January 2026 in San Pedro, Belize: Weather, Events, Seafood, and What to Expect

January 2026: Let’s Get into the Details

This post hopefully tackles the big picture questions folks have about traveling to Belize in January. Like: My weather app says clouds every day but what is the weather REALLY like in Belize in January? How busy is it? What’s happening around town? And yes — what about sargassum…

If you’re a business and would like to be included on my special events list (or need to update information), please email me at sa***********@*****il.com. Thank you!

January in Belize: High Season, but a Good Kind of Busy

The tourism season comes in strong for Christmas week. Things slow down after New Years…so after that, parking will a bit easier in town…reservations for dinner, while always welcome and encouraged, are a NECESSITY at some of the most popular restaurants. The holiday frenzy is over.

The island is lively, restaurants and tours are fully running, there’s lots of live music and events at night but things feel calmer. It’s a good thing.

It’s one of my favorite months of the year here because of the weather!

January Weather: Sun, Lower Humidity, and Easy Days

Rainy season (August through November) generally tapers off by December. That said, January can still bring a grey day or a morning of showers, especially in the first week or two. Nothing crazy, and usually nothing that lasts long.

Otherwise, expect sunshine and very mild temperatures. No August – October, going thru 2 or 3 shirts a day because I’m SWEATING humidity. Daytime highs are typically in the upper 70s to low- to mid-80s, with cooler evenings that might call for a light long-sleeved shirt. If only it could be January all year round!

I always check Windfinder for a more reliable weather forecast – watch out for some of the big ones you are used to using at home. They are generally not reliable for the weather down here. AND…forecasts 5…8…10 days out are basically…useless.

If you are looking for a Packing List, I’ve got one here. Simple is best. Belize is a very casual place.

Sargassum in January: Historically One of the Better Months

Let’s talk sargassum, because it’s always part of the conversation now.

January is typically a lower sargassum month in Belize. Fall and early winter often bring a natural break from the seaweed that impacts much of the Caribbean.

After 2025 – which was, without question, the worst sargassum season Belize (and Mexico and the entire Caribbean) has ever experienced – the clearer water we’ve seen recently feels especially welcome. The seaweed stopped coming in about mid-October 2025. Nothing for November. A tiny smattering at the end of December (just a few clumps!) And so far…a few days into January…we are doing pretty good.

Based on my experience over the last 10 years, sargassum can start coming in late in February…March or April…it depends on so many unpredictable things!

There are never guarantees, but if sargassum is high on your list of concerns, January is historically one of the safer bets for beach time, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the view.

Public Holidays in January

There are two public holidays this month:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• January 15 (Thursday) – George Price Day, honoring Belize’s first Prime Minister

Some smaller businesses (restaurants mainly) may close or shorten hours, but most restaurants, bars, tour operators, and shops remain open. You’ll have no trouble eating out or booking activities. Especially since US Presidents Day is coming up the following weekend – a very popular time for folks from the US to seek some sun!

Banks, government offices, and schools will be closed on public holidays.

January Events & Live Music

January has long been a popular month for visiting musicians on Ambergris Caye.

For many years, the biggest draw was folk singer Jerry Jeff Walker, who hosted “Camp Belize” here every January or February. He passed away in 2020, but the tradition continues through his son and other artists.

Camp Belize remains a big draw, and while official dates often sell out early (this year is Waiting List only), there are usually plenty of informal “pickin’ parties” and live music nights around town. Schedules tend to firm up closer to the dates, so keep an eye out once you’re on island.

Other visiting musicians — especially from Texas — often time Belize trips for January and February, so live music pops up regularly.

Kelly McGuire, an artist from Texas, also visits in January and February. He plays lots of shows – for fun, for charities like SAGA Humane Society. He’s a San Pedro favorite…I’ve seen him many times and always always good times.

His website says that he’ll be in Belize from January 23 to February 15 – keep an eye on his Facebook page for dates.

January Seafood: An Excellent Month to Eat Well

If you’re a seafood lover, January is a great month to be here.

January sits comfortably within lobster, conch, and stone crab seasons, which is about as good as it gets.

• Lobster season: July 1 to February 28
• Conch season: October 1 to June 1 (sometimes closing early if quotas are met)
• Stone crab season: October 1st to June 30th

This means menus are filled with grilled lobster, lobster tacos, conch ceviche, conch fritters, conch soup, and stone crab claws when available.

I LOVE conch. It’s sweet, tender, and deeply traditional in San Pedro. If you’ve never tried it, start with conch ceviche or fried conch (often called conch fingers). And yes – the Truck Stop’s garlicky conch pizza is delicious so delicious.

So there you go…some of the events and the important details – weather, packing, food. The long and short of it is…January on Ambergris Caye is a fantastic way to start a new year.

Some Additional Events to Look Out For

January 4th, Sunday, First Responders Charity Night at Playa La Sala (4 miles south), starting at 4pm

Live Music with Bamboo Chicken at Caribbean Villas

January 17, Saturday 11am to 2pm: The Farmers/Craft Market at Truck Stop, about 1 mile north of bridge

To see last months event…check out this post

January 29, Thursday Catamaran Concert, all afternoon with Dennis Wolfe II and El Wencho – here are ALL the details