The Best Time to Visit Caye Caulker: Weather, Events, & Crowds

Since we love it so much, we would say that ANY time is a good time to visit Caye Caulker. But since most people will be going there for vacation, let's examine the variables that can make or break your ideal stay. For this exercise, we'll be specifically taking a look at how the weather changes, what events are happening on the island, and when the crowds are and are not on the island.

First up, let's talk about weather. Like most tropical climates, the weather can be divided into two seasons - the wet season or the dry season. In my wife's perfect world, it would be the dry season all year round. But on Caye Caulker the dry season lasts from November to April. During these glorious months it is sunny, warm, and (as the name alludes) relatively dry. Temps during the day range from 80°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C). The rainfall during these months is sporadic, with most showers lasting only a few minutes. So unless a front rolls through, if you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes. It'll change.

Contrast this with the wet season, which provides daily, sometimes non-stop over a few days amounts of rain. The rain during this period gradually increases as the summer rolls on. This eventually culminates into very a very soaked September and a pretty wet October. Temps during these months are only slightly warmer than the dry season, but obviously the rain tosses a little more humidity in the air. All things considered, there is still a good portion of the day where the sun is shining and the blue water sparkles. To the average vacationer the most noticeable difference between the wet & dry season will be the amount of mosquitos buzzing about. No paved roads adds to the charm of the island, but no gutters for the rain to drain into means that there are puddles everywhere. Puddles = mosquito farms. Bug spray and incense coils are typically stocked up at our place for guest usage. They will become your best friends.

There are various events of note that take place on Caye Caulker throughout the year. The biggest party of the year is Lobsterfest. This kicks off lobster season, which takes a quick hiatus from March 1 to June 30th to allow the tasty critters to repopulate. If live music, tons of people, & way too much Belikin is your thing, Lobsterfest is for you. Another fun time where you really get to see some Belizean jingoism is September 21st - Independence Day. This is a huge day for Belizeans, which marks their breaking-away from British rule in 1981. The island draws many less people for Independence day than it does for Lobsterfest, but it still manages to be a good party and their parade is full of blue and red-decorated golf carts and non-stop smiling faces.

Feel free to share any events that you are looking forward to, or have attended and are worth sharing a story about.

Safe travels and Go Slow,

Dan & Kristin