Things to Do in Belize City in November

November Weather in Belize City

29°C (84°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season begins - November marks the end of the heavy rains, with only 10 scattered rain days and minimal precipitation, perfect for walking the downtown waterfront and exploring Fort George
Tourist season hasn't peaked yet - accommodation prices are 20-30% lower than December-February high season, and major sites like the Museum of Belize and Government House have minimal crowds
Caribbean waters are clearest - post-hurricane season visibility reaches 30-40 m (98-131 ft) for day trips to nearby cayes, with calm seas and steady 26°C (79°F) water temperatures
Cultural calendar peaks - Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19) brings authentic drumming, dancing, and traditional foods to the streets, offering genuine cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences

Considerations

Unpredictable weather transitions - November sits between wet and dry seasons, so you might experience sudden 20-minute downpours followed by blazing sun, making outdoor planning challenging
Cruise ship crowds on specific days - when 2-3 ships dock simultaneously (typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays), downtown Albert Street becomes congested and vendors raise prices by 50-100%
Limited evening entertainment - many bars and restaurants close early due to lower tourist numbers, with most nightlife ending by 10 PM except weekends

Best Activities in November

Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling Expeditions

November offers the year's best underwater visibility at 30-40 m (98-131 ft) with calm Caribbean waters at 26°C (79°F). Post-hurricane season means pristine coral conditions and abundant marine life. The weather is stable enough for comfortable boat rides, but tourist numbers are still manageable compared to peak season.

Booking Tip: Book full-day reef tours 7-10 days ahead for BZ$150-250 ($75-125 USD) per person. Look for operators with marine park permits and proper safety equipment. Weather can change quickly, so choose operators who monitor conditions and offer flexible rescheduling. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Colonial Downtown Walking Exploration

November's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in wet season) and minimal rainfall make it ideal for exploring Belize City's colonial architecture on foot. Morning temperatures of 22°C (71°F) are perfect for the 2-3 hour walk from Fort George to Government House. Fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities and more interaction with locals.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, or join cultural walking tours for BZ$40-80 ($20-40 USD) per person. Book morning slots (8-10 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and potential brief showers. Licensed guides offer historical context unavailable in guidebooks. Check booking options below for current cultural tours.

Mayan Archaeological Site Day Trips

November's dry weather makes the 2-3 hour drives to major sites like Caracol or Xunantunich comfortable, with minimal mud and clear jungle paths. Cooler morning temperatures and reduced rainfall create ideal conditions for climbing temple structures. Many sites have fewer visitors, allowing for more contemplative experiences.

Booking Tip: Full-day archaeological tours range BZ$200-350 ($100-175 USD) including transportation and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead with operators who provide air-conditioned transport and experienced archaeological guides. Early morning departures (6-7 AM) maximize cool weather exploration time. Find current tour operators in the booking section.

Garifuna Cultural Immersion Experiences

November 19th's Garifuna Settlement Day creates authentic cultural opportunities unavailable other times. Traditional drumming workshops, cassava bread making, and ancestral storytelling happen throughout the month. The pleasant weather encourages outdoor cultural festivals and beachside ceremonies unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshops cost BZ$60-120 ($30-60 USD) per person. Book Garifuna Settlement Day events 2-3 weeks ahead as local participation is high. Look for community-based tourism operators who share profits with Garifuna families. Authentic experiences are often found through local cultural centers rather than large tour companies.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Birding

November begins the peak migratory bird season, with resident species joined by North American winter visitors. The 26 km (16 mile) drive from Belize City is comfortable in dry weather, and early morning temperatures of 22°C (71°F) are perfect for dawn birding when species are most active.

Booking Tip: Guided birding tours cost BZ$120-200 ($60-100 USD) for half-day trips including transportation. Independent visits cost BZ$10 ($5 USD) park entry plus BZ$100-150 ($50-75 USD) for transport. Book dawn tours (5:30 AM departure) for optimal bird activity. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Local Market and Street Food Adventures

November's comfortable temperatures make exploring bustling Albert Street Market and nearby food stalls enjoyable throughout the day. Seasonal fruits like soursop and custard apple are at peak freshness. Lower humidity means food keeps better, and vendors are more willing to explain local specialties to fewer tourists.

Booking Tip: Street food costs BZ$2-8 ($1-4 USD) per item. Food tours range BZ$80-150 ($40-75 USD) per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Go with local guides who know vendor hygiene standards and can translate menu items. Morning tours (9-11 AM) offer the freshest selections. Check current food tour options below.

November Events & Festivals

November 19

Garifuna Settlement Day

November 19th commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people to Belize. Authentic celebrations include traditional drumming (gungei), punta dancing, and ceremonial foods like hudut (fish stew with mashed plantains). Street processions, cultural performances, and ancestral re-enactment ceremonies happen throughout Belize City, offering genuine cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences.

Early November

Belize Independence Day Celebrations

September 21st official celebrations often extend cultural programming into November with art exhibitions, cultural performances, and patriotic displays at the Museum of Belize and Government House. Local schools and cultural groups maintain elevated cultural programming throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-30 minute downpours, but waterproof gear lets you continue exploring

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 70% humidity, while natural fibers keep you comfortable during 29°C (84°F) afternoon temperatures

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and Caribbean sun reflects strongly off water and concrete downtown

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good tread - downtown sidewalks can be uneven, and brief rains create slippery surfaces on colonial-era stone

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - standing water from occasional rains creates mosquito breeding sites, especially near the Belize River waterfront

Light sweater or long sleeves - evening temperatures drop to 22°C (71°F), and air conditioning in restaurants can feel cold after hot days

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat trips to cayes and protection during sudden rain showers while exploring

Electrolyte supplements or oral rehydration salts - combination of heat, humidity, and walking in tropical conditions requires extra hydration management

Cash in small denominations - many street vendors and local transport only accept Belize dollars, and BZ$2-5 bills are most useful for small purchases

Insider Knowledge

Cruise ship schedules determine downtown crowds and pricing - check Tourism Board announcements for ship arrival days (usually Tuesday/Wednesday) and plan major shopping or dining for non-ship days when vendors offer normal prices

Early morning hours (6-9 AM) offer the best weather window - temperatures are coolest, humidity lowest, and brief afternoon showers haven't started, making this ideal for outdoor activities and photography

Local buses and taxis increase rates during Garifuna Settlement Day weekend - book transportation in advance or expect to pay 50-100% premiums for rides around November 19th celebrations

Many restaurants and attractions close unexpectedly for private Garifuna ceremonies - call ahead during mid-November to confirm opening hours, as cultural observances take priority over tourist schedules

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all of November has perfect weather - early November can still have occasional heavy rains from late wet season, while late November may have unexpected cold fronts dropping temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F)

Booking accommodations for Garifuna Settlement Day weekend without understanding local demand - this is Belize's most important cultural holiday, so hotels fill with domestic travelers and prices increase significantly around November 19th

Planning only outdoor activities - even in relatively dry November, sudden weather changes can disrupt plans, so always have indoor alternatives like museums, cultural centers, or covered markets ready