Let’s be honest: the words “hurricane season” can sound a bit intimidating, especially when you’re considering how to allocate that precious vacation time and you want to plan the perfect tropical retreat. Technically, hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, with the highest likelihood of activity from August through October. But the truth is: a major hurricane hitting Belize is very rare. Yes, they can happen, and it’s smart to be informed and prepared — but the odds are really in your favor. Most of the time, “hurricane season” means more afternoon showers, not batten-down-the-hatches kind of weather. I’ll let you in on another secret: this is my favorite time of year to experience Belize in all it’s quiet and authentic glory. Here’s what you should really know about hurricane season in Belize and why it might just be the best time to visit.
Embrace Adventure
Torrential rain showers? They’re the reason Belize stays so lush and green. Picture waterfalls in full flow, rainforests alive with wildlife, and river tubing adventures that are just that much more thrilling. Most rainfall comes in short, heavy bursts, often in the late afternoon or at night, leaving you plenty of sunny hours to explore ruins, zipline, or simply soak up the sun. In Placencia we prefer using the more accurate term of “green season” instead of “rainy season” because this is the time our littoral forest is most vibrant- full of colorful flowers, tropical fruit, and well-fed iguanas.
Save Money
Traveling to Belize during hurricane season often means scoring deals that simply aren’t available during the peak winter months. Airlines and tour operators often offer generous discounts during this time, and here at Los Porticos Villas you can save 20% on accommodation now until November 15th and you can take an additional 10% discount on last minute bookings. All these savings mean you can have even more fun on your Belize getaway while staying within your budget.
Experience the Real Belize
Placencia isn’t your typical tourist destination to begin with – we don’t get an onslaught of visitors like some places do. Even in the height of winter you will never encounter a crowded beach or a long wait for a table at your favorite restaurant. But travelling in the off season means you’ll have the beauty of Belize all to yourself — well, almost. Imagine private snorkeling tours of the barrier reef or climbing through ancient Maya ruins with only a handful of fellow explorers. You’ll find a more relaxed, genuine vibe wherever you go, and connect with locals in a way that’s sometimes hard during the busy season. Take part in a community project like mangrove restoration or a beach clean-up, jump in on a pickup game of volleyball, or help out the Rotary Club’s back-to-school backpack drive. This is the time of year that travelers can truly connect with a place and its people; this is when Placencia is its most authentic and charming self.
Traveling to Belize during hurricane season can lead you to adventures you’d never expect. Don’t feel hesitant about the hurricane season hype, take it from those of us who know and love the country year-round: this is a season of opportunity, not just risk. With a little flexibility and a spirit of adventure, you might just find your favorite version of paradise when the rest of the world is looking the other way.
