Rain in Belize? No Problem – We’ve Got You Covered
Images of a sunny tropical vacation abound when planning your San Pedro getaway. But what if there is rain forecasted during your trip? All is not lost! Belize is a tropical country and as such does experience higher amounts of annual rainfall. One of the most-asked questions we get falls under the umbrella of “Will it rain during my vacation?” or, “What can I do if it rains during my trip?” While rain does fall somewhat regularly during the green season, June-November, it is very unlikely that it will stay for days on end. What frequently occurs, instead, are brief rain spells that then blow out and leave a sunny sky in their wake. You may wish to pack a rain poncho or umbrella for unexpected bouts of rain. Rainy days can be a reminder to slow down and enjoy time together. You are on vacation, after all. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time should you experience a rainy day in Belize.
Hang in your villa
Take advantage of your spacious villa and enjoy time together. Play a board game or cards, watch a movie, or read books in the company of each other. Rain-imposed downtime can be a blessing in disguise. If you enjoy cooking, take advantage of the kitchen in your villa and make pancakes or even soup to keep everyone feeling cozy. Listen to the sound of the rain from your veranda, take a nap and just relax knowing you don’t have anywhere to be.
Schedule a spa treatment!
Turn lemons into lemonade by scheduling a spa treatment or massage in the comfort of your own villa. The rain sounds out the window can help you to shed those last vestiges of stress and discomfort as your therapist provides a massage, facial or other spa therapy. The chances are good that after your treatment and a nice nap, the sun will be out and you will be fully recharged and ready for the rest of your day. Slowing down never felt so good.
Do Rainy Days Affect Tours in Belize?
Marine Tours
Drizzling rain is not an automatic out for marine tours. Snorkeling and diving can both be done in the rain if you choose. The underwater light actually tends to be better and more fish are active. Thunderstorms and wind will mean the postponement or cancellation of a marine tour, for everyone’s safety, but light rain will still let the tour go on as planned. Wind and wave conditions tend to be worse across the reef, which is not always evident from the shore. Your divemaster will make the call on wind conditions if they are deemed unsafe for your tour. Remember to still wear your sun protection, even if it is overcast!
Mainland Tours
Though Belize is a small country, you’ll be amazed at the weather changes even at just a few miles away. It can be raining on the island but be absolutely sunny and beautiful on the mainland. A rainy morning on San Pedro does not mean that the day’s activities must be a wash. Alternatively, heavy rains can lead to flooding of the rivers which may necessitate the cancellation of cave tubing tours or Xunantunich Mayan Monument as the ruin is accessed via water ferry across the river. Should this be the case, your tour guide will consult directly with you to either change the tour for the day or to reschedule your planned tour for another day. Overcast weather or even light rains tend to have the animals at the Belize Zoo more active, as it will be cooler.
As Belize does have a pronounced dry season, the rains that do occur annually are an important resource. For more on the green season in Belize, click here. By having an idea of the nature of the rains that Belize does experience, you will be more prepared to slow down and relax your expectations of a rainy day. Sleep in! Read a real book, play cards with the family, even go on those tours that you had planned. And know that the rain won’t last for your whole trip. Happy vacationing!
