The Caribbean country of Belize is quickly gaining traction as a wonderful place to travel and a great place to retire, but the country’s best-kept secret may be hidden away in its off-season. Most travelers decide to visit Belize in the winter months, but that has more to do with a desire to escape the most frigid stretch of winter and less to do with Belize’s winters being positively gorgeous. More specifically, conditions are beautiful in Belize all year long. Highs remain in the mid-80s no matter when you decide to visit, and the rainfall that comes during the green season — also known as the shoulder season — from August into October — generally just enjoys rain late in the evening and early in the morning. If you’re looking to plan your tropical vacation, there’s no better time to come than the shoulder season. Here’s why.
Great Deals on Everything
Belize is an affordable place to visit any time of the year, but those savings really come into their own during the shoulder season. Belize Hotels and Resorts will typically offer steep discounts during the off-season, and they aren’t the only ones. Booking flights, tours, and rental cars also tend to be much cheaper during this time of year — and you can really dig deep into the savings by looking for package deals during the shoulder season. Thriftier travelers will find a lot of options, and they’ll appreciate the fact that things don’t just close down when the tourist season starts to peter out.
A Distinct Lack of Crowds
Belize is home to towering monuments to the Maya Empire, long stretches of unspoiled beach, and some of the most beautiful jungles, caves, and rivers you’ll find in Central America. But if you come during the busy season, you won’t be the only one trying to enjoy the experience. The tour guides will be happy to have someone looking to use their services, and you can be happy enjoying some of Belize’s most beautiful sights in peace. That’s true whether you’re trying to get a picture of the imposing pyramid of Xunantunich or simply trying to identify the song of a specific tropical bird while cruising down the lazy Macal River.
A More Authentic Stay
If you decide to visit Belize during the busy season, you can expect to be treated like royalty. But that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to truly enjoy the things that make Belize unique. But in the long months where tourists aren’t coming, Belize has some of its most fascinating and authentic moments. The shoulder season falls square in the middle of spiny lobster season, and the king conch is available for hunting starting in October. It also tends to be a month of festivities. September alone is a time where Belizeans enjoy their Independence Day, Carnival, and the holiday known as St. George’s Caye Day. If you want to know what the real Belize feels like, it’s an experience you can truly embrace in the shoulder season.
