Things to Do in Belmopan in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Belmopan
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season weather with minimal rainfall despite the 10 rainy days statistic - those occasional showers are typically brief afternoon bursts that clear within 30 minutes, leaving you with gorgeous late-afternoon light for photography around the government buildings and nearby nature reserves
- Comfortable morning temperatures around 19°C (67°F) make this the absolute best time for hiking in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or exploring the Guanacaste National Park before the midday heat kicks in - you'll actually want to be outdoors at 7am
- December sits right in the sweet spot between the wet season crowds who come for green landscapes and the peak tourist crush of January-February, meaning you'll find better availability at jungle lodges and cave tour operators without the shoulder-season weather gamble
- The Belize River tends to run clearer in December compared to the murky post-rain months, which makes this an underrated time for spotting wildlife along the riverbanks during canoe trips - locals know the manatees are more visible when the water settles
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is real and persistent throughout the day - synthetic fabrics will make you miserable, and you'll need to plan indoor breaks during the 28°C (83°F) afternoon peaks when the humidity makes it feel closer to 32°C (90°F)
- December marks the beginning of high season pricing for accommodations and tours, with rates jumping 20-30% compared to November, though you're not yet hitting the peak February-March prices when North American winter escapees flood the country
- The UV index of 8 is deceptively intense at this latitude - even overcast days will burn unprotected skin within 20 minutes, and the cloud cover can lull you into skipping reapplication of sunscreen until it's too late
Best Activities in December
Cave exploration tours in the Cayo District
December's drier conditions mean cave systems like Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek Cave have lower water levels, making navigation safer and revealing cave formations that sit underwater during the wet season. The cooler morning temperatures of 19°C (67°F) make the physical exertion of cave hiking much more manageable. Water temperatures inside caves stay constant year-round, but you'll appreciate not having to deal with swollen rivers on access trails. This is genuinely the best window for cave tours before crowds peak in January.
Belize Zoo wildlife viewing
Animals are noticeably more active in December's cooler morning temperatures compared to the oppressive heat of April-May. Arrive right when gates open at 8:30am and you'll see jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys at their most animated before they retreat to shade. The zoo sits just 47 km (29 miles) from Belmopan along the Western Highway, making it an easy half-day trip. December's lower rainfall means trails stay dry and you won't be slogging through mud between enclosures.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve hiking and waterfall swimming
December hits the perfect balance for Mountain Pine Ridge - rivers are still flowing well from earlier rains but trails have dried out enough for comfortable hiking. The Rio On Pools and Big Rock Falls are swimmable without the dangerous currents you get during wet season. Morning temperatures at this elevation start around 16°C (61°F), which feels refreshingly cool after Belmopan's humidity. The 80 km (50 mile) drive from Belmopan takes about 2 hours on increasingly rough roads, but December's dry conditions make it passable for most vehicles.
Caracol Maya ruins exploration
December offers ideal conditions for tackling Belize's largest and most remote Maya site. The 130 km (81 mile) journey from Belmopan takes 3-4 hours over rough roads that become impassable during heavy rains - December's dry weather makes this trip actually feasible. You'll have Caana pyramid, taller than any structure at Tikal, largely to yourself since most tourists stick to closer sites. Morning departure is essential to avoid afternoon heat when climbing pyramids becomes genuinely exhausting.
Belize River canoeing and birdwatching
The river runs clearer in December than any other time of year, which dramatically improves wildlife spotting opportunities. You'll actually see iguanas, turtles, and various heron species rather than just muddy water. Morning trips starting around 7am catch the coolest temperatures and most active bird life - over 300 species have been recorded along this corridor. The river sits just 3 km (1.9 miles) from central Belmopan, making this the most accessible nature activity from the capital.
Xunantunich Maya ruins with river crossing
Located 130 km (81 miles) from Belmopan near the Guatemalan border, Xunantunich offers the unique experience of crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry to reach the ruins. December's lower water levels make the crossing smooth and the climb up El Castillo pyramid less daunting in cooler morning air. The 360-degree views from the top on a clear December day extend into Guatemala. This site sees fewer visitors than Caracol but offers better-preserved structures and easier access.
December Events & Festivals
Belize Independence Day celebrations spillover
While Independence Day itself falls in September, December still carries a festive national pride atmosphere with flags remaining displayed throughout Belmopan's government district. You'll notice more cultural events and community gatherings than in quieter months, though nothing specifically scheduled for tourists.
Christmas and Boxing Day local celebrations
Belmopan takes on a distinctly Caribbean Christmas character with street vendors selling tamales and rum popo around Constitution Drive. Christmas Day sees most businesses closed, but Boxing Day on December 26 brings local families to parks and recreation areas. This is when you'll see how Belizeans actually celebrate rather than tourist-oriented events. Expect limited restaurant options December 24-26.