Things to Do in Belize City in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Belize City
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail-end means you get excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling at Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef - water clarity reaches 30-40 m (100-130 ft) which is about as good as it gets before the summer rains arrive
- Cruise ship schedules are lighter in March compared to December-February, so Fort Street Tourism Village and downtown attractions are noticeably less crowded on weekdays - you might actually enjoy the Museum of Belize without fighting through tour groups
- The Caribbean Sea is calm and warm at 27°C (81°F), making this one of the best months for multi-day sailing trips to the cayes - winds are steady at 10-15 knots without the January chop that makes some people seasick
- Wildlife viewing peaks as the dry season concentrates animals around water sources - if you're doing day trips to the Belize Zoo or Community Baboon Sanctuary, March gives you better sightings than the wet season when animals disperse
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days in the data are misleading - March is technically dry season, but you'll likely get brief afternoon showers about 3-4 days during your visit, usually between 2-4pm, lasting 15-30 minutes before clearing up
- Heat builds throughout the day and by 2pm it genuinely feels oppressive at 70% humidity - this is the kind of sticky warmth where you'll want to retreat indoors or to the water during peak afternoon hours
- Belize City itself has limited appeal beyond being a jumping-off point - most travelers spend one night maximum before heading to the cayes or mainland jungle, so if you're planning a week here specifically, you'll run out of activities quickly
Best Activities in March
Blue Hole diving and snorkeling expeditions
March offers some of the year's best conditions for the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef - the 125 m (410 ft) deep sinkhole has exceptional visibility right now, and seas are calm enough that the 3-hour boat ride from Belize City is comfortable rather than brutal. Water temperature at 27°C (81°F) means you only need a 3mm wetsuit. The marine life around Half Moon Caye is incredibly active in March as it's still mating season for several reef fish species. Worth noting that this is a full-day commitment, typically 6am-5pm, so plan accordingly.
Caye Caulker water taxi day trips
The 45-minute water taxi ride to Caye Caulker is smooth in March with minimal chop, and the island's laid-back vibe is perfect for escaping Belize City's urban grittiness. March weather means you can rent a bike and explore the entire 8 km (5 mile) island without getting caught in rain. The Split - a channel cutting through the island - has calm, clear water ideal for swimming, and the beachfront bars are less packed than high season. You can easily do this as a day trip, catching the 8am taxi and returning on the 4pm, giving you a solid 7 hours on the island.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary birding tours
March is actually prime time for this lagoon system 53 km (33 miles) northwest of Belize City - the dry season has concentrated water birds around the remaining lagoons, and you'll see jabiru storks, boat-billed herons, and possibly black-collared hawks. Early morning tours (starting 6am) beat the heat and catch birds at their most active. The sanctuary covers 12,000 acres of wetlands, and March's lower water levels mean birds are easier to spot than during the flooded wet season. Plan for 4-5 hours total including drive time.
Altun Ha Maya ruins half-day trips
This archaeological site 50 km (31 miles) north is the most accessible major ruins from Belize City, and March's dry conditions mean the access roads are in good shape and the grounds aren't muddy. The site is compact enough to explore thoroughly in 2 hours, with the main Temple of the Masonry Altars reaching 16 m (54 ft) high - climbable and offering views over the jungle canopy. March mornings are comfortable for walking around, though by 11am you'll feel the heat. Go early (8am arrival) to beat tour bus crowds that typically show up 10am-noon.
Belize City food walking tours
March evenings (6-8pm) are perfect for walking downtown once temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) - you'll hit local spots for rice and beans with stewed chicken, hudut (fish coconut stew), and garnaches from street vendors. The Fort Street area and around Central American Boulevard have the most concentrated food scene. This is genuinely the best way to understand Belizean Creole cuisine, which blends Caribbean, Maya, and Central American influences in ways you won't find elsewhere. Plan for 2-3 hours and come hungry.
Lamanai river journey and ruins
This full-day trip combines a 90-minute boat ride up the New River through wetlands and jungle, followed by exploring one of Belize's largest Maya sites. March's dry season means the river is lower but still navigable, and wildlife spotting is excellent - crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, and over 400 bird species. The ruins themselves include temples reaching 33 m (108 ft) high with spectacular lagoon views. The boat ride is genuinely scenic and worth the long day (typically 7am-5pm). Bring serious sun protection - you're exposed on the boat for 3 hours total.
March Events & Festivals
Baron Bliss Day
March 9th is a national holiday honoring Baron Bliss, a British nobleman who left his fortune to Belize despite never actually setting foot on land - he lived on his yacht in the harbor and fell in love with the country. Belize City hosts sailing regattas in the harbor, along with horse races and cycling competitions. It's genuinely a local celebration rather than a tourist event, so you'll see how Belizeans actually spend holidays. The harbor area around Fort George gets lively with food vendors and music.