Belmopan in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Belmopan

28°C (83°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall (0.0mm total) - perfect for exploring Belize's extensive cave systems and jungle trails without mud or flooding concerns
Tourist peak season coincides with optimal weather - all tour operators, restaurants, and services are fully operational with maximum scheduling options
Ideal temperature range 19-28°C (67-83°F) for outdoor activities - cool enough for hiking Mountain Pine Ridge at dawn, warm enough for swimming at Blue Hole by afternoon
December trade winds reduce humidity perception significantly - the 70% humidity feels comfortable rather than oppressive, especially for outdoor dining and evening walks through the government district

Considerations

Peak season pricing increases accommodation costs by 40-60% compared to rainy season - budget hotels jump from BZ$80 to BZ$120+ per night
Limited rainfall creates dust issues on unpaved roads - bring nasal spray and consider closed-toe shoes for walking around the city's outlying areas
High UV index of 8 requires constant sun protection - many visitors underestimate intensity at 17°N latitude and get severe burns within 30 minutes of midday exposure

Best Activities in December

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Exploration

December's dry conditions make the 106 km (66 miles) of forest roads accessible to standard vehicles. The cooler morning temperatures 19°C (67°F) are perfect for hiking to Big Rock Falls and exploring Caracol ruins. Zero rainfall means crystal-clear views from the granite outcroppings and no muddy trail conditions that plague the rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators - prices typically BZ$180-240 for full-day tours. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and archaeological site permits. Check current tour options in the booking section below for availability.

Blue Hole and Barrier Reef Diving Expeditions

December offers optimal visibility underwater (30m/98ft+) due to minimal storm runoff. The 26°C (79°F) water temperature requires only 3mm wetsuits. Peak season means all dive operators run daily trips, with the Great Blue Hole accessible via Ambergris Caye connections - a 2.5-hour journey each way that's impossible during rough weather months.

Booking Tip: Advanced Open Water certification required for Blue Hole dives. Book 10-14 days ahead through PADI-certified operators - expect BZ$600-800 for Blue Hole day trips including equipment. Local reef dives cost BZ$120-180. Reference booking widget for current dive tour availability.

Archaeological Site Circuit Tours

Caracol, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech are all accessible via dry-season roads. The 28°C (83°F) afternoon temperatures are manageable for climbing temple structures, while morning departures at 19°C (67°F) provide comfortable hiking conditions. December's clear skies offer spectacular views from El Castillo pyramid at Caracol - 43m (141ft) above the canopy.

Booking Tip: Multi-site tours typically cost BZ$200-300 per person and require full days. Book with operators holding archaeological site permits. Some sites require 4WD access - confirm vehicle type when booking. Check current archaeological tours in booking section below.

Belize River Canoeing and Manatee Watching

December's low water levels concentrate manatees in predictable warm-water areas near Belize City, 80 km (50 miles) from Belmopan. The calm conditions and clear water provide 90%+ manatee spotting rates. River temperatures stay warm at 25°C (77°F) while air temperatures remain comfortable for all-day paddling.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost BZ$160-220 including equipment and transportation from Belmopan. Book through operators with manatee interaction permits - touching is illegal and heavily fined. Tours run 7am-2pm to avoid afternoon heat. See current manatee tours in booking widget below.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Adventures

ATM Cave's underground river maintains 24°C (75°F) year-round, but December's dry surface conditions mean easier access hiking and no flooding risks. The 45-minute jungle approach stays muddy-free, and crystal formations appear more dramatic without rainy season sediment. This sacred Mayan cave requires swimming through underground chambers.

Booking Tip: Limited to 8 visitors daily - book 3-4 weeks ahead through authorized operators only. Tours cost BZ$300-380 including lunch and equipment. No cameras allowed inside. Physical fitness required for 1.6 km (1 mile) underground swimming and walking. Check availability in booking section below.

Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve Hiking

December offers the best chance of wildlife sightings as animals concentrate around reliable water sources. The 128 km² (49 square mile) preserve has 20+ maintained trails accessible without 4WD. Morning temperatures of 19°C (67°F) provide comfortable conditions for the steep 1.6 km (1 mile) Antelope Falls hike gaining 150m (492ft) elevation.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost BZ$10 entrance plus BZ$140-180 for guided tours from Belmopan. Independent hiking allowed on marked trails. Overnight camping available BZ$20 per person. Book accommodations 2+ weeks ahead for December. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

December Events & Festivals

December 19th

Belize National Day Celebrations

December 19th marks Baron Bliss Day, honoring Belize's greatest benefactor. Belmopan hosts government ceremonies at the Gaborone with traditional Garifuna drumming and Creole cultural performances. As the capital, Belmopan offers the most authentic celebration with local families rather than tourist-focused events.

Mid December

Christmas Village Market

The Constitution Park area transforms into a traditional Christmas market from mid-December featuring local artisans selling hand-carved woodwork, Maya textiles, and traditional foods like tamales and rum popo. This is when Belizeans return home for holidays, creating genuine community atmosphere rather than tourist markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen with zinc oxide - UV index 8 causes burns in 15 minutes at midday, reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Quick-dry hiking pants - protects against mosquitoes and thorny vegetation while remaining comfortable in 28°C (83°F) afternoon heat

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - despite dry season, afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days in December lasting 20-30 minutes

Sturdy water shoes - essential for cave exploration, river activities, and rocky coastal areas, doubles as shower shoes in budget accommodations

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - peak dry season concentrates mosquitoes and sand flies around water sources, apply before dawn and dusk

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts - essential for early morning cave tours starting at 19°C (67°F) and protection during jungle hiking

Headlamp with extra batteries - cave exploration requires hands-free lighting, power outages common in rural areas during tourist season

Nasal saline spray - dry season dust from unpaved roads irritates sinuses, especially during travel between sites

Reef-safe sunscreen - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide only, chemical sunscreens banned at marine reserves and strictly enforced

Cash in small bills - many operators, entry fees, and local restaurants don't accept cards or provide change for large denominations

Insider Knowledge

Government offices including passport services operate reduced hours December 20-January 2 - handle any official business before December 19th or after January 3rd to avoid complications

Local restaurants serve traditional Christmas fare like black cake and ham throughout December - try these seasonal specialties at family-run establishments rather than tourist restaurants for authentic flavors

December trade winds create optimal conditions for early morning activities (6-9am) when temperatures are coolest and wildlife most active, while afternoons (12-4pm) are perfect for water-based activities

Book domestic flights to Placencia or Ambergris Caye at least 3 weeks ahead - December tourist season creates capacity constraints on Tropic Air and Maya Island Air routes from Belize City

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December's peak season pricing - accommodation rates increase 40-60% and tours fill quickly, budget travelers should book hostels 4+ weeks ahead or consider shoulder season alternatives

Assuming dry season means no rain gear needed - afternoon thunderstorms still occur 10 days monthly and cave tours involve water regardless of weather

Planning intensive outdoor activities during midday heat - despite cooler December temperatures, UV index 8 and 70% humidity make 12-3pm uncomfortable for hiking or extensive walking