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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

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But the Weather Forecast Says???

by tacogirl 24/01/2020
written by tacogirl 24/01/2020
January in Belize

Of course, it is only natural to be checking Belize weather before your trip. I sometimes get emails from people commenting on feeling like they are going to be slammed with rain on vacation because of what their weather app shows. Below are two examples of readers’ concerns.

  • The forecast looks ominous wed through sat but crossing our fingers. I’ve been checking the weather, it looks like non-stop rain for weeks!! I hope it clears up the next week or so! Too late to cancel everything!! – Margaret Mitchell and here is what Margaret had to say Jan 21st while still here, “it’s been great, no rain even tho the forecast called for some! Today turned out beautiful!! Monday was cloudy but no rain. I forgot how humid and windy it is here tho!! Wed looks like sunshine hopefully!”
  • I stumbled across your blog and really feel hopeful after seeing your post about tracking the thunderstorm forecasts, but… My partner and I are in a bit of anxiety looking at the rainy forecast for Jan 14-24. We both desperately need to get some sunshine (we’re from a gloomy sun-starved Toronto). I am wondering if you feel the same ‘cry wolf’ predictions about this upcoming timeframe seeing that you live there and have a front-row view? Considering canceling and finding a sunnier place, which is going to be a bit $$. I did not hear back from Nelu Neluhan how she felt her trip was weather-wise. My advice was: Try not to have too much anxiety. It is rare that we get all day everyday rains. While we have had a bit more lately, it is strong heavy bursts and does not last too long. Last night a good example, it started to pour right before I was going to leave to go get dinner. I stopped and waited no more than 10 min, the rain stopped and my whole walk through town was dry as a bone.  During the time they were here, it was fairly dry.

Often our fast heavy can come more so at night or earlier in the morning although sometimes they hit in the afternoon. Being able to waterproof your electronics and wallet is something you will be glad you did just in case. A friend recently got both his money and phone soaked on a boat ride and learned the hard way. Even a ziplock bag can save you during a sudden downpour or in my friends’ case high winds and choppy waters.

Below is the frypan method to quantify how much rain we can get in a short 5 – 10-minute shower. While at Atlantic bank the other day, a short shower happened and as I was walking home I saw this “rain gauge table” 😀

January in Belize had short rain showers

The reality is while our weather may be a bit inclement at times and your weather app may be showing doom and gloom, we generally do ok weather-wise. The lagoon side image below was taken on a “rainy day.” As was the feature image but I never felt a drop in spite of the ominous dark cloud over town.

Calm weather day for January in Belize

As you can see, walking home from Cg Esthetic Salon the back road below was fairly free of puddles in spite of late rain the night before.

Warm San Pedro weather January in Belize

Reader Weather Answer

As you saw above, I put a few fishhooks out there to people who had been wondering about the weather in Belize, January and otherwise and Dane got back to me with a more detailed answer below regarding his family vacation experience of July and August climate.

“Your site says to ask about a cart discount? Also wondering about the weather, on weather.com site says storms every day for the next two weeks is that accurate usually?”

This is the complete message that I sent to Taco Girl on July 26, 2019. I was set to arrive just 3 days later. Let’s face it, when we dish out thousands of dollars or euros on flights, lodging, golf carts, tours, bathing suits, reef-safe sunscreen and more, we don’t want mother nature raining on our parade, so to speak. Take a look at the date, I was arriving smack-dab in the middle of what Belizians call the ‘Wet Season’. Also, I was going to be spending my birthday there, and this trip was a last-minute change from our planned vacation to Europe! (you can read more about that, why we changed, and our first trip to Belize, HERE) To say I was concerned about the weather would be an understatement.

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): The weather was great. Don’t sweat it. Rain or shine, you’ll have a great time in Belize, from Ambergris Caye, to Caye Caulker to Placencia and more. Check the weather before you go, I can almost promise that once you’re there, you won’t really care.

Back story/Long version: I’ve been sailing during hurricane season in the British Virgin Islands. Multiple times. I like it. There are WAY fewer people, there are plenty of mooring balls, there are no crowds on the beaches, and the flights are cheaper. Did I get rained on? Yes. Just about daily for about 5 minutes each day. We could see the storm coming, we’d get outside on the boat and take a literal ‘rain shower’. Nice and refreshing. I also once had to make a run for it, from a tropical storm that eventually turned into “Hurricane Danielle”. We made it back to base in the BVI, turned in our boat, got to USVI and the airport was closed, so we grabbed a room at the only hotel on St Thomas with a generator, and had a great time – practically the whole island showed up once power went out, and it was a 3-day hurricane party!

Belize, I’ve found is quite similar. Clouds may appear in the afternoon, and it may rain here or there for a few minutes, and then it passes. It rained twice during our week-plus in Ambergris Caye, and it never dampened our spirits. Once was at night, and we woke to a refreshingly cool morning and damp seats in our golf cart. My daughter and I didn’t even bother wiping them down, after all, we wore bathing suits all day, every day. The other time that it rained on us, we were en-route to John’s Secret in the ‘far’ north (past the turn-off for Secret Beach). We had fun driving in the rain, and felt like adventurers – and by the time we got there, it was past us.

Mostly warm January in Belize

If you really can’t stand the rain, I’d recommend booking during dry season for sure, but even then, the forecast may call for rain. Don’t change your plans though until your tour operator tells you that you must. Even if there is a little rain, you won’t notice it while diving or snorkeling or any of the other myriad of activities on the water. If there is a severe-enough storm to keep the tour from going out, you won’t have to pay, and the operator will let you know.

Top Tip: I have a waterproof phone, and purchased a local sim-card when I arrived, so that I could call/text restaurants and other businesses (golf cart companies) etc, but I still found myself keeping it in a quart-sized ziplock every day. As tacogirl suggests, bring a handful of quart-sized ziplock with you, they don’t take up much room in your luggage, and we kept used ours to have a central location for phone, cart key, and wallet/change. Actually considering a return trip instead of our planned trip to Costa Rica this summer – Dane Hylen

Of Course not everyone has quite the same weather experience.

Overcast Days

Looks like the forecast is calling for rain next week?!?!!? Let’s hope it’s like a Florida rain in San Pedro where it only rains for 10 minutes! I had written him back and said: “That was yesterday’s weather, two short bursts in the morning.”

Although we were expecting to see bright sun and no clouds coming down to Ambergris Caye from the Northeast portion of the United States, my wife and I, during our recent December trip to Belize, experiences a bit cooler temperatures and mostly overcast skies during our 5-day trip. While we didn’t spend much time laying out by the pool or at the beach, we certainly were able to have a great trip down in Belize and kept ourselves occupied with different activities during the course of our stay. We rented bikes and golf carts from the hotel and we were able to explore various parts of the Island (including Secret Beach), we were to visit many different restaurants and bars in the area (so many to choose from) and spent one day back in Belize City to visit the Belize Zoo, see Mayan ruins and do a cave tubing tour. Ambergris Caye is a great place and we’re already looking forward to the next time we can spend some time down there. – Adam D. Taylor

Temperatures in Belize in January

Current weather conditions for San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize 78°F or 25°C variably cloudy and cool conditions with 20% chance of precipitation tonight.

According to the Belize meteorological services, Marine Forecast, there was a small craft warning in effect on Wednesday but the winds are much calmer now and they are back to reporting astronomical conditions.

Notice the windswept water lines coming from the northwest in the picture below. I took that Tuesday while waiting for my friend Dwayne to arrive at the Thunderbolt dock in on the lagoon side of town. It was definitely a sweater and pants weather for most of the day.

Windy with a small craft warning January in Belize

Today I got rained out twice. The first was a short fast rain the second a bit longer. Altogether it put me behind about 1 hour in my errand run. While out in town I did not have one moment where I was worried about getting wet and it was almost too warm for my trench coat. I popped over to the beach for a weather shot. If you liked this post and weather pictures you will also like Belize Vacation Rain explained.

January in Belize

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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Exodus Water Taxi from San Pedro to Corozal and Sarteneja
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4 comments

Jonathan David Lovery 26/01/2020 - 12:10 pm

Hello Laure,
Just finished reading your very entertaining post about the weather.Thanks.
Its Jonathan – from Toronto and I am counting down the days to my arrival in “Sunny San Pedro…..10 to be exact.
Hoping you can help me with the purchase of a snorkel ‘full face’ mask. I can get one (Bodyglove) here at Costco for approx.C$50. Would it be a better idea to get one over there, and would the cost be any less ?
Also….is it cheaper to get a SIM card outside Belize airport, or in San Pedro itself ?
Appreciate any info u can provide,
Thanks…..Jonathan Lovery

Reply
tacogirl 27/01/2020 - 10:31 am

Definitely you are better to buy one anywhere but here for best price Johathan.

Sim card is not going to be any cheaper in Belize City versus on Ambergris Caye. Digicell store (in San Pedro Town) is located on the opposite side of the road from Tropic Air front entrance and a stone’s throw south. Be sure and bring your passport so you can
get it registered.

Some useful links for more info

https://www.livedigi.com/digiservices/postpaid

https://www.livedigi.com/en/digiservices/prepaid/menu

https://tacogirl.com/using-digicell-data-on-vacation-belize-sim-card-information/

Reply
Linda 25/01/2020 - 4:28 pm

Water taxi or fly from Belize City to San Pedro?

Reply
tacogirl 27/01/2020 - 10:24 am

Absolutely fly Linda, so much easier and the view is fantastic and it is so much faster – 15 min on the plane versus 90 on the boat plus a 30 min cab ride to get to the dock. For a shorter water taxi ride in I recommend a day trip to Caye Caulker. If you do fly please remember to use flight code for Cancer – horizon when booking on Tropic Air website.

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

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3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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