Your Travel Guide to Belize in December
December is one of the most popular times to visit Belize. Whether you’re an adventure traveler, a family looking for a great old-time vacation, or looking for an exotic romantic getaway, December is the perfect time to pack your bags and head to Belize for an experience of a lifetime. Here are 5 exciting things to see and enjoy in Belize during December
- The Weather
December might herald cold winds and snow across North America, but it’s a month of long, sunny days and warm temperatures perfect for snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and hiking in Belize. It’s no secret Belize can get quite warm during the summer (though the beautiful beaches and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea make up for it.) But undoubtedly the weather in December is absolutely lovely. Cold fronts are common during this time, providing some much-needed relief from the tropical sun. Temperatures drop as low as 50 degrees (F) in the nights and climb to around 60-70 (F) during the day.
2. Belize Christmas Traditions
The Jankunu dance is a unique dance from the Garifuna culture that can be witnessed on Christmas Day in towns like Hopkins or Dangriga. The world-famous dance is called the Wanaragua Dance (or “Jankunu/John Canoe” dance). The dancer dons a mask to resemble the “European slave master,” complete with shells tied to each knee, and an extravagant headpiece for their performance. Jerking movements and vibrating shells are accompanied by the pounding of the drums with a fast-paced beat.
3. Holiday Spirit
Like any other place, the entire country is plunged into a warm holiday spirit during December. The famous Fruit Cake is baked in homes and offered as gifts to family and close friends, rum popo (an eggnog-like drink) flows from every dinner table and the people are generally giddier as they go about their day preparing for Christmas in Belize.
4. Easy to get to Belize in December
With top air carriers like Southwest, Delta, American, United, and WestJet offering non-stop flights to Belize from major cities in Canada and the United States, it’s now easier and more affordable than ever to get to Belize.
5. Access to world-renowned sites
Though there are still many things to do and attractions to see during the summer, some tours like the Adventure Junkie or hiking may be seasonal due to the rains. In the winter, however, you can rest assured that no tour will be impeded by the weather and you can enjoy spelunking and chasing waterfalls to your heart’s content.