When the broadleaf forests begin to bloom in a tapestry of lush greenery, it’s a sign that Belize is entering its Green Season. While many travelers may be hesitant to visit during this time, (considering that it is the rainy season), those who dare to experience the country in its rainy months are often rewarded with unique and unforgettable experiences. After all, it’s thanks to those mid-year showers that the Belizean rainforest becomes vibrant and full of life. Here’s what you need to know about traveling during Green Season in Belize, including why it might just be the perfect time for your next unique adventure.
Understanding the Green Season
Photo courtesy The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant.
Belize’s Green Season spans from June to November. It is categorized by warmer temperatures, higher levels of humidity, and increased rainfall. These conditions are ideal for nurturing the country’s verdant landscape and feeding farmer’s fields and orchards. Tropical fruit and exotic flowers flourish while the pace of daily life settles into a comfortable and unhurried meander in the sultry surroundings. Intermittent showers and the occasional thunderstorm may blow in quickly and unexpectedly, but are often finished just as fast and can bring a welcome relief from the heat and a refreshingly clean scent to the air. Typically, the periods of prolonged rain fall overnight and provide a soothing white sound quality to the quiet hours.
How Green Season in Belize Can Actually Be Enjoyable
Embrace Nature
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
One of the undeniable charms of the Green Season is the opportunity to witness nature in all its glory. The rain rejuvenates the forests, causing them to burst forth with new growth of climbing vines and supple ferns. Rivers swell with water and cascading waterfalls mature into their most magnificent selves. With swifter moving currents, rafting and tubing tours are at their most exhilarating pace during the Green Season. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of avian species that frolic in the renewed wetlands such as egrets, spoonbills, herons, ibis, kingfishers, pelicans, and even the majestic jabiru stork.
No Crowds
Taking photos atop Lamanai. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
Another advantage of traveling during the Green Season is the utter absence of crowds. Even during the peak months of tourist season, Belize is an uncrowded destination—think swaths of deserted beaches and huge tracts of uninhabited wilderness—but during the hazy, lazy days of Green Season you are all but guaranteed to enjoy a more tranquil and intimate experience. You won’t have to worry about waiting for a table at a restaurant or standing in line to enter a park or attraction. Imagine climbing ancient Maya Temples or exploring the top snorkeling spots with nary another tourist in sight.
Deep Discounts
Photo by the San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Green Season presents an excellent opportunity to visit Belize without breaking the bank. Many accommodations offer discounted rates during this time, making luxury resorts and jungle eco-lodges more accessible to a wide range of travelers.
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- Hopkins, Belize. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
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- Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
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- Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
Additionally, tour guides may be able to offer lower rates or the incentive of private tours, further reducing the cost of your trip. With fewer tourists competing for space, you can enjoy greater flexibility and freedom to tailor your itinerary to suit your interests.
Authenticity and Adventure Await
Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
This is the perfect time of year to get a feel for the “real Belize” and immerse yourself in the cultures of the country. Many vibrant local festivals celebrating the country’s diverse heritage and cuisine take place throughout the season in different locations across the country.
Similar: What Is Slow Travel and How You Can Embrace It While in Belize
There’s no shortage of cultural and community activities to enjoy and get involved with. Engage with local artisans at craft markets. Learn the art of traditional dance or drumming. Volunteer with a local charity. Or, participate in a community conservation project. Now is the time for slow travel and intimate adventures in Belize.
Photo by Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge
The Green Season in Belize offers a magical and immersive travel experience that appeals to adventurous spirits and nature lovers. Whether it is to seek a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of every day or to find an action-packed adventure amidst the lush rainforest and pristine coral reef, Belize has something to offer every traveler, any time of the year. Embrace the beauty of Green Season and discover the hidden charms of this captivating country for yourself.
