Things to Do in Belize City in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Belize City
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- July sits right in the middle of lobster season (June 15-February 14), meaning you'll find fresh Caribbean spiny lobster at every waterfront restaurant and street stall. Locals call it 'lobster fest season' and prices are typically 30-40% lower than imported seafood during other months.
- Cruise ship arrivals drop significantly in July compared to winter months, which means Fort Street Tourism Village, the Museum of Belize, and waterfront restaurants are noticeably less crowded. You'll actually get to chat with vendors at the Swing Bridge market instead of jostling through tour groups.
- The Belize River tends to run clearer in July compared to the heavy rain months of September-October, making it ideal for spotting crocodiles, iguanas, and wading birds on river tours. The manatees at Swallow Caye are also more active in the warmer water temperatures.
- Accommodation rates in the Fort George and Kings Park neighborhoods typically run 20-35% below peak winter prices. Mid-range guesthouses that charge BZ$200-300 (US$100-150) per night in January often drop to BZ$130-200 (US$65-100) in July, and you'll have better negotiating power for weekly stays.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is real and persistent. The heat index often pushes into the 35-37°C (95-99°F) range by midday, which makes walking around the city between 11am-3pm genuinely uncomfortable. Locals retreat indoors during these hours for good reason.
- July falls squarely in hurricane season (June-November), and while direct hits on Belize City are relatively rare, you'll want travel insurance that covers weather disruptions. Even near-miss storms can shut down boat tours to the cayes for 2-3 days and create rough seas that make snorkeling trips miserable.
- The city's drainage system struggles during afternoon downpours, and certain streets near the Albert Street market and Collet Canal area can flood ankle-deep within 20 minutes of heavy rain starting. This isn't a daily occurrence, but it happens often enough that you'll want waterproof footwear.
Best Activities in July
Half Moon Caye and Lighthouse Reef Atoll day trips
July offers some of the calmest sea conditions you'll find during the summer months for reaching the outer atolls. The 80 km (50 mile) boat journey to Lighthouse Reef takes about 2.5 hours, and the reduced wind compared to winter months means less choppy water and fewer seasick passengers. The Blue Hole visibility peaks in July-August when plankton levels drop. Water temperature sits around 28-29°C (82-84°F), which is perfect for extended snorkeling without a wetsuit. These full-day trips typically run 6am-5pm and include multiple dive sites.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary birding tours
July marks the transition period when resident species are nesting while early migratory birds start appearing. The lagoons are at manageable water levels, unlike the flooded conditions of September-October, which concentrates wading birds like jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, and wood storks along accessible shorelines. Early morning tours (6am-9am) avoid the worst heat and catch peak bird activity. The 53 km (33 mile) drive from Belize City takes about 50 minutes on the Northern Highway.
Caye Caulker snorkeling and beach time
The 45-minute water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker is actually pleasant in July when seas are calmer than the winter trade wind season. The island's laid-back vibe intensifies in summer when international tourist numbers drop. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley snorkeling trips run daily, and July water clarity is excellent with visibility often reaching 20-25 m (65-80 ft). The Split, the island's main swimming area, has warm shallow water perfect for cooling off after exploring the sandy streets. Day trips are doable, but overnight stays let you experience the island's evening scene.
Altun Ha Maya ruins exploration
This site sits just 50 km (31 miles) north of Belize City, making it perfect for a half-day trip that avoids the midday heat. Go early with an 8am arrival before tour buses show up around 10am. The main pyramid, Temple of the Masonry Altars, is still climbable unlike many other sites, and July's variable cloud cover actually helps with photography by softening the harsh shadows you get in full sun. The surrounding jungle is actively green and alive in July, though you'll hear more birds than you'll see. Plan for 2-3 hours exploring the plazas and temples.
Belize City food walking tours
July is prime time for sampling Belizean street food when the heat drives everyone to cold beverages and lighter fare. The city's Creole cuisine shines with fresh seafood, and you'll find conch fritters, fish sere, and lobster tacos at their peak. Walking tours typically cover the Fort Street area, Albert Street market, and local spots in the Kings Park neighborhood. Evening tours (5pm-8pm) let you experience the city as it cools down and locals emerge for dinner. You'll try 6-8 different food stops over 2.5-3 hours, covering about 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking.
Community Baboon Sanctuary howler monkey encounters
The Belize black howler monkeys are most vocal in the early morning, and July's leafy canopy makes spotting them easier than during the dry season when foliage thins out. The sanctuary sits about 42 km (26 miles) west of Belize City along the Belize River valley. Morning tours (7am-10am) offer the best chance of hearing their distinctive roar that carries up to 5 km (3 miles) through the forest. The village-run conservation program includes guided forest walks on well-maintained trails that stay relatively mud-free in July compared to the September-October heavy rains.
July Events & Festivals
Belize Independence Day preparations
While Independence Day itself falls on September 21st, July marks when neighborhoods and schools begin practicing for the celebrations. You'll occasionally see groups rehearsing traditional dances and drumming in parks around the Fort George area and along Newtown Barracks. It's not a formal event tourists can attend, but it offers glimpses into local culture that winter visitors never see.