Belize Cruising Conditions
General conditions
Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80°F (27°C). Winter storms may bring the temperature down to the low ’60s (16 to 18°C); it can reach the mid-90s (around 35°C) on the mainland at the height of summer. Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks, generally around mid-August to mid-September. The dry season generally lasts from December to May; the rainy season is typically June to November. Hurricanes occur occasionally; they are most likely to hit in August and September. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between 79°F to 83°F (26°C to 28°C).
Waves inside the barrier reef are minimal but the breeze is fresh creating superb sailing conditions. Outside the barrier reef in the blue water Turneffe Islands and Glover's atolls are each a half day's sail away and Lighthouse Reef can be reached in another half day sail.
Immediate weather conditions can be found at https://www.weather.com.
Historical weather (averages by month):
Month | °F Max | °F Min | °C Max | °C Min | Avg Precip (in) | Avg Precip (mm) | Avg Water Temp (°F) | Avg Water Temp (°C) | Ave Wind Speed (knots) |
January | 81 | 67 | 27 | 19 | 12 | 204 | 77 | 25 | NE 15-20 |
February | 86 | 69 | 30 | 21 | 6 | 152 | 77 | 25 | E 15-20 |
March | 84 | 71 | 29 | 22 | 4 | 102 | 78 | 26 | E 15-20 |
April | 86 | 74 | 30 | 23 | 5 | 127 | 80 | 27 | E 15-20 |
May | 87 | 75 | 31 | 24 | 7 | 178 | 82 | 28 | SE 15-20 |
June | 87 | 75 | 31 | 24 | 13 | 330 | 83 | 28 | SE 15-20 |
July | 87 | 75 | 31 | 24 | 15 | 381 | 84 | 29 | SE 15-20 |
August | 88 | 75 | 32 | 24 | 14 | 355 | 85 | 29 | SE 15-20 |
September | 87 | 74 | 31 | 23 | 15 | 381 | 84 | 29 | SE 15-20 |
October | 86 | 72 | 30 | 22 | 16 | 406 | 83 | 28 | SE 15-20 |
November | 83 | 68 | 28 | 20 | 12 | 305 | 82 | 28 | NE 15-20 |
December | 81 | 68 | 27 | 20 | 14 | 355 | 80 | 27 | NE 15-20 |
Tides
The tidal range is very small: 30 cm to 60 cm (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds.
Weather forecast
The base provides a weather forecast for the first day and will provide a listing of stations that broadcast weather.