Things to Do in Belize City in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Belize City
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Transition month weather means fewer hurricane risks - the Atlantic hurricane season officially ends November 30th, and by mid-November you're looking at significantly calmer Caribbean waters. Perfect timing for reef diving and offshore caye trips that might get cancelled earlier in the season.
- Tourist numbers drop substantially after American Thanksgiving week - accommodations in the Fort George area run 20-30% cheaper than December through February, and you'll actually have space at the Belize Museum without tour groups blocking every exhibit.
- Tarpon season peaks in November around the river mouths - the Belize River sees massive schools moving through, and local anglers consider this the best month for landing trophy-sized fish. Water visibility improves as rainfall tapers off from October's heavy pattern.
- November sits right before cruise ship high season - the Tourism Village sees maybe 2-3 ships weekly versus the 5-6 daily arrivals starting mid-December. You get authentic Fort Street without the jewelry shop crowds.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't predictable drizzles - when it rains in November, you're looking at sudden downpours that flood Albert Street in 20 minutes. The drainage system in the older neighborhoods struggles, and walking around becomes genuinely unpleasant until it passes.
- Humidity at 70% with warm temperatures creates that sticky, never-quite-dry feeling - your clothes won't dry overnight, and air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for comfortable sleep. Budget guesthouses without AC are pretty miserable by 2pm.
- November is shoulder season for a reason - some tour operators reduce their schedules or close entirely for maintenance before December rush. Mainland cave tours and western district trips might only run with minimum group sizes.
Best Activities in November
Belize Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving expeditions
November brings that sweet spot of clearing water visibility after October rains taper off, combined with calmer seas as hurricane season winds down. Water temperature holds steady around 27-28°C (80-82°F), which is comfortable without a wetsuit for most people. The reduced cruise ship traffic means the popular reef sites like Hol Chan see maybe 30% fewer snorkelers than peak season. Tarpon, nurse sharks, and southern stingrays are actively feeding, and you're likely to spot more marine life than in the hotter summer months when fish move deeper.
Old Belize City walking tours through colonial districts
Walking the Fort George and Albert Street areas is actually pleasant in November before December's peak heat arrives. Morning temperatures around 24-25°C (75-77°F) make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, though you'll want to start by 8:30am before the sun gets aggressive. The colonial architecture along Southern Foreshore and the Swing Bridge area tells the story of British Honduras better than any museum, and November's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually photograph the Government House without crowds. That said, keep afternoon rain gear handy - those sudden downpours happen without much warning.
Altun Ha Maya ruins day trips
The 50 km (31 mile) drive north to Altun Ha becomes more manageable in November as roads dry out from October rains. The site itself is less crowded than peak season - you might share the Plaza A temple with 15-20 people instead of 50-plus. November's cloud cover actually helps here, providing natural shade while you're climbing the temples and exploring the plazas. The surrounding jungle is still lush from rainy season, and bird activity picks up in the cooler morning hours. Just know that if it does rain, those limestone steps get slippery quickly.
Belize River wildlife observation trips
November is genuinely excellent for river trips - the Belize River runs clear enough to spot crocodiles, iguanas, and river turtles, but still has enough current to feel dynamic. Tarpon fishing peaks this month as massive schools move through the river mouth areas, and even if you're not fishing, watching them roll near the surface is pretty spectacular. Howler monkeys are vocal in the mornings, and bird activity along the riverbanks picks up as migratory species pass through. The 70% humidity means early morning trips around 6:30-7am are most comfortable.
Community Baboon Sanctuary howler monkey encounters
The Community Baboon Sanctuary about 42 km (26 miles) west of Belize City sees peak howler monkey activity in November mornings. The black howler monkeys are most vocal between 5:30-8am, and November's cooler temperatures mean they're active longer into the morning. The sanctuary's nature trails are in good condition after rainy season maintenance, and the reduced tourist traffic means you're not competing with large groups for viewing spots. The local Creole villages involved in the conservation project offer genuine cultural interaction that feels authentic rather than staged.
Local market and Creole cuisine experiences
November brings seasonal produce to the markets that you won't see in dry season - fresh cashew fruit, soursop, and craboo berries show up at the Commercial Center and Battlefield Park vendors. The Saturday morning market scene along Albert Street gives you genuine local life rather than tourist performance. Creole dishes like hudut, boil-up, and cow foot soup are comfort food that makes sense in November's warm humid weather. The reduced tourist presence means market vendors and small restaurants are more relaxed and willing to explain what you're actually eating.
November Events & Festivals
Garifuna Settlement Day
November 19th marks Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrating the 1832 arrival of Garifuna people to Belize. In Belize City, you'll find drumming performances, punta dancing, and traditional Garifuna foods like hudut and cassava bread around the Battlefield Park area and along the Southern Foreshore. It's a public holiday, so government offices and many businesses close, but the cultural celebrations are genuinely authentic rather than tourist-focused. The energy peaks in the evening with live music and street gatherings.