December marks the start of Belize’s dry season and the beginning of the high tourist season, primarily attracting North Americans fleeing their cold winters. The weather in Belize during this time is ideal for reef and jungle exploration. Coupled with the holiday season, this makes December an especially enchanting time to be in Belize.
Weather in December
December in Belize offers pleasant temperatures with average daytime highs of 82°F (28°C) and nighttime lows around 70°F (21°C). The humidity tends to be moderate, and the winds are mild, offering a gentle breeze that balances the warmth.
Rainfall decreases significantly in December, signaling a progression into the dry season, which runs until May. While occasional brief showers may occur, they are typically short-lived and less frequent compared to the earlier months. December is characterized by clearer skies and more sunshine, enhancing the appeal of outdoor activities and beach visits.
Things to Do in December
During December, there’s a vibrant holiday spirit throughout Belize. The Christmas celebrations extend all month, featuring a variety of events such as parades, concerts, parties, horse races and more. The combination of sunny, warm weather and Belize’s dynamic festive atmosphere creates a unique and memorable holiday experience.
Coastal and Marine Activities
December brings warm, calm seas ideal for boating, fishing, diving, and snorkeling. The low rainfall during this time ensures a delightful beach vacation, reducing the chances of tropical storms that can confine visitors indoors. This makes it an excellent month for uninterrupted exploration of Belize’s beautiful coastal and marine environments.
Explore Ancient Maya Sites and the Belizean Jungle
The dry season makes exploring ancient Maya sites and Belizean jungles more feasible. With reduced rainfall, access to popular Mayan caves like Actun Tunichil Muknal becomes more reliable, avoiding closures due to flooding. Additionally, the pleasant weather makes jungle tours such as visiting Red Bank Village to spot rare Scarlet Macaws more comfortable and enjoyable.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
To celebrate the Christmas season, boats in San Pedro are decorated with lights and ornaments and sail from Boca Del Rio to the Coconuts Hotel. The lighted boats are a beautiful sight to see as you sit on the beach while the cool breeze hits your face. Many tourists visit Ambergris Caye in December since it is known as the destination with the most events and festivals.
| Location | San Pedro, Ambergris Caye |
| Date | December 2, 2023 |
Love FM Christmas Parade
Every year, Love FM, Belize’s oldest radio station, throws an annual Christmas Parade in San Pedro to spread cheer and share candy, toys, and other goodies. It is one of the most anticipated events for locals. Starting at Boca del Rio and circling the main downtown streets before ending at the San Pedro Central Park, the parade includes numerous holiday floats from schools, the government, and the business community.
| Location | Boca del Rio, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye |
| Date | 5:30 PM on December 17, 2023 |
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is a great day to visit the downtown core of whichever place you are staying at to see Belizeans running around doing errands and buying last-minute Christmas gifts. Homes and local shops blast loud Christmas music all day and there is the sound of non-stop firecrackers exploding in the background.
| Location | All of Belize |
| Date | December 24, 2023 |
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a national holiday in Belize and most shops and food stalls are closed except for hotel restaurants and popular downtown restaurants. On this day, locals typically have traditional Belizean meals with their families, backyard gatherings and stay home all day. However, the younger crowds usually go out to bars and clubs with friends when the nighttime hits.
| Location | All of Belize |
| Date | December 25, 2023 |
Boxing Day Horse Race
The day after Christmas is also a holiday and most Belizeans head to the horse racetracks for a day filled with happy cheering and lots of drinking. Belize’s biggest horse race event takes place in the village of Burrell Boom near Belize City but a smaller horse racing event also happens in the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.
| Location | Santa Elena and Burrell Boom |
| Date | December 26, 2023 |
New Year’s Eve
Since Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are usually when Belizeans spend time with their families, New Year’s Eve is when everyone goes out to party with friends. Some people, of course, will also party with their family members on New Year’s Eve but it is most common for individuals to go to a nightclub and bring in the New Year with their family and friends. So hit up a nightclub or bar and bring your dancing shoes!
| Location | All of Belize |
| Date | December 31, 2023 |
For Belize events and activities available throughout the year, click here.
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