September on Ambergris Caye, Belize: Weather, Holidays, Celebrations, Events & Closings

This is a list of the big SEPTEMBER 2025 holidays, events, and activities around Ambergris Caye. It’s also an overview of what you can expect with weather, sargassum, seafood, food, crowds (or lack of them) and more.

All the photos in this post are from past Septembers – so you can get a look at what it might be like.

If it’s your first time to the island, see:

• My Complete Guide to Ambergris Caye
• 13 Things Each First Timer Should Do on Ambergris Caye

The Big Picture

September is one of the most unique months on Ambergris Caye and one of my favorite. It’s one of the quietest months for tourism (I’d say September and October are tied) and that comes with pluses and minuses. You’ll find great hotel deals and often cheaper flights, empty pools and beaches, and plenty of space at your favorite restaurants. But it’s also the partiest (I coined a word!) month for Belizeans, filled with patriotic celebrations, pageants, parades, and endless red, white, and blue.

As friend recently said on Facebook that “national productivity’ is low in September and it’s SO true! Similar to the week between Christmas and New Years for almost everyone world-wide. It’s kinda a national month-long, take-it-easy, it’s September kinda vibe. Some restaurants and hotels close for renovations and vacations and because business can be veeery slow.

Here are spots that I know are closed in September:

• Briana’s Deli on Back St, San Pedro closed Oct 13 to Oct 27
• Matachica Resort is closed for September
• Las Terrazas Resort is closed for September
• Portofino Resort is closed for September
• Margaritaville Belize is closed reopening in November
• Hidden Jewel Resort and Restaurant are closed for September
• Hula Bar is closed for September

It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s hurricane season (the last hurricane we saw – a weak Cat One – was in 2017 with Hurricane Earl)…but if you want to experience island life the way locals do or if you are planning to move down here full-time one day, September is a fantastic time to visit.

Weather in September on Ambergris Caye

September is still very hot and humid, with daytime highs in the upper 80s/low 90s. It feels hotter (often “real feel” into the 100s) because of the humidity and strong sun. Nights stay warm.

This is also peak storm season in the Western Caribbean. September and October are historically the most active months for tropical storms and hurricanes. Showers can happen a few times a week – often overnight or in short bursts during the day but there can be a few days with rain in a row.

The good news: the sea is often glass-calm, perfect for diving, snorkeling, and flyfishing…as long as there are no storms brewing.

For current forecasts, I use Windfinder. I check it every day. And during this time, always keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center.

Sargassum in September

Traditionally, the sargassum influx lightens up by September with shifting winds. In 2024, we had clear beaches by August. But in 2025, the mats have lingered much longer – it’s been a heavy year across the Caribbean and Yucatán.

Fingers crossed that September winds finally push it away. Remember, the west side of the island (Secret Beach side) stays clear even when the reef side is inundated with the stuff.

Seafood in September

Lobster: Still in season (July 1 – Feb 28). You’ll see lobster specials at many spots.

Conch (my favorite): Still closed. The season opens October 1.

Quick Travel Tips for September

Mosquitos: Still around in the wet season, especially mornings/evenings. Pack picaridin repellent (Sawyer’s is my go-to). I’ve been testing a few other ones this summer. I tried Off-Clean Feel Picaridin – it works but is very powdery. And leaves me sneezing. We tried Coleman IR3535 Spray and it works but isn’t my favorite.

I STAND BY SAWYERS! Either the spray or the lotion works for hours, doesn’t smell bad, and doesn’t leave you all greasy and disgusting. DO NOT TRAVEL WITHOUT IT. If I was on “Naked and Afraid” – I would chose a few cans of Sawyers over a knife or ice or fire.

Though I might chose a robe over all those things.

Also nice to have: a rain jacket or poncho handy for quick showers.

Holidays & Special Events in September 2025

This is where September shines! Expect patriotic music, decor, pageants and parades.

Monday, September 1 – Flag Raising Ceremony

6am, Central Park, September begins!

Thursday, September 4 – Birthday Party and Fundraiser at Gypsy Restaurant

This a new spot for Gypsy Restaurant and Bar – on the water…in town…just next to the Belize Chocolate Factory. At the old Wild Mango’s. A fun night to check out the spot for a meal and/or cocktails.

CANCELED because of the marked slow down in Sargassum! Saturday, September 6 – Community Sargassum Clean-Up

The 2nd event in as many months – the community coming together to try to help out this overwhelming onslaught! You can see the first event here.

Tuesday, Sept 9 – St. George’s Caye Day Eve

7pmish…A Fire Engine Parade: Thru town

This is a LATE night! Party to ring in the holiday: Join us for the 9th Night DJ & Street Party at Saca Chispas Field From 8PM–2AM, the stage comes alive with DJ Jash, DJ Kriz, DJ Julian & DJ Dev spinning the hottest tracks. Indulge in the island’s best food & drinks as we party our way into the 10th of September! (Note: 8pm probably means that the party is getting started at 10!)

Wednesday, September 10 – Battle of St. George’s Caye Day

National holiday commemorating the 1798 battle when the Baymen and enslaved Africans defeated the Spanish. There are ceremonies, flag-raising, and a uniform parade. It’s a morning parade and usually the line-up is 9-10am and then the parade moves thru town. The day is always RED HOT. And school, businesses, offices, many restaurants are closed for the holiday.

Saturday, September 13 – A bunch of events

Roadside clean-up to show your love of Belize organized by the Ambergris North Alliance – see you there! We are meeting at Grand Caribe and heading north and south with students, community members and all the volunteers we can get!

Craft and Food Fair at Caribbean Villas Hotel

Football at Ambergris Stadium south of town

Saturday, September 20 – Independence Eve

Across the country, towns hold late-night events to ring in Independence Day. In San Pedro, the Town Council usually hosts a midnight flag raising, fireworks, and music at Central Park.

Sunday, September 21 – Independence Day

Belize turns 44 years old in 2025. The highlight in San Pedro is the Jump Up Parade, an explosion of color, floats, dancers, music, and lots of red, white, and blue. This is my favorite parade of the year. It’s usually in the afternoon but I will wait for the annoucements.

What is ALWAYS true is that it starts 1…2…or more hours after the announced time!

That’s it…for now. September: From the flag-raising ceremonies and pageants to the Jump Up Parade, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the energy.

If you’re planning a visit, pack your bug spray and your RED WHITE AND BLUE, and get ready to celebrate alongside us.

And as always – if you know of an event I should add to this list, please send me a message so I can share it here!