Things to Do in Belize City in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Belize City
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodations run 20-30% cheaper than winter high season, with excellent availability across all budget ranges without advance booking pressure
- May sits right at the sweet spot before the heavy June-October rains really kick in - you'll get those 10 rainy days, but they're typically short afternoon bursts rather than day-long washouts
- The humidity keeps crowds noticeably thinner at major sites like the Belize Museum and Government House, meaning you can actually photograph these colonial buildings without fighting through tour groups
- Reef and caye visibility tends to be excellent in May before summer storms stir things up, making it genuinely one of the better months for snorkeling and diving trips out to the Barrier Reef
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 32°C (89°F) highs creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll be changing shirts twice daily - it's manageable but definitely not comfortable for extended walking tours
- May marks the transition into wet season, so while rainfall totals look minimal on paper, those 10 rainy days are unpredictable and can disrupt outdoor plans with little warning
- The city itself doesn't have much in the way of air-conditioned attractions, so when afternoon heat peaks around 2-4pm, your options for comfortable sightseeing are limited
Best Activities in May
Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving excursions
May offers some of the year's clearest water conditions before summer storms arrive, with visibility often reaching 24-30 m (80-100 ft) around popular sites. The shoulder season timing means boats are less crowded and operators are more flexible with departure times. Water temperature hovers around 28°C (82°F), so you can comfortably snorkel for extended periods without a full wetsuit.
Cave tubing and jungle waterfall tours
The caves and rivers west of Belize City actually benefit from May's transitional weather - water levels are high enough for smooth tubing but not dangerously swollen like they can be mid-summer. The jungle canopy provides natural shade from that intense UV index of 8, and the 25°C (77°F) morning temperatures make the hour-long drive inland quite pleasant before heat peaks.
Coastal kayaking and mangrove exploration
May's calmer seas before hurricane season make coastal paddling significantly safer and more enjoyable. The mangroves around Belize City are teeming with nesting birds this time of year, and the early morning hours offer genuinely stunning light for photography. That 70% humidity is less oppressive when you're on the water with breeze, and you can cool off with a quick swim whenever needed.
Colonial architecture walking tours
The Government House, St John's Cathedral, and Swing Bridge area are best explored in May's early morning hours between 7-9am when temperatures are still in the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit) and light is perfect for photography. By 10am you'll want to be done with outdoor walking. The reduced tourist crowds mean you can actually take your time examining the colonial details without feeling rushed.
Fishing charters and marine wildlife trips
May sits right in the sweet spot for tarpon and permit fishing as they move through the flats before summer heat peaks. The calmer weather patterns make offshore trips more reliable, with fewer cancellations than you'd see later in wet season. Dolphin and manatee sightings are common on marine wildlife tours, and that excellent water clarity I mentioned earlier applies here too.
Indoor cultural experiences and museum visits
May's afternoon heat and occasional rain make this the perfect month to actually spend quality time in Belize City's museums and cultural centers. The Museum of Belize and Image Factory gallery offer air-conditioned refuge during peak heat hours from 1-4pm. With fewer tourists around, you can have genuine conversations with staff and local artists rather than being rushed through crowded galleries.
May Events & Festivals
Commonwealth Day celebrations
Belize observes Commonwealth Day on May 24th with parades and cultural events, though festivities in Belize City tend to be more subdued than in other parts of the country. You'll see some street celebrations and local gatherings, but it's not a major tourist draw. Worth noting if you're in town that day as some businesses may have altered hours.