docked - this happens 2-3 times per week in February. Check the day before your caye trip to avoid confusion and taxi costs between terminals.
Belize City's grid system breaks down north of Fabers Road - street signs are inconsistent and many locals give directions by landmarks rather than addresses. Download offline maps before arrival. Taxi drivers know 'near the Radisson' or 'by the Princess Hotel' better than actual street addresses.
The Belize dollar is pegged at exactly BZD 2 to USD 1, but money changers at the water taxi terminal and Tourism Village offer terrible rates (2.10 or worse). ATMs dispense Belize dollars at the official rate with minimal fees. Most businesses accept USD at 2:1, so carrying both currencies is unnecessary.
February northers are impossible to predict more than 2-3 days out - if you have inflexible island or diving plans, book refundable accommodations and tours. Weather in Belize City itself during northers is actually pleasant (cooler and less humid), so have backup city activities ready rather than losing entire days.
The Museum of Belize (in the old colonial prison) closes Mondays and costs just BZD 10 (USD 5) - it's genuinely worth 90 minutes and air-conditioned, making it perfect for the hottest part of the day. The Maya jade and pottery collection is more accessible than at larger sites, and the colonial history section provides context that improves your understanding of the rest of the country.

Avoid These Mistakes

Spending too much time in Belize City itself - most travelers use it as a jumping-off point, and that's actually the right approach. Beyond the Museum of Belize, Government House, and a quick walk around Fort George, the city doesn't offer multiple days of sightseeing. Plan 1 day maximum for city exploration, then move to the cayes, ruins, or jungle destinations.
Booking accommodation near the cruise ship terminal thinking it's the tourist center - the Tourism Village area is actually isolated from the rest of the city and dead quiet when ships aren't docked. Fort George neighborhood or areas near the Marine Terminal offer better access to local restaurants and water taxis.
Underestimating how early tours depart - most full-day trips to ruins, caves, or diving sites pick up between 7:00-8:00 AM and return 4:00-5:00 PM. If you're planning multiple tour days, you'll be exhausted. Build in rest days or half-day activities. The heat and humidity make 12-hour tour days more draining than equivalent activities in temperate climates.

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Travel guide for January

March

Travel guide for March

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Belize City

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