11 Reasons That YOU Should be in Belize in October

Should you visit Belize in October?  How will the weather be in October?  The main answer is:  If you can take the time off and you need a little boost of warm weather, sunshine, delicious food, adventure, and/or relaxation before the winter sets in, YES!  You should visit Belize in October.

See 8 Reasons You Should Vacation in Belize Any TIme of the Year

The big question everyone asks is:  How is the weather in Belize during October? So let’s answer that before anything else.

September, October, and November are typically the “low/slow season” in Belize.  Around the world, people are getting back to school, summer is over and it’s time to buckle down…

In the Atlantic, September, October, and November are the second half of the hurricane season – and generally the more active part in the Western Caribbean.  Remember that is a HUGE area – and we don’t get storms every year.

These months are still the rainiest months of the year.  The north part of the country is drier than the south but all parts of Belize will get rain in October.  Mostly at night and the early morning – and while many days promise to be warm and sunny, you do have the chance for rain.  Warm rain but still rain.

But I think there are LOTS of reasons to visit Belize – and particularly Ambergris Caye in October.  Here are 11 to think about…

1. HALLOWEEN In San Pedro

You may be surprised to hear that the last weekend in October is a huge party time in San Pedro.  Bars go ALL OUT with parties, prizes, red carpets…it’s huge!  There are costume parties for adults…

…and for pets.

If you love Halloween, warm weather, and good times, make a point of coming to San Pedro at the end of October.

It’s a whole lot easier to rock your sexy Superhero costume when the temperature is 85 degrees.

The BIG party at the Holiday Hotel (for humans) and then the SAGA Humane Society throws a big fundraiser for the pets.  This year, you  can actually be back home by the 31st (it’s a Monday!)

These parties were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 so think of the pent-up Halloween excitement for 2022!

2. THE WEATHER

Yes…it may rain at night and sometimes in the morning.  But it’s a heck of a lot warmer than it is where you are right now.

The clouds also produce some AMAZING sunrises and sunsets.  Here’s an October sunset pic from a few years back.

3. CONCH SEASON

Conch season re-opens on October 1st.  And if you love seafood, I’m pretty sure you will love conch.  It is so flavorful and when prepared properly is delicious, tender and sweet.  Here’s the list of My Favorite Ways to Eat Conch on Ambergris Caye.

4. PUMPKIN SPICE ISN’T SO MUCH A THING IN BELIZE…and MAPLE PECAN LATTE DEFINITELY ISN’T A THING

I used to adore Pumpkin Spice season in the US.  Isn’t that what autumn is now called?

Love the flavor but all the ads and products…it’s getting way old.

Yes, Halloween is big in San Pedro but the commercialization of Halloween and Thanksgiving just doesn’t exist here.  Belize is much more low-key – and we don’t even have a Walmart or a Target much less a pop-up Halloween costume store in the local strip mall.  (We don’t have stripmalls either!)

But then again, if you have a craving, you can find just a bit.  Mmmmm….

And if you are looking for great coffee – we have a bunch of places.  Try Lavish Habit – I love this spot and the lovely young couple that owns it.  They do a beautiful Pumpkin Spice Latte – but you need to ask for it special!

5. Here come the COOL BIRDS

You aren’t the only one looking to get away from the cold weather – here come the birds!  The herons, egrets and other water birds are particularly stunning as they arrive in Belize (or just pass through) for their winter holiday.

I’m a giant fan of the roseate spoonbill. (The “Belizean Flamingo”)  Each and every time I see one fly over…or one just rooting around in a puddle…I have to stop and take a picture.

 

6. AIRFARES ARE GENERALLY AT THEIR MOST REASONABLE and HOTELS at THEIR LOWEST

Airfare is at its cheapest during this time of year…usually!   I can not tell you what is going on this year – prices for flights seem crazy high but I am looking at some prices for October 2022 – and they seem good -lower than I’ve seen in a while.  It’s going to be different from every hub but it is very worth taking a look…

For hotels, the prices are the cheapest at this time of year.  Forget the big websites.  Email your fave hotel directly and ask for the “low season” prices.

7. Many Hotels and Restaurants are Open

A few restaurants and hotels may be closed for renovations and staff vacations during this time of year but don’t let that put you off.  Ambergris Caye has SOOO many options now – so many restaurants and bars and hangouts – you will absolutely find plenty of places to enjoy.

8. YOUR EXCURSIONS WON’T BE PACKED

Have you ever been snorkeling or diving or cave tubing and you are surrounded by people? Or on a catamaran tour where you find yourself fighting for a little space at the front of the boat?

October is the perfect month to get a great deal and feel like each excursion was sent out JUST for you.

9. HANG OUT WITH THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE HERE

Belizeans are known for being very friendly and proud of our country.   But in October, when business is at it’s slowest point of the year, everyone will be even happier to see you.  Restaurants, bars, tour guides, everyone.  With fewer tourists, you will be welcomed with open arms.

It’s a particularly good time to visit if you are thinking of buying property or a home in San Pedro – you need to learn to love her at all times of the year!

And in case you were wondering, you sports fanatics…

10. WE GET ALL THE US TV CHANNELS

Fear not.  You will be able to find your football game at the local sports bar and fans there rooting for your team.  The World Series will be on TV – though the “Team of Belize” is the Chicago Cubs and they don’t seem like they will be in the postseason.

You can read the cool story of why there are so many Cubs fans in Belize.

All your games will be on at sports bars like Croc’s Sunset Bar or Truck Stop or many others.

Lola’s Pub is a great one with a full range of sports channels.  And there are some new spots opening soon…how about football AND a sunset view?

11.  FAST INTERNET 

When I moved here 15 years ago and even 7 or 8 years ago, the internet service in Belize has always been something to groan about – particularly if you are used to the convenience of the rest of the world.  BUT THAT HAS CHANGED – now on much of Ambergris Caye has service that ZINGs!

We bought a smart TV a few years ago – and Netflix and HBOMax and HULU oh my!

WE NOW HAVE THE INTERNET ON PAR WITH MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD.  No…I am not having Alexa do my laundry or Siri schedule my day but frankly?  I’m good with that.

ANd if you need to get some work done while you are on Ambergris Caye or if you want to stream a movie on a cloudy morning, you can do it!

I’ll leave you with a Packing List for the Rainy Season – there are a few extra things you’ll want to throw in your bag and…

I’ll see you in October.  It’s coming SHOCKINGLY quickly.